Clematis armandi
What's the taxonomical classification of Clematis armandi?
Clematis armandi belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it follows the evolutionary lineage of the order Ranunculales. This plant is a distinguished member of the family Ranunculaceae, falling under the genus Clematis, and is specifically identified by its species name, armandi.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Clematis |
| Species | armandi |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Clematis armandii has woody, climbing stems with opposite, ovate-shaped leaves that typically measure up to 10 centimeters in length and possess entire margins. The foliage is characterized by a dark green color and a leathery texture that provides a dense backdrop for its blooms. During the flowering season, the plant produces large, four-petaled white flowers that can reach up to 5 centimeters in diameter. These blossoms emerge from terminal clusters and are accompanied by prominent, yellowish stamens that create a striking visual contrast. As the plant matures, it develops a vigorous growth habit capable of reaching significant heights through its twining stems.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the mountainous regions of western and central China, specifically within provinces such as Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi. It thrives primarily in temperate climates characterized by varying elevations in these highland areas. Within its natural habitat, the species is often found growing along forest edges, rocky slopes, or near mountain streams. While it remains localized to these specific Asian territories, it is occasionally cultivated in botanical gardens elsewhere for its ornamental value. The specific microclimates of the Chinese highlands are essential for its natural life cycle and reproductive success.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-drained, fertile soil and a location that provides full sun to partial shade with consistent moisture at the roots.
You should plant it so that the base remains cool and shaded while the vines climb toward the light. Regular watering is essential during the growing season to prevent the soil from drying out completely. Pruning should be performed in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth and abundant flowering.
Providing a sturdy trellis or support structure is necessary to manage its vigorous climbing habit.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant uses the entire herb, including the stem, leaves, and flowers, for various medicinal applications. The stem is often harvested and processed to extract bioactive compounds used in traditional remedies. These plant parts are frequently utilized to treat conditions such as inflammation, skin ailments, and respiratory issues. Practitioners often prepare decoctions or topical applications from the dried material to harness these therapeutic properties. Careful preparation is required to ensure the efficacy of the medicinal components found throughout the structure.
According to a study published by "Integrative cancer therapies", boehmenan is a natural product isolated from the dried stem of Clematis armandi. This compound significantly inhibited the growth of A431 cells with an IC50 of 1.6 µM. The study observed that boehmenan blocked cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase. It also modulated mitochondrial apoptosis-related proteins by upregulating p21, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase while downregulating Bcl-2 and pro-caspase-9. Additionally, the substance induced intracellular reactive oxygen species production and ΔΨm depolarization in a concentration-dependent manner.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Clematis armandii, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments related to blood circulation and inflammation.
Practitioners historically employed the roots and leaves to address conditions such as menstrual irregularities and certain types of physical swelling. The plant's properties were often utilized to clear heat and resolve toxins within the body's internal systems. Historically, its medicinal application focused on its ability to promote blood flow and alleviate pain.
These traditional practices reflect a long history of integrating the species into regional herbal formulations.
What are the pharmacological activities of Clematis armandi?
This plant has potent anti-cancer, anti-tumor, antiproliferative, and cytotoxic pharmacological activities that target various malignant cell lines. Research indicates that its bioactive compounds can effectively inhibit the growth and spread of cancerous cells within an organism. These substances demonstrate a strong antiproliferative effect by disrupting the normal cell division cycle. Furthermore, the plant exhibits significant cytotoxic properties that allow it to induce programmed cell death in targeted tumor cells. Such multi-faceted biological actions highlight its potential role in future oncology-based therapeutic developments.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", the lignan boehmeanan from the dried stems of Clematis armandii exhibits potent cytotoxic effects against many cancer cell lines. In A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells, boehmeanan concentration-dependently suppresses proliferation and induces G1 phase arrest. This treatment leads to a reduction in migration and colony formation alongside an increase in apoptosis. Furthermore, boehmeanan concentration-dependently induces mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and modulates apoptosis-related proteins including p53, p21, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved PARP. The substance also concentration-dependently inhibits EGF-induced activation of EGFR and downstream signaling molecules such as MEK, Akt, ERK1/2, and STAT3.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-cancer
- anti-tumor
- antiproliferative
- cytotoxic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compound Boehmenaan along with various other bioactive alkaloids. These chemical constituents are studied for their potential pharmacological effects on the human body. Research into Clematis armandi often focuses on how these specific molecules interact with biological pathways. Identifying these compounds helps scientists understand the traditional uses of the plant in herbal medicine. The presence of such complex substances makes the species a subject of interest in phytochemical analysis.
According to a study published by "Integrative cancer therapies", boehmenan is a natural lignan isolated from the dried stem of the Chinese medicinal plant Clematis armandii. This medicinal compound was found to significantly inhibit the growth of human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells with an IC50 of 1.6 µM. The study showed that boehmenan inhibits cell growth in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. It also blocks cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase and modulates several protein levels. Furthermore, the compound induces intracellular reactive oxygen species production and ΔΨm depolarization in a concentration-dependent manner.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Boehmenan
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for the treatment of epidermoid carcinoma. This specific skin cancer condition involves the abnormal growth of cells within the epidermis. Medical practitioners or researchers may study this plant to investigate its potential therapeutic properties against such growths. Because the available data is limited, no other specific medical conditions can be identified for this species. Further study is required to determine if it can address a broader range of ailments.
As discussed in a study, the natural product boehmenan isolated from the dried stem of Clematis armandii is used to inhibit the growth of human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells. This inhibition occurs in a concentration- and time-dependent manner with a 50% inhibiting concentration (IC50) of 1.6 µM. The compound blocks cell cycle progression at the G2/M phase and modulates proteins related to mitochondrial apoptosis. It also induces intracellular reactive oxygen species production and ΔΨm depolarization in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, boehmenan attenuates the phosphorylation of STAT3 and the p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6)/S6.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- No relevant conditions found in the provided list.
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is prepared as a medicinal decoction or infused tea to treat various respiratory and inflammatory conditions.
Practitioners often use the dried stems and leaves to create concentrated extracts for their purported antimicrobial properties. These herbal preparations are sometimes formulated into topical poultices to soothe localized skin irritations. Some traditional systems also utilize specific tinctures derived from the plant to address systemic issues like fever.
Careful dosage is essential because the chemical constituents can be quite potent.
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, skin irritation, and dizziness when ingested or touched. Consuming parts of the plant often leads to severe gastrointestinal distress such as stomach cramps and sickness. Direct contact with the foliage or stems may trigger uncomfortable skin irritation or rashes on the body. Some individuals also experience neurological symptoms like dizziness following exposure. These various adverse reactions highlight the toxic nature of the species to humans.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Skin irritation
- Dizziness
What herbs are paired with Clematis armandi?
This plant Clematis armandii pairs most effectively with aromatic herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and salvia to create a multi-dimensional sensory experience in a garden.
The delicate, fragrant white flowers of the clematis benefit from the structural contrast provided by the woody stems of rosemary. Pairing it with lavender adds a soft color palette and a soothing scent profile that complements the climber's climbing habit. Using sage alongside this vine offers a silvery foliage texture that highlights the deep green leaves of the Clematis.
These combinations ensure that both the visual and olfactory elements of the landscape are well-balanced.