Celastrus orbiculatus
Celastrus orbiculatus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Celastrus orbiculatus is a botanical species known for its diverse therapeutic potential, particularly through its roots, seeds, and stems. Research indicates that various preparations, such as ethyl acetate and acetoacetate extracts, possess significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive activities. The plant's pharmacological profile is driven by key bioactive chemicals, including celastrol, (-)-epiafzelechin, (-)-epicatechin, and celaphanol A. These compounds have demonstrated notable antitumor effects, specifically in addressing gastric cancers and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition in colon cancers. Consequently, this plant serves as a critical subject for studying natural chemical interventions against complex disease conditions.
- Synonyms
- Celastrus Crispulus · Celastrus Tatarinowii · 17 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Celastraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root · Seed
Classification
Common Names
Celastrus orbiculatus is a climbing vine known by several different names across various languages and regions. In English-speaking areas, it is most frequently referred to as either Asian bittersweet or Asiatic bittersweet. The plant also carries descriptive titles in other languages, such as the Dutch Aziatische boomwurger. In French, it is known as Bourreau des arbres asiatique, highlighting its aggressive nature. Some may even use the specific name Apskritalapis smaugikas to identify this species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Celastrus orbiculatus is a botanical species that has been identified by several different names throughout historical classification. It is recognized under the synonym Catha articulata, a name that has appeared in various taxonomic records. The plant is also frequently referred to as Celastrus articulatus in different scientific contexts. Further distinctions include several specific varieties, such as Celastrus articulatus var. humilis and Celastrus articulatus var. orbiculatus. Finally, the nomenclature encompasses the variety known as Celastrus articulatus var. papillosus, reflecting the complex naming history of this plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Celastrus orbiculatus is a unique species that belongs to the expansive kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological group, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Celastrales, which helps scientists understand its evolutionary lineage. It is a member of the Celastraceae family, a group defined by distinct botanical characteristics. Finally, this woody vine is placed within the genus Celastrus, solidifying its specific place in the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Celastrales |
| Family | Celastraceae |
| Genus | Celastrus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Celastrus orbiculatus is a plant species primarily distributed throughout the Asia-Temperate region. Within this vast range, it is widely established across various parts of China, including the North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast territories. Its presence extends into the northern reaches of the continent, specifically within Inner Mongolia. Additionally, the species can be found growing in the Manchuria region. This broad distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive across diverse Chinese landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Celastrus orbiculatus is a vigorous shrub that exhibits an obligatory climbing habit to reach the sunlight. As it ascends its supports, the plant can achieve a significant stature. It typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 12 meters in optimal conditions. However, it frequently stabilizes at a height of around 9.1 meters during its development.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Celastrus orbiculatus is a traditional medicinal plant recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties in treating various diseases. Research highlights its significant antitumor activity, particularly through the induction of apoptosis and the inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer cells. The plant also demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation and nitric oxide production. Furthermore, its antinociceptive and analgesic qualities have been confirmed through studies showing dose-dependent pain relief via opioid receptor activation. Finally, the presence of specific flavan-3-ol glycosides provides the plant with notable antioxidant capabilities.
Compounds
Celastrus orbiculatus is a medicinal plant that serves as a rich source of several bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic potential. Research has identified that the roots of the plant contain celastrol and celaphanol A, both of which contribute to its ability to inhibit NF-kappaB activation. Additionally, the aerial parts of the plant yield important flavan-3-ols, including epicatechin and epiafzelechin. These specific constituents are noted for their potent antioxidant properties and their capacity to act as anti-inflammatory agents. Together, these chemical relationships underscore the plant's complex role in traditional and modern pharmacological interventions.
Conditions
Celastrus orbiculatus provides anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antitumor effects, making it a valuable traditional medicinal plant. Its extracts have been shown to treat the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assay through significant antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the plant effectively treats the apoptosis of AGS and BGC-823 cells by inducing programmed cell death in these gastric cancer lines. These diverse pharmacological properties demonstrate the plant's potential for treating various inflammatory and oncological conditions. The specific mechanisms, such as mitochondrial alteration and signaling pathway inhibition, support its ability to treat these biological targets.
Preparations
Celastrus orbiculatus is prepared as various specialized substances, including ethyl acetate extract and acetoacetate extractive, to investigate its medicinal properties. Researchers utilize the ethyl acetate extract, often referred to as COE, to study its ability to suppress lung and gastric cancer cells. Additionally, the plant is prepared as a general extract to evaluate its anti-tumor and anti-oxidative capacities in vivo. The methanolic extract of Celastrus orbiculatus (MCO) is specifically employed to assess its potent antinociceptive and sedative activities. These diverse preparation methods allow for the detailed exploration of the plant's complex pharmacological effects across different disease models.
Parts used
Celastrus orbiculatus is a medicinal plant that contains a diverse array of bioactive secondary metabolites distributed throughout its various anatomical structures. Research into the roots of this species has successfully isolated sesquiterpene esters, such as celastrol, which demonstrate significant anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the seeds of the plant serve as a source for various dihydroagarofuranoid sesquiterpenes that exhibit cytotoxic activity against human leukemia cells. Investigations into the stems have also yielded important chemical constituents, including novel abietane and kaurane diterpenoids. By studying these different parts, scientists continue to uncover the complex chemical profile that contributes to the plant's potential therapeutic uses.