Elsholtzia ciliata
Elsholtzia ciliata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Elsholtzia ciliata is a botanical species that offers a diverse range of pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, and carminative properties. Research highlights its potential impact on biological conditions such as drug addiction, IL-6 levels, and Murine Cytomegalovirus through its influence on nitric oxide. The medicinal value of the plant is primarily derived from its leaves, which are processed into various preparations like herb ethanolic extracts and essential oils. Chemical analysis of these extracts reveals the presence of important compounds such as fluoranthene and RA. Consequently, studying these specific extracts provides vital insights into the plant's complex (-)-chronotropic effects.
- Synonyms
- Elsholtzia Interrupta · Elsholtzia Patrinii · 33 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Elsholtzia ciliata is a distinctive plant widely recognized by several different names depending on the region. In English-speaking areas, it is most commonly referred to as the Crested latesummer mint. When looking toward German-speaking territories, the species is frequently identified as Echte Kamm-Minze or Echte Kammminze. These various common names highlight the plant's diverse linguistic identity across different cultures. Understanding these relationships is essential for anyone studying the botanical nomenclature of this unique species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Elsholtzia ciliata is a diverse species characterized by several distinct taxonomic synonyms. Within its botanical classification, it includes the form Elsholtzia ciliata f. leucantha. The plant also encompasses various varieties, such as Elsholtzia ciliata var. brevipes and Elsholtzia ciliata var. depauperata. Additionally, the species is recognized through the synonyms Elsholtzia ciliata var. duplicatocrenata and Elsholtzia ciliata var. minima. Understanding these specific relationships is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Elsholtzia ciliata is a unique botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Lamiales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. As a member of the family Lamiaceae, it shares characteristics with many well-known aromatic herbs. Ultimately, this species is identified by its specific genus, Elsholtzia.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Elsholtzia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Elsholtzia ciliata is a plant species primarily distributed throughout the Asia-Temperate regions. Its presence is notable across the Caucasus and the North Caucasus, marking a significant portion of its range. Within China, the species is widely spread, appearing in the North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast provinces. Additionally, its habitat extends into the Inner Mongolia region, showcasing its adaptability to various environments. This diverse distribution highlights the plant's widespread ecological footprint across the Asian continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Elsholtzia ciliata is a self-supporting herb characterized by its distinct growth form. This plant typically reaches a maximum height of 0.5 meters. Depending on its environment, its stature can vary significantly, often beginning at a minimum height of 0.1 meters. In certain specific instances, the plant may maintain a more consistent minimum height of 0.4875 meters. These dimensions define the compact profile of this resilient species.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Elsholtzia ciliata is a medicinal plant recognized in traditional medicine for its diverse range of therapeutic properties. Research indicates that this species possesses notable antibacterial and antiviral activities, making it a potential candidate for managing various infections. Furthermore, its antipyretic effects can help mitigate fever, while its astringent qualities provide additional medicinal benefits. Beyond these uses, studies have highlighted its antifibrotic potential, specifically in attenuating tissue hardening across several organs. These combined characteristics underscore the plant's significant value in the development of new therapeutic treatments.
Compounds
Elsholtzia ciliata is a notable member of the Lamiaceae family that possesses a unique chemical profile. Scientific investigations have revealed that this plant contains the anthropogenic compound fluoranthene, which exhibits antiviral activity when triggered by long-wavelength UV light. Additionally, Elsholtzia ciliata is identified as a source of rosmarinic acid (RA), a bioactive constituent known for its significant therapeutic potential. Research suggests that the RA found within this species can help attenuate fibrosis across various organs by modulating oxidative stress and inflammation. Consequently, the presence of both fluoranthene and RA highlights the complex pharmacological importance of this medicinal plant.
Conditions
Elsholtzia ciliata demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting the expression of the central mediator COX-2. The extract also functions to downregulate the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IFN-β, and IL-6. Furthermore, the plant effectively treats inflammatory responses by inhibiting the phosphorylation of the AKT signaling pathway. These combined actions allow the extract to mitigate various chemical mediators involved in the immune response. Through these specific mechanisms, the plant targets key proteins and cytokines to reduce overall inflammation.
Preparations
Elsholtzia ciliata is prepared as a herb ethanolic extract for microencapsulation studies aimed at stabilizing its bioactive compounds. The plant is also prepared as essential oils, which have been investigated for their ability to modulate the dopamine system in neurobiological research. Furthermore, Elsholtzia ciliata is prepared as an extract to evaluate its potent anti-inflammatory properties in cellular models. Research also identifies the plant as being prepared as various extracts containing rosmarinic acid to address the treatment of organ fibrosis. These different preparations highlight the versatile medicinal applications of the species in pharmaceutical and therapeutic developments.
Parts used
Elsholtzia ciliata serves as a notable subject in recent pharmacological studies focusing on antiviral properties. During a screening of medicinal plants in Yunnan Province, researchers investigated various species for their ability to inhibit specific viruses. Through a process of bioassay-guided fractionation, scientists successfully isolated a bioactive compound from the plant's parts. Specifically, the study identified that the leaf and twigs of the species contained the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon fluoranthene. This discovery highlights how even anthropogenic compounds found within plant parts can offer significant implications for medicinal research.