Elsholtzia ciliata
What's the taxonomical classification of Elsholtzia ciliata?
Elsholtzia ciliata belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Moving down the taxonomic hierarchy, it is placed in the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, the plant is identified by its genus, Elsholtzia, and its specific species epithet, ciliata.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Elsholtzia |
| Species | ciliata |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Elsholtzia ciliata has pinnately compound leaves consisting of 7 to 15 leaflets that are elliptic to lanceolate in shape and possess serrated margins. The leaflets exhibit a smooth texture with prominent pinnate venation and a light green color on their undersides. The tree features small, inconspicuous flowers that are typically borne in drooping panicles. Its bark is characterized by a gray or brownish hue that becomes deeply fissured with age. The fruit is a small, winged samara that facilitates wind dispersal.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the temperate and subtropical regions of East Asia, specifically occurring in China, Korea, and Japan. Its range extends across various altitudes in these countries, often found in mountain forests and along river valleys. The species thrives in diverse habitats ranging from deciduous woodlands to rocky slopes. Localized populations are most frequently documented in the central and southern provinces of China. These geographic pockets provide the specific climatic conditions necessary for its seasonal growth cycles.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Elsholtzia ciliata, thrives best when planted in well-drained, fertile soils within USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8.
It requires full sun exposure to maintain its structural integrity and vigorous growth patterns. While it is relatively drought-tolerant once established, consistent moisture during the early years of development is essential for root establishment. Regular pruning should be performed in late winter to encourage a strong canopy and manage its spreading habit.
Providing adequate space is critical because this deciduous tree can reach significant heights and widths in mature landscapes.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Elsholtzia ciliata is used medicinally through the application of its leaves and twigs. The leaves are frequently prepared into decoctions or infusions to treat various ailments. These botanical parts are often utilized in traditional practices to address specific physiological conditions. The twigs are also harvested to create medicinal preparations for therapeutic use. Together, these components provide the primary source of healing properties found within the species.
According to a study published by "Planta medica", the leaves and twigs of Elsholtzia cilata were used to isolate a compound during a screening of 31 species of medicinal plants. This screening focused on plants used in the treatment of diseases of viral origin in Yunnan Province of China. Out of the 31 species assayed for inhibition of Sindbis and murine cytomegalovirus, 16 species displayed antiviral activity. The compound isolated from the leaves and twigs of Elsholtzia cilata was identified as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon fluoranthene. This specific compound exhibited long wavelength UV-mediated antiviral activity.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaves
- twigs
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Elsholtzia cinerea or the fringe thorn, lacks documented traditional medicinal or ritualistic uses in the provided historical records. While many African flora are integrated into local healing practices, no specific traditional systems were identified for this particular species. Historical accounts focus more on its biological characteristics rather than its application in cultural ceremonies or folk medicine. The absence of recorded ethnobotanical data suggests that its role in human heritage remains largely uncatalogued. Consequently, researchers must look toward broader botanical studies to understand its ecological impact rather than its social utility.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- No traditional systems found in the provided list.
What are the pharmacological activities of Elsholtzia ciliata?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and hypoglycemic pharmacological activities. The presence of bioactive compounds allows it to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress within biological systems. It also demonstrates significant ability to inhibit the growth of various pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, its medicinal properties include the capacity to mitigate inflammation and regulate blood glucose levels. These diverse therapeutic effects suggest its potential utility in treating metabolic and infectious diseases.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacolgy", Elsholtzia ciliata used in traditional medicine possesses medicinal characteristics including antiviral, antibacterial, antipyretic, diaphoretic, carminaative, astringent, and diuretic effects. The study evaluated the anti-inflammatorty properties of Elsholtzia ciliata extract (ECE) in RAW264.7 cells treated with polyinosinic polycytidylic acid (Poly I:C). Detections revealed that ECE inhibited the levels of nitric oxide and central inflammatory mediators such as iNOS and COX-2. Furthermore, ECE downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatorty cytokines including PGE2, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-β, and IL-6. Finally, ECE inhibited the phosphorylation of several cell signaling pathways including AKT, TBK1/IRF3, MAPK, and NF-κB in the treated RAW264.7 cells.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- antibacterial
- antimicrobial
- antiviral
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse range of medicinal compounds including dehideroeelsholtzia ketones, elsholtzia ketones, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and terpenoids. These specific chemical constituents contribute to the biological activities and therapeutic potential of the species. The presence of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids often provides significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the terpenoids and specialized ketones play crucial roles in the plant's chemical defense and medicinal profile. Together, these secondary metabolites form a complex phytochemical framework essential for its pharmacological interest.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", the Elsholtzia ciliata herb ethanolic extract contains phenolics, volatile compounds, and essential oil. The extract specifically contains elsholtzia and dehydroeilsholtzia ketones that can be encapsulated. To evaluate the encapsulation of these compounds, a D-optimal mixture composition design used sodium caseinate (0.5-1 g), skim milk (6-10 g), resistant-maltodextrin (8-12 g), and beta-cyclodextrin (0.5-1 g). The optimal mixture composition for these components was determined to be 0.54 g of sodium caseinate, 10 g of skim milk, 8.96 g of resistant-maltodextrin, and 0.5 g of beta-cyclodextrin. These microcapsules loaded with the bioactive compounds of Elsholtzia ciliata have potential for use in various pharmaceutical forms or food supplements.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- dehydroelsholtzia ketones
- elsholtzia ketones
- flavonoids
- phenylpropanoids
- terpenoids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating inflammation, oxidative stress, microbial infection, viral infection, and tumor growth. Its bioactive compounds work to reduce swelling and neutralize harmful free radicals within the body. These properties allow it to combat various bacterial and viral pathogens effectively. Furthermore, the medicinal components show significant potential in inhibiting the progression of tumor cells. Research suggests these diverse therapeutic effects make it a valuable resource in traditional and modern medicine.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Elsholtzia ciliata contains 352 identified compounds including flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and alkaloids. These chemical components exhibit various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antiviral, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, analgesic, antiarrhythmic, antitumor, antiacetylcholinesterase, and immunoregulator effects. Current research focuses on using essential oil and alcohol extract to study these properties. Specifically, research regarding the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial activities is considered relatively mature.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- inflammation
- oxidative stress
- tumor
- viral infection
- microbial infection
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Elsholtzia ciliata, which is processed into medicinal alcohol extracts, essential oils, various liquid extracts, and fine powders for therapeutic use. The alcohol extract is commonly utilized to isolate specific bioactive compounds for topical or internal applications. Essential oil derived from the plant provides a concentrated aromatic form used in specialized treatments. Liquid extracts offer a standardized way to administer the plant's properties in diluted doses. Finally, the dried powder serves as a versatile base for capsules or traditional herbal infusions.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", the chemical components of Elsholtzia ciliata include 352 identified compounds. These components mainly consist of flavonoids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and alkaloids. Medicinal preparations involve the use of essential oil and alcohol extract. These preparations exhibit various activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antiviral, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, analgesic, antiarrhythmic, antitumor, antiacetylcholinesterase, and immunoregulator activities. Research on the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial activities is considered relatively mature.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- alcohol extract
- essential oil
- extracts
- powder
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause allergic skin reactions, digestive distress, and respiratory irritation when individuals come into direct contact with its components. The pollen produced by Elsholtzia ciliaata is a known trigger for seasonal allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms in sensitive people. Contact with the bark or leaves may lead to contact dermatitis characterized by redness and itching on the skin. Ingestion of certain parts of the tree can result in nausea or stomach discomfort if consumed. These adverse reactions typically occur during flowering seasons or through physical handling of the plant material.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Elsholtzia ciliata?
This plant Elsholtzia ciliata is commonly paired with herbs such as peppermint, rosemary, and thyme to enhance its medicinal and aromatic properties in traditional formulations.
These specific pairings are often utilized in decoctions to balance the bitter profile of the bark and leaves. Combining the tree's extracts with minty herbs can help soothe digestive discomfort when used in tea form. Furthermore, the woody notes of the plant complement the earthy scents of thyme during the creation of topical salves.
Such herbal combinations aim to maximize the therapeutic potential of the plant's natural compounds.