Daphniphyllum calycinum
Daphniphyllum calycinum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Daphniphyllum calycinum is a distinctive plant species that has garnered scientific interest due to its diverse chemical profile. The plant contains unique bioactive compounds such as 17-Hydroxyhomodaphniphyllic acid, 5,6,7,4'-Tetrahydroxyflavonol 3-O-rutinoside, Daphcalycine, and Daphcalycinosidine C. Researchers have focused on various parts of the plant, including the leaves, seeds, and stems, to study these constituents. Specifically, preparations derived from the seeds, stem bark, and twigs have been evaluated for their medicinal potential. These studies highlight the plant's significant antioxidant activities, suggesting its value in pharmacological research.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Daphniphyllaceae
- Distribution
- Europe
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Seed
Classification
Common Names
Daphniphyllum calycinum is a distinctive plant known by several descriptive names that highlight its unique physical characteristics. In English, it is commonly referred to as the Calyx-shaped Tigernanmu, a title that alludes to its striking floral structure. This botanical beauty is also recognized by its traditional Chinese name, 牛耳楓, which offers a different cultural perspective on its identity. Both names serve to distinguish this species within its diverse family of evergreen shrubs. Understanding these various monikers helps gardeners and enthusiasts connect more deeply with the plant's unique heritage.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Daphniphyllum calycinum belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, marking its place among the diverse life forms of the natural world. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, a grouping that defines its fundamental biological structure. This specific species is a member of the order Saxifragales, showing its evolutionary connection to a wide range of related flowering plants. It is further nested within the family Daphniphyllaceae, which highlights its unique botanical characteristics. Ultimately, it is identified by its specific genus, Daphniphyllum, which distinguishes it from all other plant life.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Daphniphyllaceae |
| Genus | Daphniphyllum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Daphniphyllum calycinum is a notable species with a broad geographic range spanning various Asian climates. It is widely distributed across the temperate regions of Asia, with a specific presence in China and Southeast China. Beyond these cooler zones, the plant also thrives in the tropical environments of Indo-China. Vietnam serves as another key location where this species can be found growing naturally. This diverse distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to both temperate and tropical ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Daphniphyllum calycinum is a self-supporting plant that typically adopts a shrub growth form. This resilient species reaches a maximum height of approximately 4 meters as it matures. Depending on its specific environment and age, it can maintain a minimum stature of 1.5 meters. For many established specimens, a height of at least 2.75 meters is commonly observed. These varying dimensions make it a versatile addition to many landscape designs.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Daphniphyllum calycinum has been identified as a source of bioactive compounds with notable antioxidant properties. Researchers isolated specific flavonoid glycosides from the leaves of this plant using ethyl acetate extracts. Among these findings, a novel diglycoside and a known compound were specifically highlighted for their chemical profiles. Both substances demonstrated moderate effectiveness when tested in a DPPH free-radical assay. This research underscores the potential medicinal value of the plant's secondary metabolites in combating oxidative stress.
Compounds
Daphniphyllum calycinum is a chemically diverse plant species that serves as a rich source of unique alkaloids. Research into its seeds has led to the isolation of several important compounds, including 17-hydroxyhomodaphniphyllic acid, daphcalycine, daphcalycinosidine C, and yuzurimic acid B. Furthermore, the stem bark of this plant has been found to contain daphcalycine alongside the known alkaloid daphnicyclidin D. These complex molecules, such as the highly condensed polycyclic structure of daphcalycine, are identified through advanced spectroscopic techniques like mass spectrometry and 2D NMR. Together, these findings highlight the significant phytochemical potential held within the various parts of Daphniphyllum calycinum.
Conditions
Preparations
Daphniphyllum calycinum is prepared as seeds to facilitate the isolation of new alkaloids such as 17-hydroxyhomodaphniphyllic acid and daphcalycinosidine C. The plant is also prepared as stem bark, a source used to identify novel heptacycle fused ring system alkaloids like daphcalycine. Additionally, Daphniphyllum calycinum is prepared as twigs to yield various new alkaloids including caldaphnidines G-R. These different parts of the plant serve as distinct botanical sources for chemical characterization through spectroscopic analysis. Each specific preparation allows researchers to discover unique alkaloid profiles within the species.
Parts used
Daphniphyllum calycinum serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds distributed across its various botanical structures. Researchers have successfully isolated antioxidant flavonoid glycosides from the plant's leaves to study their free-radical scavenging potential. Additionally, the seeds of the species yield unique new alkaloids that have been characterized through advanced spectroscopic analysis. The stem bark also provides significant chemical interest, specifically through the discovery of complex heptacycle fused ring system alkaloids like daphcalycine. Together, these findings highlight how the different parts of the plant contribute to its complex chemical profile.