Crinum zeylanicum

Crinum zeylanicum · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Crinum zeylanicum is a significant botanical species recognized for its diverse array of bioactive chemical constituents. Scientific investigations have identified key compounds within the plant, including saponins, steroids, and terpenoids. To harness these medicinal properties, researchers frequently utilize various solvent-based preparations. Common methods of extraction include the development of aqueous, ethanolic, and methanol extracts. Through these diverse processing techniques, the plant's therapeutic potential is systematically explored for pharmacological applications.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Amaryllis Zeylanica · Crinum Ornatum Var. Zeylanicum · 1 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Distribution
Asia-Tropical
Plant Parts
Not available

Classification

Common Names

Crinum zeylanicum is a versatile plant known by several distinct names across various cultures and languages. In English-speaking regions, it is frequently referred to as the Ceylon swamplily or the milk-and-wine-lily. Its identity is also recognized in Russian-speaking areas through the names Кринум цейлонский and Кринум шершавый. Furthermore, the plant holds a specific local identity in Sri Lanka, where it is called ගොඩ මානෙල්. These diverse common names highlight the widespread botanical presence and cultural significance of this species.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Crinum zeylanicum is a botanical subject that frequently appears under several different scientific names in various texts. One common synonym used to identify this plant is Amaryllis zeylanica. It is also documented in botanical literature as Crinum latifolium var. zeylanicum. Furthermore, the species can be found categorized as Crinum ornatum var. zeylanicum depending on the classification system applied. Understanding these various nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Crinum zeylanicum is a distinct member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological group, it belongs to the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the order Asparagales, showcasing its unique evolutionary lineage. The plant is a proud representative of the genus Crinum. Finally, it finds its specific place within the family Amaryllidaceae.

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 zeylanicum is a resilient species with a broad geographical presence spanning across two major continents. In Africa, it thrives within the West-Central Tropical regions and around the Gulf of Guinea Islands. Its reach extends further into the Western Indian Ocean, where it can be found inhabiting Mauritius and the Seychelles. The plant also maintains a significant foothold in Tropical Asia, specifically within the Indian Subcontinent. This extensive distribution includes vital populations throughout both India and Sri Lanka.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Crinum zeylanicum is a herbaceous plant that grows in a distinct upright form. This species is entirely self-supporting, allowing it to maintain its structure without the need for external aid.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Compounds

Crinum zeylanicum is a significant plant identified in studies regarding the medicinal pharmacopoeia of Zaire. Phytochemical screening has revealed that this species contains key bioactive compounds, specifically saponins, steroids, and terpenoids. These chemical constituents are believed to be responsible for the plant's potent biological activities. Specifically, the extracts from this plant exhibit a high mortality rate against molluscan intermediate hosts like Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Lymnaea natalensis. Such findings highlight the important role these specific phytochemicals play in the plant's molluscicidal potency.

Conditions

Crinum zeylanicum demonstrates significant biological activity against various biological targets, including molluscan intermediate hosts and cancer cell lines. The plant's aqueous and ethanolic extracts exhibit a 100% mortality rate against the snails Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Lymnaea natalensis. In terms of oncology, Crinum zeylanicum effectively inhibits the growth proliferation of leukemia CCRF-CEM cells. Furthermore, the plant shows potent cytotoxic effects against both HCT116 p53⁺/⁺ and HCT116p53⁻/⁻ colon cancer cells, achieving IC50 values below 10 μg/mL. These diverse properties highlight the plant's potential as both a molluscicide and a cytotoxic agent in cancer research.

Preparations

Crinum zeylanicum is prepared as aqueous and ethanolic extracts to test for molluscicidal potency against intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis and fascioliasis. These specific preparations from the plant have demonstrated a 100% mortality rate against both Biomphalaria pfeifferi and Lymnaea natalensis. Additionally, Crinum zeylanicum is prepared as methanol extracts to evaluate its cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines. In these methanol preparations, the plant showed the ability to inhibit the growth proliferation of CCRF-CEM leukemia cells. Research further indicates that these methanol extracts yield significant IC50 values against HCT116 colon cancer cells.

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