Carpesium macrocephalum
Carpesium macrocephalum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Carpesium macrocephalum is a notable botanical species recognized for its significant therapeutic potential in traditional medicine. The plant's roots contain bioactive sesquiterpenes and specific guaianolides, such as 4Beta,10Beta-Dihydroxy-5Alpha(H)-1,11(13)-Guaidien-8Alpha,12-Olide, which contribute to its medicinal profile. These chemical compounds provide potent antifungal activities that are effective against conditions like Candidiasis. Furthermore, preparations made from the whole plant or its essential oils demonstrate strong inhibitory effects against Gram-Negative bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus. Consequently, this species serves as a vital subject for studying natural antimicrobial agents.
- Synonyms
- Carpesium Eximium
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root
Classification
Common Names
Carpesium macrocephalum is a distinctive plant recognized by various regional names across different cultures. In Russian-speaking areas, it is frequently referred to by its common name Карпезиум крупноголовый. Moving to Japan, the species is widely known as オオガンクビソウ. It also carries the name 여우오줌 within the Korean language. These diverse linguistic labels highlight the global presence and varied botanical identity of this unique species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Carpesium macrocephalum is a botanical species that is frequently discussed within scientific literature. It is important to note that this plant is also recognized by the synonym Carpesium eximium. This dual nomenclature can sometimes cause confusion for researchers navigating taxonomic databases. However, understanding that these two names refer to the same organism ensures greater accuracy in botanical studies. Recognizing these synonymous relationships is essential for maintaining clear communication within the field of plant biology.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Carpesium macrocephalum is a distinctive botanical species belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, marking its unique evolutionary lineage. It further falls into the order Asterales, a group known for its diverse floral structures. As a member of the genus Carpesium, it occupies a specific niche within its broader biological category. Ultimately, this plant is a recognized representative of the Asteraceae family, showcasing the intricate complexity of plant taxonomy.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Carpesium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Carpesium macrocephalum is widely distributed across various temperate regions of Asia. In China, this plant can be found spanning from the north-central provinces to the south-central and southeastern territories. Its presence also extends into the Manchuria region, showcasing a broad ecological range within the continent. Furthermore, the species has established a significant footprint in Eastern Asia, specifically within Japan. This wide geographic spread highlights the plant's ability to thrive in diverse temperate environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Carpesium macrocephalum is characterized by its distinct herb growth form. As a self-supporting plant, it maintains its structure without the need for external assistance. The species typically reaches a minimum height of 0.3 m as it matures. Under optimal conditions, it can achieve a maximum height of approximately 1.2 m.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Carpesium macrocephalum exhibits significant antifungal potential due to the presence of specific sesquiterpenes within the plant. Recent studies have isolated various compounds, including a new xanthanolide, which were evaluated for their ability to combat Candida albicans. While most isolates showed limited direct growth inhibition, several compounds demonstrated a strong ability to disrupt biofilm formation. Additionally, certain sesquiterpenes were found to inhibit the critical yeast-to-hyphae morphogenetic transition. These findings suggest that the plant may hold therapeutic value as a source of virulence inhibitors for treating candidiasis.
Compounds
Carpesium macrocephalum is a medicinal plant species that possesses a complex chemical profile within its essential oils. Detailed analyses reveal that the plant contains various significant compounds, including the sesquiterpenes and the guaianolide. Specifically, the essential oils derived from the shoots are characterized by the presence of linalool and neryl isobutyrate. In contrast, the oils extracted from the roots are found to contain high concentrations of alantolactone. These diverse chemical constituents contribute to the plant's unique biological activities and potential therapeutic uses.
Conditions
Carpesium macrocephalum contains sesquiterpenes that effectively inhibit the biofilm formation of Candida albicans. These compounds also demonstrate therapeutic potential for treating candidiasis by acting as virulence inhibitors. Regarding antibacterial properties, the plant's essential oils show weak activity against Staphylococcus aureus, though they remain inactive against Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, the essential oil derived from the roots of the plant exhibits strong, non-selective cytotoxic activity. Together, these chemical profiles highlight the diverse biological interactions of the species.
Preparations
Carpesium macrocephalum is prepared as essential oils through the distillation of its roots and aerial parts. These oils exhibit varying chemical compositions and cytotoxic activities depending on which part of the plant is used. Additionally, the whole plant is utilized to isolate specific sesquiterpenes, such as xanthanolides, for pharmacological study. These compounds extracted from the entire plant demonstrate potential for inhibiting biofilm formation in Candida albicans. Through these different preparation methods, the plant provides various chemical constituents for medicinal research.
Parts used
Carpesium macrocephalum is a medicinal plant species native to regions including China, Korea, Japan, and Russia. Recent research has focused on analyzing the distinct chemical compositions found within its various biological structures. Specifically, the essential oils extracted from the roots of the plant exhibit a unique profile dominated by compounds like alantolactone. These root-derived oils demonstrate strong, albeit non-selective, cytotoxic activity when tested in laboratory settings. By comparing these findings to the plant's aerial parts, scientists can better understand the diverse therapeutic potential held within the roots.