Duhaldea cappa

Duhaldea cappa · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Duhaldea cappa is a medicinal plant valued for its diverse therapeutic potential in traditional healing. The root of this species serves as the primary source for various medicinal preparations, including aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Research has highlighted the presence of chlorogenic acid within these extracts, a chemical known for its significant biological properties. Notably, the plant exhibits potent antiproliferative activities that make it a subject of interest in pharmacological studies. These components are frequently utilized in managing various health conditions such as dysentery, fever, hepatitis, and jaundice.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Duhaldea Chinensis Var. Cappa · Baccharis Chinensis · 19 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Asteraceae
Distribution
Africa
Plant Parts
Root

Classification

Common Names

Duhaldea cappa is a versatile plant known by several distinct common names across different regions. It is frequently referred to as Elecampane or Fragrant Inula in various botanical circles. In certain linguistic contexts, the plant is also recognized by the name 羊耳菊. Furthermore, it is sometimes identified by the combined designation of 羊耳菊 / 白牛膽. These diverse naming conventions highlight the wide cultural and regional recognition of this species.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Duhaldea cappa is a botanical entity characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms. Scientific literature frequently identifies this plant under various names, such as Baccharis chinensis and Blumea arnottiana. It is also commonly referred to in historical records as Conyza cappa and Conyza dentata. Furthermore, the species is occasionally documented using the synonym Duhaldea chinensis. Understanding these overlapping designations is essential for accurate identification and botanical study.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Duhaldea cappa is a distinct biological entity that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast plant kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides within the order Asterales, showcasing its evolutionary connection to a specific group of flowering plants. As a member of the family Asteraceae, it shares characteristics with many well-known composite flowers. Ultimately, this species is uniquely identified by its placement within the genus Duhaldea.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Asterales
Family Asteraceae
Genus Duhaldea

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Duhaldea cappa exhibits a broad geographical range that spans across various ecological zones in Asia. In temperate regions, the species is well-established within China, specifically across the south-central and southeast provinces as well as the island of Hainan. Moving into tropical climates, the plant finds suitable habitats throughout the Indian Subcontinent. Its presence is notably documented in the Assam region and along the slopes of the East Himalaya. This diverse distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive in both temperate and tropical Asian environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Duhaldea cappa is characterized by its distinct shrub-like growth form. This plant is entirely self-supporting, maintaining its structure without the need for external assistance.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Duhaldea cappa serves as a rich source of bioactive compounds, most notably the newly identified germacranolide known as inulacappolide. This specific sesquiterpene was isolated from the ethanol extract of the whole plant through rigorous spectral analysis. Research indicates that this compound possesses significant antiproliferative activity against various human cancer cell lines. Specifically, it demonstrated potent inhibitory effects against HeLa cervical cancer, K562 leukemia, and KB nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of the plant's chemical constituents in oncology research.

Compounds

Duhaldea cappa, also known as Inula cappa, is a medicinal plant that contains a diverse range of bioactive chemical constituents. Scientific analyses have identified several key compounds within its extraction, including chlorogenic acid and scopolin. Furthermore, the plant is rich in specific derivatives such as cryptochlorogenic acid and galuteolin. Research into its methanolic extracts has also successfully isolated sesquiterpenes like germacranolide. These various components contribute to the plant's significant potential in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.

Conditions

Duhaldea cappa (Inula cappa) serves as a potent treatment for LPS-induced inflammatory cell models by altering the pharmacokinetic profiles of its active components. The plant's active ingredients exert an anti-inflammatory effect by down-regulating the secretion of nitric oxide (NO) and TNF-α in inflammatory cells. These specific inflammatory factors, NO and TNF-α, act as primary targets for the plant's medicinal action. Furthermore, traditional medicinal uses demonstrate that the plant is effective in treating dysentery. Its therapeutic applications also extend to the treatment of fever.

Preparations

Duhaldea cappa is prepared as an extract to study the pharmacokinetics of its anti-inflammatory active ingredients. This plant is also prepared as an EtOH extract or an ethanolic extract to isolate specific compounds like inulacappolide and various inositol derivatives. Additionally, the plant is prepared as an extraction to determine the plasma protein binding rates of its active components. Research also indicates that Duhaldea cappa is prepared as a root to study its various chemical constituents.

Parts used

Duhaldea cappa, also known as Inula cappa, is a perennial shrub whose medicinal value is primarily concentrated in its root. In traditional herbal practices, a decoction made from this root is specifically utilized to treat miscarriage. Scientific investigations have further explored the chemical constituents of the plant, successfully isolating several unique compounds from the root through advanced chromatography. Research into its biological properties has revealed that the root extracts possess significant anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Consequently, these findings support the traditional use of the plant for treating various ailments, including rheumatoid arthritis and fever.