Crinum latifolium

Crinum latifolium · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Crinum latifolium is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties. Research has specifically highlighted the significant antioxidant activity present within its leaf components. To study these effects, various preparations are utilized, such as the 95% EtOH extract of the bulbs and hot aqueous extracts. These chemical profiles suggest that the plant holds substantial potential for pharmacological applications. Understanding these specific activities and preparations is essential for exploring its therapeutic value in modern medicine.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Amaryllis Insignis · Amaryllis Moluccana · 12 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Distribution
Not available
Plant Parts
Leaf

Classification

Common Names

Crinum latifolium is a versatile plant recognized by various names across different cultures and languages. In English, it is widely known by the common name Pink Striped Trumpet Lily. Its identity shifts across borders, referred to as Кринум широколистный in Russian and गुलाबी कर्णफूल in Hindi. In Bengali, the plant is called স দর্শন, while it is known as インドハマユウ in Japan. These diverse common names highlight the global presence and botanical significance of this striking species.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Crinum latifolium is a botanical species known to be associated with several different taxonomic names. In various scientific records, it is recognized by the synonyms Amaryllis insignis and Amaryllis moluccana. The plant is also frequently linked to the nomenclature of Crinum careyanum and Crinum cochinchinense. Furthermore, taxonomic literature identifies it under the synonym Crinum esquirolii. Understanding these diverse names is essential for researchers tracking the plant's various historical classifications.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Crinum latifolium is a distinctive botanical specimen belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this expansive group, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further belongs to the order Asparagales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. The species is specifically situated within the genus Crinum, highlighting its unique structural characteristics. Finally, it is a prominent member of the family Amaryllidaceae, linking it to a diverse array of flowering plants.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Asparagales
Family Amaryllidaceae
Genus Crinum

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Crinum latifolium exhibits a remarkably wide geographical range that spans across multiple continents and climatic zones. Its presence is noted throughout Africa, extending into the Western Indian Ocean and the Chagos Archipelago. Within Asia, the species thrives in temperate regions, specifically across various parts of China including the South-Central and Southeast areas. The plant also flourishes in tropical environments, establishing itself throughout the Indian Subcontinent in regions such as Assam and Bangladesh. This diverse distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to both tropical and temperate ecosystems.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Crinum latifolium is a self-supporting herb characterized by its distinct growth form. This sturdy plant maintains its upright posture without the need for external structural support.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Crinum latifolium has demonstrated a diverse range of biological properties through the isolation of several bioactive Amaryllidaceae alkaloids. Research indicates that these compounds possess significant cytotoxic activity, specifically showing potency against multiple lung cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the plant exhibits notable antimicrobial effects against various bacterial strains. The extracts also display strong antioxidant capabilities, as evidenced by their scavenging potential in DPPH and ABTS tests. These multifaceted activities highlight the therapeutic potential of the alkaloids found within the bulbs of this species.

Compounds

Conditions

Crinum latifolium exhibits significant medicinal potential through its bioactive alkaloids, which demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes. The plant also shows remarkable antimicrobial activity against various bacteria and possesses strong antioxidant scavenging potential. Furthermore, its isolated alkaloids display effective cytotoxic activity against multiple lung cancer cell lines. Beyond its medicinal properties, Crinum latifolium is suitable for pollen cryopreservation, as studies show it can maintain high pollen viability and functional competence after long-term storage at extremely low temperatures.

Preparations

Crinum latifolium is prepared as a 95% EtOH extract of the bulbs to isolate bioactive Amaryllidaceae alkaloids. These specific alkaloids, including novel cripowellin derivatives, were identified through this ethanolic extraction process. Additionally, Crinum latifolium is prepared as a hot aqueous extract in Vietnamese and Chinese traditional medicine. This hot aqueous preparation is utilized specifically for its documented antitumor properties. Both preparation methods serve to highlight the diverse medicinal applications of the plant.

Parts used

Crinum latifolium is a plant widely utilized in Southeast Asian traditional medicine to alleviate symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Research focuses heavily on the ethanolic extract derived from the Crinum latifolium leaf to standardize its therapeutic properties. Within these leaves, specific bioactive markers such as the alkaloids lycorine and 6α-hydroxybuphanidrine have been identified. Studies indicate that these leaf-derived components demonstrate significant antiproliferative activity against prostate stromal cells. Ultimately, utilizing the leaf extract provides a scientific basis for its traditional application in treating prostate-related conditions.