Elsholtzia blanda
What's the taxonomical classification of Elsholtzia blanda?
Elsholtzia blanda belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Lamiales. This plant is a member of the family Lamiaceae and falls under the genus Elsholtzia, specifically identifying as the species blanda.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Elsholtzia |
| Species | blanda |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Elsholtzia blanda has pinnately compound leaves consisting of 7 to 15 leaflets that are typically elliptic or lanceolate in shape with serrated margins. The tree reaches a significant height and features a spreading crown with a bark that becomes deeply furrowed as the specimen matures. Its small, inconspicuous flowers are arranged in drooping panicles that emerge during the spring season. The resulting fruit is a small, winged samara that facilitates wind dispersal. These morphological characteristics help distinguish the species from other members of the Sapindaceae family.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to a wide region spanning from central and eastern Europe through the Caucasus and into parts of western and central Asia. It is frequently found in mountainous areas and temperate forests across countries such as Turkey, Iran, and northern India. Within these habitats, it often colonizes riverbanks and moist slopes where it can thrive in varied elevations. The species is also widely distributed throughout the Himalayan foothills. This broad range allows the plant to adapt to several distinct climatic zones across the Palearctic realm.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-drained, loamy soil and full sun to a partial shade environment for optimal growth.
It thrives best when planted in sites that offer protection from harsh, drying winds. Regular watering is essential during the establishment phase, though the mature tree is relatively drought tolerant once its root system is deep. It performs well in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8 where the climate remains temperate.
Providing sufficient space is crucial because this deciduous tree can reach significant heights and widths in a landscape.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Elsholtzia blanda utilizes its bark, leaves, and inflorescence for various traditional medicinal applications. The bark is often harvested to prepare decoctions intended to treat systemic ailments or skin conditions. Medicinal preparations also frequently incorporate the leaves to address different physiological needs. The small, inconspicuous inflorescence can be integrated into specific herbal formulations depending on local traditional practices. These different components collectively provide a range of therapeutic possibilities within folk medicine.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", the inflorescence of Elsholtzia blanda produced in the southwest of Yunnan was studied. Using chemical techniques and spectroscopic analysis, 4 flavonoid glucosides were isolated from the water extract of the plant. These identified compounds include isoastragalin(I), luteolin-7-glucoside(II), luteolin-3'-glucosid(III), and luteolin-7-galactoside(IV). All 4 of these flavonoid glucosides were isolated from the plant for the first time.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- inflorescence
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Elsholtzia blanda or the Chinese hackberry, has been historically utilized in East Asian traditional medicine to treat various ailments including skin conditions and internal inflammation.
Its bark and leaves were frequently prepared in decoctions to address digestive issues and respiratory distress. In many rural communities, the dense, durable timber was traditionally harvested for crafting high-quality furniture and essential household tools. The wood's strength and fine grain made it a preferred material for long-lasting implements.
Local folklore also occasionally attributed protective qualities to the tree, integrating it into the cultural landscape of the region.
What are the pharmacological activities of Elsholtzia blanda?
This plant has antimicrobial, anti-MRSAs, and protective effects on myocardial ischemia. Its diverse pharmacological profile includes the ability to inhibit the growth of various pathogenic microorganisms. Specifically, it demonstrates significant anti-MRSAs activity, making it a potential candidate for treating resistant bacterial infections. Additionally, research indicates that extracts from the plant can offer a protective effect on myocardial ischemia by mitigating cardiac damage. These multifaceted medicinal properties highlight the therapeutic potential of Elsholtzia blanda in both infectious disease management and cardiovascular health.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Elsholtzia blanda demonstrated anti-MRSA activity with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.43 mg/ml or less. This plant was categorized among the most active antimicrobial plants in a collection of 19 plant extracts tested against 9 MRSA isolates. All 19 plants in the study showed anti-MRSAs activity with a MIC ranging from 1.25 to 3.07 mg/ml. Elsholtzia blanda demonstrates promising anti-MRSA potential.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-MRSA activity
- antimicrobial
- protective effect on myocardial ischemia
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds luteolin glycoside, apiげin, isoastragalin(I), luteolin-7-galactoside(IV), and various luteolins. These specific flavonoids and glycosides are responsible for much of the biological activity found within the species. Researchers have identified these chemical constituents through detailed phytochemical screening of the plant's tissues. The presence of isoastragalin(I) and luteolin-7-galactoside(IV) highlights the complex chemical profile of the bark and leaves. Such compounds are often studied for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in medicinal research.
According to a study published by "Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica", the extracts of Elsholtzia blanda contain luteolin which exists primarily as an aglycone in the gastrointestinal tract after administration. The study used 24 male SD rats, with 4 rats per one time spot, to determine free and total luteolin at 0.17, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h. Luteolin levels in the kidney, heart, and lung reached a maximum at 1 h, while in the liver, the drug showed a maximum at 0.17 h. The content of luteolin in the liver and kidney was higher than that found in the heart and lung.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Luteoolin glycoside
- apigenin
- isoastragalin(I)
- lutelin-7-galactoside(IV)
- luteolins
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating Xiongbi symptom, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, myocardial infarction, and myocardial ischemia. It is frequently applied in traditional medicinal practices to address chest pain and discomfort associated with cardiovascular issues. Researchers have also investigated its potential antibacterial properties against drug-resistant strains like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, its bioactive compounds may help manage complications arising from myocardial ischemia and acute myocardial infarction. These diverse applications demonstrate the plant's significance in both symptomatic relief and the management of serious physiological conditions.
According to a study published by "Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials", total flavone from Elsholtzia blanda (TFEB) is used to address Xiongbi symptom induced by coronary artery ligation in rats. After feeding rats TFEB or 0.5% CMC for 5 d, researchers found that TFEB could markedly reduce the myocardial infraction index in a dose-dependent fashion with P < 0.05-0.01. The administration of TFEB at 100 and 150 mg/kg groups resulted in a markedly reduced NO level in serum with P < 0.05-0.01. Ultimately, TFEB has a protective effect on myocardial ischemia induced by LAD ligation and can prevent against Xiongbi symptom.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
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What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Elsholtzia blanda, which is utilized to create various medicinal herbal preparations including concentrated extracts for therapeutic use. These preparations often target inflammatory conditions or skin ailments depending on the specific part of the plant processed. Herbalists typically focus on the bark or leaves to derive bioactive compounds through careful extraction methods. The resulting extracts are then formulated into standardized dosages to ensure consistent medicinal potency. Such traditional applications highlight the plant's role in specialized botanical medicine.
According to a study published by "Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica", a RP-HPLC method was established to determine free and total luteolin from extracts of Elsholtzia blanda in 24 male SD rats. The study measured luteolin in the plasma, gastrointestinal tract, heart, liver, lung, and kidney at 0.17, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h after administration of EEB, using 4 rats per one time spot. Luteolin glycoside was hydrolyzed to aglycone luteolin in the intestinal tract, where the aglycone was the main form present. The content of luteolin in the kidney, heart, and lung showed a maximum at 1 h, while in the liver, the drug was distributed quickly and showed a maximum at 0.17 h. The content of luteolin in the liver and kidney was higher than that found in the heart and lung.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- extracts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and digestive upset in humans who come into contact with it. Contact with the bark or leaves may trigger contact dermatitis, resulting in redness or itching on the skin. Some individuals might experience respiratory discomfort or sneezing if they inhale pollen from the flowers. Ingestion of various parts of the tree could lead to stomach pain or nausea. Careful avoidance is recommended for those with known sensitivities to similar woody species.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Elsholtzia blanda?
This plant Elsholtzia blanda pairs most effectively with aromatic herbs such as rosemary, lavender, and sage to create a balanced garden ecosystem.
These woody perennials complement the tree's structure by providing a layer of textured foliage at the ground level. When planted together, the fragrant oils from the herbs can help deter certain pests that might otherwise affect the tree. Additionally, the deep root systems of these herb pairings ensure efficient soil nutrient utilization in shared planting beds.
This combination promotes a diverse microhabitat that supports various pollinators throughout the growing season.