Cudrania tricuspidata
What's the taxonomical classification of Cudrania tricuspidata?
Cudrania tricuspidata belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Following the taxonomic hierarchy further, it falls under the order Rosales and the family Moraceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Cudrania, and its unique species designation, tricuspidata.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Cudrania |
| Species | tricuspidata |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Cudrania tricuspidata has woody climbing vines characterized by trifoliate leaves with three distinctively pointed leaflets and small, globose fruits. The foliage typically features serrated margins and a leathery texture that helps the plant thrive in forest edges. Its stems are often armed with small prickles that assist in its climbing habit through dense vegetation. The inflorescences consist of small, inconspicuous flowers that eventually develop into fleshy drupes. These fruits change color as they ripen, transitioning from green to a darker shade to attract seed dispersers.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to various regions across East and Southeast Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and parts of India. Its natural habitat typically encompasses temperate to subtropical forest margins and mountainous areas. Within these regions, it thrives in well-drained soils and sunny or partially shaded environments. The species exhibits a broad range across different latitudes within its primary continental belt. This wide distribution allows it to occupy diverse ecological niches throughout its native range.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant thrives in well-drained, fertile soils with full sun to partial shade and requires moderate watering to maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
It is a deciduous woody climber that benefits from being grown near structures or trellises for support. During the planting season, providing organic mulch helps regulate soil temperature and retain necessary hydration. Pruning is essential in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth and productive fruiting.
Once established, the species is relatively hardy and can tolerate various temperate climates.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Cudrania tricuspida is utilized medicinally through its fruit, leaves, radix, roots, and stems. The edible fruit is often harvested for its nutritional and therapeutic properties in traditional practices. Medicinal preparations frequently involve the leaves to treat various ailments. Both the radix and the root are employed in decoctions to address specific health concerns. Additionally, the stem can be used in herbal formulations to support healing processes.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", the fruits of Cudrania tricuspidata were used to isolate three new prenylated isoflavones, specifically 5,7-dihydroxy-6-(2''-hydroxy-3''-methylbut-3''-enyl)-4'-methoxylisoflavone (1), 5,4'-dihydroxy-6-(3''-methylbut-2''-enyl)-2'''-(4'''-hydroxy-4'''-methylethyl)-3'''-methoxydihydrofurano-[4''',5''';7,8]isoflavone (2), and 5,4'-dihydroxy-8-(3''-methylbut-2''-enyl)-2'''-(4'''-hydroxy-4'''-methylethyl)furano-[4''',5''';6,7]isoflavone (3). Additionally, a benzylated dihydroflavonol identified as 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-8-p-hydroxybenzyldihydroflavonol (4) and eight known flavonoids (5-12) were found in the fruits. Compounds 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 12 demonstrated medicinal properties by inhibiting LPS-induced nitric oxide production. These specific compounds exhibited IC50 values ranging from 11.8-41.8 microM.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- fruit
- leaf
- radix
- root
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Cudrania tricuspidata, has been utilized in Traditional Korean Medicine to treat various ailments through the application of its fruit and bark. Practitioners historically relied on its medicinal properties to address issues related to digestive health and inflammation. In many regional traditions, the berries are harvested to create decoctions meant to stabilize bodily functions. The bark is also frequently prepared in herbal formulas to assist with blood circulation and general vitality. These long-standing practices highlight the botanical's significant role in historical Southeast Asian and East Asian healing systems.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", Cudrania tricuspidata is identified as a Korean medicinal plant that has been used widely as folk medicine for several disorders. In a ranking of the most effective medicinal plants from families other than Rosaceae, Cudrania tricuspidata was found to follow Cedrela sinensis, Nelumbo nucifera, Eucommia ulmoides, and Zanthoxylum piperitum. The study utilized a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-generating system to evaluate its antioxidant properties. These results serve as a good index of the free radical-scavenging activities of such Korean medicinal plants. The findings suggest that plants like Cudrania tricuspidata may be promising agents for treating diseases associated with excess free radicals.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Korean Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Cudrania tricuspidata?
This plant has anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties that function through potent cytotoxic mechanisms to inhibit the growth of malignant cells. These bioactive compounds actively drive apoptotic cell death induction, forcing diseased cells to undergo programmed destruction. Such specific biological actions suggest that extracts from Cudrania tricuspidata could eventually play a significant role in modern cancer chemotherapy. Researchers are currently investigating how these natural metabolites can be refined for clinical use against various tumor types.
According to a study published by "Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association", scandenolone extracted from Cudrania tricuspidata fruit exhibits anti-cancer potential by suppressing the viability of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. In cell models, this isoflavone ceased the mitotic cell cycle, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, up-regulated cleaved caspase-3, and promoted p53 phosphorylation. The substance also promoted cell apoptosis and induced a sustained activation of the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK, though it did not affect JNK and Akt. These effects were verified in a human MCF-7 breast cancer xenograft model where scandenolone efficiently suppressed cancer growth and increased apoptotic cells in tumor tissue. However, the study noted that scandenolone showed certain toxicity to normal hepatocytes and breast epithelial cells.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-cancer
- anti-tumor
- cytotoxic
- apoptotic cell death induction
- anti-inflammatory
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the specific medicinal compounds Cudraflavanone A, Cudraflavanone C, Cudraflavone A, Cudraflavone B, and Cudratricusxanthone A. These bioactive substances are primarily isolated from the chemical profiles of the plant's various parts. Researchers study these particular flavonoids and xanthones to understand their potential pharmacological properties. The presence of these unique molecules distinguishes this species within its botanical family. Such detailed chemical analysis helps identify the therapeutic value of the plant for future medical applications.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", four new prenylated xanthones, cudratricusxanthones J-M (1-4), were isolated from the CH2Cl2-soluble extract of the root bark of Cudrania tricuspidata. These were found alongside four known prenylated xanthones, isocudraxanthone K (5), cudraxanthone C (6), cudratricusxanthone A (7), and cudraxanthone L (8), as well as three known prenylated flavonoids, cudraflavone A (9), cudraflavanone A (10), and cudraflavone B (11). Among these, cudratricusxanthone A (7), cudraflavanone A (10), and cudraflavone B (11) exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on mouse brain monoamine oxidase (MAO). The IC50 values for these compounds were 88.3, 89.7, and 80.0 microM, respectively.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Cudraflavanone D
- cudraflavanone A
- cudraflavanone C
- cudratricusxanthone A
- gericudranins A-C
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating inflammation, neuroinflammation, cancer, tumors, and various oncogenic diseases. Researchers have identified specific bioactive compounds within the plant that help modulate the body's immune responses to reduce swelling and nerve-related irritation. These phytochemicals also demonstrate significant potential in inhibiting the uncontrolled growth of malignant cells. By targeting the biological pathways of tumors, the plant serves as a subject of interest for managing complex oncogenic disease. Consequently, its medicinal properties are being studied extensively for their ability to combat cellular abnormalities.
According to a study published by "Planta medica", Cudrania tricuspidata leaf extracts have long been utilized as traditional oriental medicines across Asian countries like Korea, China, and Japan. These extracts are renowned for their therapeutic benefits in addressing inflammation, tumors, obesity, and diabetes. In vitro CYP inhibition assays showed that these extracts exhibited potent inhibition of CYP1A2 and CYP2C8. The major constituents identified in these extracts were quercetin, kaempferol, and their glycosides. Using prediction tools such as ADMETlab 2.0 and pkCSM, quercetin and kaempferol were identified as key contributors to the inhibition of CYP1A2 and CYP2C8.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- inflammation
- neuroinflammation
- cancer
- tumors
- oncogenic disease
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations including essence, ethanol extract, leaf extracts, and tea. These diverse formulations utilize different parts of the plant to isolate specific bioactive compounds for therapeutic use. The ethanol extract and leaf extracts are often concentrated to maximize the potency of the herbal constituents. For a more gentle application, tea is brewed from the dried components to provide a soothing infusion. Additionally, the essence serves as a highly concentrated aromatic or medicinal liquid used in various traditional remedies.
According to a study published by "Journal of agricultural and food chemistry", extracts from teas prepared from Cudrania tricuspidata exhibited antioxidant activity with a clear dose response in both the aldehyde/carboxylic acid and the malonaldehyde/gas chromatography assays. In the aldehyde/carboxylic acid assay at the level of 500 μg/mL, the antioxidant activity of the stems of the Burea plant was 77.02 ± 0.51%. In the MA/GC assay at the level of 160 μg/mL, the antioxidant activity of the roots of the Burea plant was 76.17 ± 0.27%. The study identified several volatile chemicals including 11 terpenes and terpenoids, 15 alkyl compounds, 26 nitrogen containing heterocyclic compounds, 9 oxygen containing heterocyclic compounds, 18 aromatic compounds, 7 lactones, 6 acids, and 4 miscellaneous compounds. Consumption of antioxidant-rich beverages prepared from this plant may be beneficial to human health.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- essence
- ethanol extract
- leaf extracts
- tea
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse health reactions including gastrointestinal distress, skin irritation, and potential allergic responses in sensitive individuals. Consuming its parts may lead to nausea, abdominal pain, or diarrhea if ingested in improper quantities. Topical application of the plant material can result in contact dermatitis or localized redness on the skin. Some users might experience respiratory irritation or swelling if they have a known hypersensitivity to its chemical components. It is essential to exercise caution and consult medical professionals before using this species for any medicinal purpose.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Cudrania tricuspidata?
This plant Cudrania tricuspidata is most commonly paired with herbs such as licorice root, ginger, and dandelion to enhance its therapeutic efficacy in traditional formulations.
These specific combinations are often used to balance the plant's astringent properties and support digestive health. Licorice is frequently added to soothe the stomach lining while working alongside the plant's natural compounds. Ginger serves to improve circulation and counteract any potential coldness associated with the decoction.
Together, these herbal partners create a synergistic effect intended to clear heat and resolve stagnation within the body.