Elaeagnus oldhamii
What's the taxonomical classification of Elaeagnus oldhamii?
Elaeagnus oldhamii belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further categorized under the order Rosales. This plant is a member of the family Elaeagnaceae and is defined by its placement within the genus Elaeagnuus, specifically designated as the species olhamii.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Elaeagnaceae |
| Genus | Elaeagnus |
| Species | oldhamii |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Elaeagnus oldhamii has elliptic to lanceolate leaves that are typically 5 to 15 centimeters long, characterized by an entire margin, an acute apex, and a coriaceous texture. The foliage is often dark green on the upper surface and may exhibit a paler underside with visible venation. Its stems are woody and can develop a spreading or upright growth habit depending on the environmental conditions. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that eventually develop into fleshy drupes. These fruits transition in color from green to red or black as they reach maturity.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to a broad range of East Asia, specifically spanning across southern and central China, Taiwan, and parts of Japan. Within these regions, it typically flourishes in subtropical and warm temperate climates. It is most frequently encountered in mountainous areas and along riverbanks where moisture is abundant. The species also occurs in various forest types, ranging from evergreen broad-leaved forests to mixed deciduous woodlands. Its distribution is closely tied to specific elevation zones and humidity levels found in these eastern habitats.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Elaeagnus oldhamii thrives in well-drained, loamy soils and requires full sun to partial shade for optimal development.
It is a hardy evergreen shrub that can tolerate various soil pH levels and moderate drought once its root system is established. Regular watering is necessary during the initial planting phase to ensure successful growth and establishment. This species is frequently utilized in landscaping as a windbreak or privacy hedge due to its dense foliage and rapid growth rate.
Minimal pruning is required, though occasional shaping can help maintain its desired form and density.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
Elaeagnuus oldhamii contains medicinal properties primarily found in its leaves and bark. The leaves are frequently harvested and processed to create decoctions used to treat various ailments. Some traditional practices utilize the bark to address inflammatory conditions or digestive issues. These plant parts are valued for their specific bioactive compounds that contribute to their healing effects. Local healers often prepare these components into teas or topical applications depending on the intended remedy.
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Elaeagnus oldhamii, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments by utilizing its bark, leaves, and fruits.
Historically, practitioners prepared decoctions from the plant to address conditions such as inflammation, digestive issues, and skin disorders. The leaves were frequently harvested to create medicinal teas intended to reduce fever or clear heat from the body. In some regional traditions, the small fruits were consumed both for their nutritional value and their perceived ability to support overall vitality.
These historical applications highlight the plant's long-standing role in regional ethnobotanical practices.
What are the pharmacological activities of Elaeagnus oldhamii?
This plant has potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer pharmacological activities driven by its rich concentration of bioactive phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Research indicates that extracts from Elaeagnus oldhamii can effectively inhibit inflammatory mediators, helping to reduce swelling and pain in biological systems. Furthermore, its chemical constituents demonstrate the ability to induce apoptosis and suppress the proliferation of various malignant cell lines. These properties suggest that the plant could serve as a significant source for developing new therapeutic agents against chronic inflammation and tumor progression. Studies continue to explore how specific phytochemicals within the species interact with cellular pathways to achieve these medicinal effects.
According to a study published by "Biomolecules & therapeuics", Elaeagnus oldhamii Maxim is a traditional medicinal plant used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, lung disorders, anti-inflammation, and anticancer activities. The triterpenoid compound cis-3-O-p-hydroxycinnamoyl ursolic acid (HCUA) was purified from this plant and exhibited anti-proliferative activity in Ca9-22 and SAS oral cancer cell lines. The inhibitory concentration of HCUA resulting in 50% viability was 24.0 µM for Ca9-22 cells and 17.8 µM for SAS cells. HCUA induced p53-mediated transcriptional regulation of pro-apoptotic proteins including Bax, Bak, Bim, Noxa, and PUMA to trigger mitochondrial apoptosis. This process involved the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammation
- anticancer
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains various medicinal compounds including oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, and various flavonoids. These triterpenoids are frequently studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Researchers have also identified specific phenolic compounds that contribute to the plant's biological activity. These chemical constituents play a significant role in the traditional medicinal uses of the species. The presence of these diverse molecules makes the plant a subject of interest in pharmacological research.
As discussed in a study, the triterpenoid compound cis-3-o-p-hydroxycinnamoyl ursolic acid (HCUA) was purified from Elaeagnus oldhamii Maxim. This traditional medicinal plant is utilized for treating lung disorders and rheumatoid arthritis, alongside its anti-inflammation and anticancer activities. HCUA exhibits anti-proliferative activity in oral cancer cell lines, specifically showing an inhibitory concentration that results in 50% viability of 24.0 µM for Ca9-22 cells and 17.8 µM for SAS cells. The compound induces p53-mediated transcriptional regulation of pro-apoptotic proteins including Bax, Bak, Bim, Noxa, and PUMA. Through the triggering of intracellular reactive oxygen species, HCUA demonstrates potential antitumor activity against human oral cancer cells.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Based on the provided list, there is only one compound available. I cannot extract five compounds if only one is provided.
- Cis-3-O-p-hydroxycinnamoyl ursolic acid
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating inflammation, lung disorders, oral cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and various forms of cancer. Its medicinal properties are often harnessed to reduce systemic swelling and manage the painful symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. In traditional practices, extracts from the plant are applied to combat oral cancer and other malignant growths. The bioactive compounds within the species also show potential in managing chronic lung disorders through respiratory support. Consequently, the plant serves as a significant botanical resource for addressing multiple complex health conditions.
According to a study published by "Biomolecules & therapeuics", Elaeagnuus oldhamii Maxim is a traditional medicinal plant used for treating rheumatoid arthritis and lung disorders. This plant is also utilized for its anti-inflammation and anticancer activities. The purified compound HCUA from this plant showed anti-proliferative activity in Ca9-22 and SAS oral cancer cell lines. The inhibitory concentration of HCUA resulting in 50% viability was 24.0 µM for Ca9-22 cells and 17.8 µM for SAS cells. These results suggest potential antitumor activity against human oral cancer cells through ROS-dependent and p53-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- inflammation
- lung disorders
- oral cancer
- rheumatoid arthritis
- cancer
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is processed into various medicinal herbal preparations such as decoctions, powders, and topical pastes to treat conditions like inflammation, digestive issues, and skin ailments.
Practitioners often boil the leaves, bark, or roots to create concentrated liquid extracts used for internal consumption. These decoctions are believed to possess significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that help regulate bodily functions. Some preparations involve grinding the dried plant material into a fine powder that can be mixed with honey or water.
Additionally, the plant's extracts are sometimes applied directly to the skin to soothe swelling or promote healing in minor wounds.
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause allergic skin reactions, gastrointestinal distress, and potential toxicity if consumed in large quantities. Contact with the leaves or bark may trigger dermatitis or itchy rashes in sensitive individuals. Ingesting the berries or other parts of the plant often leads to nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Some reports suggest that high doses might interfere with metabolic processes or cause more severe systemic issues. It is important to avoid ingestion to prevent these various adverse health effects.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Elaeagnus oldhamii?
This plant Elaeagnus oldhamii pairs most effectively with woody herbs such as rosemary, lavender, and sage to complement its structural foliage and small, inconspicuous flowers.
These aromatic companions create a sensory contrast between the silvery leaves of the shrub and the textured greenery of the herbs. Utilizing lavender alongside this species helps establish a cohesive Mediterranean-style landscape aesthetic. Sage and rosemary also serve practical purposes by attracting pollinators that are drawn to the flowering periods of the Elaeagnus.
This combination ensures a diverse texture and scent profile throughout the garden.