Crataegus pinnatifida
Crataegus pinnatifida · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Crataegus pinnatifida, commonly known as the hawthorn fruit, is a plant rich in bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, kaempferol, and naringenin chalcone. When prepared as an aqueous extract or consumed as a medicinal food, its fruit offers significant antioxidant, antitumor, and cardioprotective activities. Research indicates that these preparations play a vital role in managing metabolic conditions like obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, the plant exhibits potent hypolipidemic effects, making it a valuable resource for treating hyperlipidemia. Through these diverse chemical profiles, Crataegus pinnatifida serves as a powerful natural agent in modern therapeutic studies.
- Synonyms
- Mespilus Pinnatifida · Mespilus Pentagyna Var. Pinnatifida · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Crataegus pinnatifida is a versatile plant known by several different names across various cultures and languages. It is most frequently referred to in English as the Chinese haw, Chinese hawthorn, or Mountain Hawthorn. In different linguistic contexts, the species also carries distinct regional designations. For instance, it is known as hloh perovitodelený in certain areas. Finally, it is also identified by the name hloh peřenoklaný.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Crataegus pinnatifida is a botanical subject characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms. This species is frequently identified in various scientific literatures as Crataegus oxyacantha var. pinnatifida. Furthermore, its classification has historically overlapped with the genus Mespilus, specifically under the name Mespilus pentagyna var. pinnatifida. Researchers also recognize Mespilus pinnatifida as another valid synonym within its botanical history. Understanding these shifting designations is essential for accurate identification and study within the plant kingdom.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Crataegus pinnatifida is a fascinating species that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological group, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its taxonomic journey continues through the order Rosales, which connects it to many other flowering plants. This plant is further defined by its membership in the family Rosaceae, a group known for its diverse and beautiful flora. Ultimately, it is placed within the specific genus Crataegus, marking its unique place in the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Crataegus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Crataegus pinnatifida is widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of Asia, with a particularly strong presence across various parts of China. Its range extends through the North-Central and Southeast provinces, stretching as far north as Inner Mongolia. Additionally, the species is found throughout the Manchuria region, highlighting its adaptability to diverse climates. Beyond the Chinese mainland, its natural habitat includes the eastern landscapes of Korea. This broad geographical footprint underscores the plant's significant ecological importance within the Eastern Asian temperate zone.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Crataegus pinnatifida is a self-supporting plant that establishes a distinct tree growth form. This species typically reaches a maximum height of 6 meters as it matures. Its sturdy structure allows it to stand independently within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Crataegus pinnatifida, commonly known as hawthorn, is a medicinal plant renowned for its diverse range of therapeutic biological activities. Research indicates that its polysaccharides and phenolic compounds provide significant antioxidant properties, which help to quench free radicals and mitigate oxidative stress. The plant also demonstrates potent antitumor activity, making it a subject of great interest in pharmacological studies. Furthermore, it exhibits strong hypolipidemic effects, which are particularly effective at improving lipid profiles in hyperlipidemia models. These combined attributes, including its cardioprotective qualities, establish the plant as a valuable resource for treating cardiovascular diseases and other health disorders.
Compounds
Crataegus pinnatifida is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse bioactive profile, which includes a wealth of beneficial compounds. The fruit is characterized by its abundant flavonoids and specific components such as kaempferol, which show promise in targeting obesity-related signaling pathways. Research also highlights the presence of gallic acid and proanthocyanidin, both of which contribute to the plant's extensive medicinal applications. Furthermore, the extract contains polysaccharides that play a critical role in modulating gut microbiota to alleviate intestinal inflammation. Together, these complex chemical relationships underpin the plant's traditional use and its potential as a modern therapeutic agent.
Conditions
Crataegus pinnatifida serves as a potent medicinal resource that effectively treats hepatic steatosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The plant also demonstrates significant efficacy in treating hyperlipidemia by lowering serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Its bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides and flavonoids, provide essential lipid-lowering properties. Furthermore, Crataegus pinnatifida is capable of treating insulin resistance by modulating key signaling pathways like PI3K/Akt. Finally, the plant acts as a promising therapeutic agent to treat obesity through its influence on metabolic health and gut microbiota composition.
Preparations
Crataegus pinnatifida is prepared as polysaccharide to harness its diverse biological activities, such as antioxidant, antitumor, and immunomodulatory effects. This plant is also prepared as medicinal food, a role supported by its long history of use and potential in treating obesity and inflammatory conditions. Researchers have utilized aqueous extracts (AE) and aqueous extracts more broadly to study the plant's ability to scavenge free radicals and inhibit lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the plant's polysaccharides can be obtained through various techniques, including the enzymatic extraction method. These different preparation styles highlight the plant's versatility for applications in both the pharmaceutical and functional food industries.
Parts used
Crataegus pinnatifida is a significant medicinal plant known widely for the therapeutic potential of its fruit. Research indicates that ethanol extracts of the fruit can provide neuroprotective effects by ameliorating memory deficits and inhibiting amyloid-beta aggregation in Alzheimer's disease models. Furthermore, the fruit serves as a rich source of phenols, which contribute to potent antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities. Specific compounds isolated from the fruit, such as crataeguslignan A, have demonstrated a remarkable ability to inhibit protein aggregation. Ultimately, these diverse pharmacological properties suggest that the fruit of this species holds great promise for developing future therapies for neurological and metabolic disorders.