Elsholtzia rugulosa
What's the taxonomical classification of Elsholtzia rugulosa?
Elsholtzia rugulosa belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Within this taxonomic hierarchy, it is placed in the genus Elsholtzia, eventually reaching its specific designation as the species rugulosa.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Elsholtzia |
| Species | rugulosa |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Elsholtzia rugulosa has pinnately compound leaves consisting of 7 to 15 leaflets that are elliptic to lanceolate in shape and feature prominently serrated margins. The leaflets possess a distinctly rugose or wrinkled texture on their upper surfaces due to deeply impressed venation. These leaves are arranged alternately along the branches of a deciduous tree that typically reaches moderate heights. The bark of the mature tree is dark and develops longitudinal fissures as it ages. Small, inconspicuous flowers give rise to winged samaras that facilitate wind dispersal.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to a broad range across East Asia, specifically encompassing regions of China, Japan, Korea, and parts of the Russian Far East. It typically thrives in temperate climates where it can inhabit various environments such as mountain slopes, forest edges, and river valleys. The species shows a preference for well-drained soils and can be found at diverse elevations ranging from lowlands to higher montane zones. Within these habitats, it often grows alongside other deciduous trees in mixed woodland communities. Its distribution is largely determined by the availability of seasonal moisture and specific temperature requirements characteristic of its native northern temperate belt.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Elsholtzia rugulosa, thrives in temperate climates when planted in well-drained, loamy soils with full sun exposure.
It requires regular watering during its establishment phase to ensure deep root development. Once mature, the species is relatively drought-tolerant and can withstand varying soil pH levels. Pruning should be performed during the dormant season to maintain its structural shape and promote healthy growth.
Proper fertilization with organic matter once a year helps sustain its lush foliage and vigorous development.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
Elsholtzia rugulosa contains medicinal compounds primarily located within its bark, leaves, and fruit. The bark is often harvested for its potential to treat various ailments due to its specific chemical constituents. Extracts from the leaves are also utilized in traditional practices to address different health concerns. Additionally, the fruit can be processed to derive therapeutic properties. These various plant parts are valued for their diverse bioactive profiles in herbal medicine.
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant has no documented historical use or recorded application within traditional medicinal or cultural systems. While it belongs to the Fabaceae family, specific ethnobotanical records detailing its utility in folk practices remain absent from current literature. Researchers often focus on its ecological role rather than its potential for human consumption or ritualistic significance. Because there is no established history of its use, it lacks a recognized place in any traditional knowledge framework.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- None of the provided items are relevant to the topic.
What are the pharmacological activities of Elsholtzia rugulosa?
This plant has antimicrobial, anti-influenza virus, anti-MRSA, and neuroprotective pharmacological activities. Its antimicrobial properties allow it to combat various pathogenic microorganisms through diverse biochemical mechanisms. Research also indicates that it possesses specific anti-influenza virus activity that can inhibit viral replication. Furthermore, the plant exhibits potent anti-MRSA activity, making it a potential candidate for tackling drug-resistant bacterial strains. Finally, its neuroprotective effects suggest it may help safeguard nerve cells from oxidative stress and damage.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Elsholtzia rugulosa is one of the most active antimicrobial plants among a collection of 19 plant extracts tested. This plant demonstrated anti-MRSA potential with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of less than or equal to 1.43 mg/ml. The study screened the antibacterial susceptibilities of 9 MRSA isolates and a standard control strain (ATCC 25923) against the extracts. While all 19 plants in the study showed anti-MRSA activity with a MIC ranging from 1.25 to 3.07 mg/ml, Elsholtzia rugulosa remained highly effective. Therefore, the plant shows promising potential in combating clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antimicrobial
- anti-MRSA activity
- anti-influenza virus activity
- neuroprotective
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal flavonoid compounds luteolin, apiin, galuteolin, apiin, and apiin 4'-O-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, along with apiin. These bioactive constituents are primarily concentrated within the various parts of the Elsholtzia rugulosa species. The presence of luteolin and galuteolin suggests significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Additionally, the glycosylated forms such as apiin and apiin 4'-O-alpha-D-glucopyranoside contribute to the unique chemical profile of the plant. These specific compounds are often studied for their therapeutic roles in traditional medicine.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", the medicinal plant Elsholtzia rugulosa contains the plant flavonoid and pharmacologically active agent luteolin, which is a 3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone. In an Alzheimer's disease cell model using APPsw cells, luteolin from Elsholtzia rugulosa increased cell viability and reduced intracellular ROS generation. This compound enhanced the activity of SOD, reversed mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation, and inhibited caspase-related apoptosis. Additionally, luteolin down-regulated the expression of AβPP and lowered the secretion of Aβ1-42. These findings indicate that the luteolin from Elsholtzia rugulosa exerts neuroprotective effects through several specific mechanisms.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Luteolin
- apigenin
- apigenin 4'-O-alpha-D-glucopyranoside
- apiin
- galuteolin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating Alzheimer's disease, common colds, fevers, the influenza virus, and conditions involving neurotoxicity. Its bioactive compounds are studied for their potential to protect the nervous system from toxic damage. Researchers also investigate its ability to mitigate the cognitive decline associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, the plant offers medicinal properties that help reduce body temperature during a fever. These natural constituents may also help the body fight off respiratory infections like the cold and influenza virus.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", luteolin isolated from the medicinal plant Elsholtzia rugulosa was examined for its effects in an Alzheimer's disease (AD) cell model. In this model, the plant's component was tested against neurotoxicity in β-amyloid precursor protein Swedish mutation stably overexpressed SH-SY5Y cells, referred to as APPsw cells. The study demonstrated that luteolin from Elsholtzia rugulosa helped increase cell viability and reduced intracellular ROS generation. It also lowered the secretion of Aβ1-42 and down-regulated the expression of AβPP. These results indicated that the plant exerted neuroprotective effects by regulating redox imbalance and depressing caspase family-related apoptosis.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Alzheimer's disease
- cold
- fever
- influenza virus
- methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Elsholtzia rugosa, a species used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as concentrated liquid or powder extract. These preparations are often derived from the bark or leaves to harness specific bioactive compounds. Practitioners may utilize the extract to support various therapeutic functions within traditional medicine systems. The potency of these herbal products depends heavily on the extraction method used during manufacturing. Researchers continue to study these preparations to better understand their potential pharmacological benefits.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Elsholtzia rugulosa was identified as one of the most active antimicrobial plants among a collection of 19 plant extracts. This plant demonstrated anti-MRSA potential with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of less than or equal to 1.43 mg/ml. All 19 plants studied showed anti-MRSA activity with an MIC ranging from 1.25 to 3.07 mg/ml. The study utilized 9 MRSAs isolates and 1 standard control strain (ATCC 25923) to assess these antibacterial susceptibilities. Elsholtzia rugulosa is considered to demonstrate promising anti-MRSA potential based on these findings.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse health reactions such as skin irritation, allergic dermatitis, and gastrointestinal distress when handled or consumed improperly. Contact with the bark or leaves may trigger localized redness or itching in sensitive individuals. Some people might experience swelling or rashes if the plant's extracts touch the skin directly. Ingesting parts of the tree could lead to stomach aches or nausea due to unidentified bioactive compounds. It is essential to exercise caution and avoid direct exposure to prevent these potential reactions.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Elsholtzia rugulosa?
This plant Elsholtzia rugulosa is most effectively paired with medicinal herbs such as Astragalus membranaceus, Panax ginseng, and Glycyrrhiza glabra to enhance its therapeutic properties.
These combinations are often utilized in traditional formulations to balance the tonic effects of the bark and leaves. For instance, adding licorice root can help harmonize the various chemical constituents within a decoction. When used alongside adaptogens like ginseng, the synergy may support systemic vitality and immune function.
Such pairings are carefully selected to optimize the bioavailability of the plant's active compounds.