Callicarpa nudiflora
What's the taxonomical classification of Callicarpa nudiflora?
Callicarpa nudiflora belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further categorized under the order Lamiales. This plant is a member of the family Lamiaceae, falling into the genus Callicarpa, and is specifically identified by the species name nudiflora.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Callicarpa |
| Species | nudiflora |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Callicarpa nudiflora has opposite, decussate leaves that are broadly ovate to elliptical, featuring serrated margins and an obtuse or acute apex. The leaf surfaces are typically glabrous and can range in color from a bright green to a slightly darker hue depending on light exposure. Its stems are woody and often exhibit a square cross-section during early growth stages. The plant produces small, axillary clusters of flowers that eventually give rise to distinctive, globose drupes. These fruits transition from green to a vibrant purple or reddish color as they reach maturity.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically occurring in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. It thrives within moist, lowland environments where dense vegetation provides necessary shade. Many populations are found along the edges of rainforests and in disturbed forest habitats. The species occupies specific ecological niches that favor high humidity and consistent warmth. Its range is limited to these particular climatic zones within the Indo-Malayan realm.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-drained, loamy soil and a location with full sun to partial shade to thrive in tropical or subtropical environments.
You should provide consistent moisture during the establishment phase, though the mature specimen can tolerate moderate periods of dryness. Regular organic mulching helps maintain soil temperature and moisture levels around the root zone. Pruning the branches during the dormant season encourages denser growth and more prolific flowering.
Monitoring for common pests like aphids will ensure the long-term health of your specimen.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant utilizes both the leaves and the stems of Callicarpa nudiflora for various medicinal applications. The leaves are frequently harvested to create decoctions used to treat inflammatory conditions and skin ailments. Additionally, the stems contain bioactive compounds that are processed into traditional remedies for digestive issues. These specific botanical components provide the essential chemical properties required for therapeutic use. Practitioners rely on these distinct parts to ensure the efficacy of their herbal treatments.
According to a study published by "Chemistry & biodiversity", the stems and leaves of Callicarpa nudiflora were used to isolate three new seco-labdane diterpenoids named nudifloids W-Y (1-3). These were found alongside 12 known diterpenoids (4-15) and 1 sesquiterpenoid (16). All 16 compounds were screened for anti-inflammatory activity through the detection of lactate dehydrogenase release in J771A.1 cells. Compound 3 demonstrated moderate activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration value of 2.10 ± 0.21 µM. This specific compound inhibited lipopolysaccharide and nigericin-induced pyroptosis in J774A.1 cells in a dose-dependent manner.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaf
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Callicarpa nudiflora has been utilized historically in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various ailments through the application of its leaves and stems. Practitioners often prepared decoctions from the foliage to address inflammatory conditions and skin irritations. In certain regional folk practices, the plant served as a natural remedy for calming the nervous system and reducing fever. Its chemical constituents were valued for their potential antimicrobial properties during traditional healing rituals. These historical applications demonstrate the long-standing integration of the species into local medicinal knowledge.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Callicarpa nudiflora Hook. et Arn is an herbal Chinese medicine named Luohuazizhu. This plant is used in the preparation of Luohuazizhu suppository, a Traditional Chinese Medicine used in clinic to treat cervicitis. The study analyzed an ethanol extract (CNE) and three different fractions including petroleum ether (CNE-p), dichloromethane (CNE-d), and n-butanol (CNE-b). Among these, 6 diterpenoids were obtained from the CNF-p fraction to test their ability to regulate inflammatory factor levels. Specifically, compounds 1 (callicarpic acid A) and 2 (syn-3,4-seco-12S-hydroxy-15,16-epoxy-4(18),8(17),3(16),14(15)-labdatetraen-3-oiic acid) were identified as the most effective agents. These findings provide scientific support for the clinical usage of Luohuazizhu suppository in treating cervicitis.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Callicarpa nudiflora?
This plant has demonstrated significant pharmacological potential through its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-infective activities. Research indicates that its bioactive compounds can effectively combat various bacterial pathogens and infectious agents. Additionally, the plant exhibits acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity, which suggests a possible role in managing neurodegenerative conditions. Recent studies have also highlighted its promising Zika virus inhibitory potential. These diverse therapeutic properties underscore the medicinal importance of Callicarpa nudiflora in modern pharmacology.
According to a study published by "Scientific data", Callicarpa nudiflora is recorded in the Chinese pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) and possesses high medicinal and economic value. This plant is widely used to treat tropical bacterial infections, acute infectious hepatitis, and internal and external bleeding. The assembled genome of the species has a size of approximately 597.82 Mb with a contig N50 length of 34.14 Mb. Within this genome, 98.61% of the assembled sequences were anchored to 17 pseudo-chromosomes. Researchers predicted 31,266 protein-coding genes, noting that 92.45% could be annotated in databases such as NR, GO, KOG, and KEGG. Furthermore, the genome contains 2,303 rRNAs, 884 MicroRNAs, and 531 tRNAs.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-infective
- anti-inflammatory activity
- antibacterial
- hemostatic
- Zika virus inhibitory potential
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive medicinal compounds including callicarpaolide, callicarpic acid, callnudoid D, calnudiflopene A, and nudiflloid A. These specialized secondary metabolites are primarily extracted from the plant's chemical profile to study their unique pharmacological properties. Researchers investigate these specific substances to understand how they might interact with biological systems. Each individual compound serves as a distinct chemical marker for the species. The presence of such a diverse range of molecules highlights the complex chemical composition of Callicarpa nudiflora.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", eight diterpenoids were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of Callicarpa nudiflora leaves. These identified compounds include calnudiflopene A(1), (5S,9S,10S,12S,13R)-3,4-seco-12,13-dihydroxy-4(18),8(17),14(15)-labdatrien-3-oic acid(2), 3,4-seco-12R,13S-dihydroxy-4(18),8(17),14(15)-labdatrien-3-oic acid(3), nudiflopene B_1(4), nudifloid F(5), (5S,9S,10S)-3,4-seco-16-carbonyl-15,16-epoxy-4(18),8(17),11(E),13(14)-labdatetraen-3-oic acid(nudiflopene G_1)(6), callicarpaolide(7), and 7α-hydroxysandaracopimaric acid(8). Compound 1 is a new 3,4-seco-labdane diterpenoid where a linear monoterpenoid is ester-linked to compound 2. In evaluations using RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS), compounds 1 and 5 showed anti-inflammatory activity. Specifically, compound 1 had an IC50 value of (22.8±0.52) μmol·L-1, while compound 5 had an IC50 value of (31.2±0.85) μmol·L-1.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- callicarpaolide
- callicarpic acid
- callnudoid D
- callnudoid E
- callnudoid H
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating inflammation, liver injury, kidney injury, tropical bacterial infections, and the Zika virus. Its medicinal properties are frequently utilized in traditional practices to mitigate internal swelling and systemic irritation. Researchers have specifically investigated its potential to protect vital organs during cases of hepatic and renal damage. Additionally, the botanical extracts show promise in combating various pathogens common in tropical regions. Studies also suggest the plant may provide defensive benefits against the Zika virus.
According to a study published by "Phytochemical analysis : PCA", Callicarpa nudiflora is traditionally utilized for its anti-inflammaторy and hemosatatic properties. This species is prominently featured in the 2020 Edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Due to its extensive applications, there has been a significant depletion of the wild resources of Callicarpa nudiflora. The study analyzed various data, including the identification of 54 compounds through Data Dependent Analysis and 74 compounds through Full MS mode. Within the Full MS mode, 20 compounds were previously unreported in Callicarpa. Using metabolomics, 19 differential compounds were identified or inferred to further understand the species.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- inflammation
- liver injury
- kidney injury
- tropical bacterial infections
- acute infectious hepatitis
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations including Luohuazizhu suppositories, ethanol extracts, and essential oils. The Luohuazizhu suppositories are specifically formulated for targeted topical or rectal application to treat various ailments. Ethanol extracts serve as a concentrated liquid form of the plant's bioactive compounds for medicinal use. Additionally, essential oils are distilled from the plant to harness its aromatic and therapeutic properties. These diverse preparations allow for different methods of administration depending on the intended healing effect.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Luohuazizhu suppository is a Traditional Chinese Medicine used to treat cervicitis and is prepared from Callicarpa nudiflora Hook. et Arn. The study tested the ethanol extract in Callicarpa nudiflora (CNE) and its fractions extracted by petroleum ether (CNE-p), dichloromethane (CNE-d), and n-butanol (CNE-b). Among these, CNP-p, CNP-d, and CNP-b exhibited anti-cervicitis effects, with CNP-p showing the highest efficacy. Six diterpenoids obtained from the CNP-p fraction demonstrated the ability to regulate inflammatory factor levels in vitro. Specifically, compounds 1 (callicarpic acid A) and 2 (syn-3,4-seco-12S-hydroxy-15,16-epoxy-4(18),8(17),3(16),14(15)-labdatetraen-3-oiic acid) were the most effective agents and inhibited the expression level of NLRP3 in vitro.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Luohuazizhu suppository
- ethanol extract
- Essential oils
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause significant health complications such as internal hemorrhage and systemic inflammation in humans. Consuming or coming into contact with certain compounds in the species may trigger an adverse immune response. This inflammatory reaction can lead to swelling or localized redness at the site of exposure. Furthermore, the disruption of blood clotting mechanisms can result in dangerous bleeding episodes. These physiological risks necessitate extreme caution when handling or using any part of the plant.
According to a study published by "Phytochemical analysis : PCA", Callicarpa nudiflora (CN) has been traditionally utilized for its anti-inflamatory and hemosatatic properties. This species is prominently featured in the 2020 Edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and has been formulated into several medicinal preparations. Due to extensive applications, there has been a significant depletion of CN's wild resources. The study utilized three mass spectrometry modes, including Data Dependent Analysis (DDA), which identified or inferred information on 54 compounds. Additionally, the Full MS mode identified or inferred 74 compounds, including 20 that were previously unreported in Callicarpa. Through metabolomics, 19 differential compounds were identified or inferred to assist in the management of these resources.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- hemorrhage
- inflammation
What herbs are paired with Callicarpa nudiflora?
This plant Callicarpa nudiflora pairs most effectively with aromatic herbs such as peppermint, lemon balm, and rosemary to enhance its subtle botanical profile.
These combinations are often utilized in herbal infusions to balance the plant's natural astringency with brighter, more uplifting notes. Using peppermint can introduce a refreshing coolness that complements the underlying earthy undertones of the leaves. Lemon balm serves to add a citrusy brightness that softens the overall flavor profile during steeping. Rosemary provides a savory depth that can ground the more delicate scents of the infusion.
Together, these pairings create a multifaceted sensory experience for tea enthusiasts and herbalists alike.