Cornus officinalis
Cornus officinalis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cornus officinalis is a versatile medicinal plant where the fruit, leaf, and root are utilized in various forms, including crude and processed preparations such as aqueous extracts. The plant is rich in bioactive chemical compounds, most notably loganin, morroniside, ursolic acid, and CA. These constituents contribute to a wide range of therapeutic activities, including antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, and antiosteoporotic properties. Research indicates its significant potential in addressing complex physiological conditions such as obesity, inflammation, and kidney issues. Furthermore, it has demonstrated efficacy in managing acute lung injury, highlighting its diverse pharmacological importance.
- Synonyms
- Macrocarpium Officinale · Cornus Officinalis Var. Koreana · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Cornaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Cornus officinalis is widely recognized by several different names across various languages and regions. In English-speaking areas, it is commonly referred to as the Asiatic dogwood or the Japanese cornel. When looking at German terminology, the plant is known as the Asiatische Kornelkirsche. Polish speakers utilize the terms Dereń japoński or Dereń lekarski to identify this specific species. These diverse nomenclature variations reflect the plant's broad global presence and cultural significance.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cornus officinalis is a botanical species that is frequently identified by several different scientific synonyms. In many taxonomic records, it is recognized under the name Cornus mascula var. japonica. The plant is also sometimes referred to as Cornus officinalis var. koreana, reflecting its regional variations. Furthermore, some historical or specialized texts may list it as Macrocarpium officinale. Understanding these various nomenclatures is essential for researchers navigating the complex botanical relationships of this species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cornus officinalis is a remarkable botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the plant is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further refines its position through its membership in the order Cornales. As a representative of the family Cornaceae, it exhibits unique characteristics shared by its close relatives. Finally, this species is nested within the genus Cornus, marking its distinct identity in the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Cornus officinalis is a plant widely distributed throughout the Asia-Temperate regions. Within China, its presence is notable across both the North-Central and Southeast territories. The species also maintains a significant range within Eastern Asia, specifically found in Japan. Furthermore, its natural habitat extends to the Korean peninsula. This widespread distribution highlights the plant's ecological importance across various Asian landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cornus officinalis grows in a distinct shrub form, adding structure to any landscape it inhabits. This resilient plant is entirely self-supporting, maintaining its upright posture without the need for external assistance.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Cornus officinalis is a traditional medicinal plant that possesses a diverse range of significant biological activities. Research indicates that its fruit extracts exhibit potent antidiabetic properties, particularly through the inhibition of $\alpha$-glucosidase. The plant is also recognized for its strong antioxidant and free-radical scavenging capabilities, which help mitigate oxidative stress. Furthermore, studies have highlighted its potential in anticancer drug development and its specific antiosteoporotic effects. These multifaceted therapeutic benefits are largely driven by its unique phytochemical profile, including various secoiridoids and iridoids.
Compounds
Cornus officinalis is a highly valued medicinal plant known for its diverse array of bioactive chemical constituents. Research indicates that the plant contains several key compounds, including the iridoid glycoside loganin and the bioactive morroniside. Additionally, the chemical profile of the plant features ursolic acid and cornuside, both of which contribute to its therapeutic potential. The plant is also recognized for its rich content of flavonoids, which support its various pharmacological activities. Together, these diverse components underscore the complex phytochemical nature of this traditional medicinal herb.
Conditions
Cornus officinalis demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by treating obesity through the inhibition of adipocyte differentiation and weight gain. The plant's bioactive components, such as loganin, effectively treat acute lung injury by regulating the PI3K/AKT/NLRP3 signaling pathway. For patients managing chronic kidney disease, Cornus officinalis serves as a vital medicinal resource that maintains high blood drug concentrations to aid treatment. It also treats immunosuppression induced by agents like cyclophosphamide by enhancing non-specific, humoral, and cellular immunity. Furthermore, the plant possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties that mitigate tissue damage and reduce the release of proinflammatory factors across various biological models.
Preparations
Cornus officinalis is prepared as an aqueous extract to study its effects on human sperm motility and its potential anti-proliferative efficacy in breast cancer cell models. Researchers have also utilized the crude form of the herb to investigate the immunologic benefits of its polysaccharides and chemical constituents. The plant is frequently prepared as a processed substance, such as through wine processing, to enhance its medicinal actions compared to the crude version. Furthermore, studies have employed various types of extract, including petroleum ether extraction and hot water extraction, to analyze its biological activity. Finally, a 50% ethanol extract of the plant has been used to isolate specific compounds that demonstrate inhibitory effects on melanogenesis.
Parts used
Cornus officinalis is a significant medicinal plant that possesses various functional components across its different anatomical structures. Research has utilized the fruit of the plant to identify bioactive compounds like oleanolic and ursolic acids, as well as substances that enhance sperm motility. Transcriptomic analyses have also focused on the leaf and fruit tissues to better understand the genetic mechanisms behind its metabolism. Furthermore, the root system of this species has been identified as a potential host for certain parasitic nematodes, such as Meloidogyne. By studying these various parts, scientists can more fully explore the complex biological and therapeutic properties of this important species.