Fritillaria cirrhosa
Fritillaria cirrhosa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Fritillaria cirrhosa, often prepared as the medicinal bulb known as Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus or Qingbei (QB), is a plant valued for its diverse therapeutic properties. Extracted primarily from the bulb, stem, and leaf, it contains key chemical compounds such as peiminine, delavinone, ebeiedinone, and hupehenine. This botanical specimen is highly regarded for its antiplasmodial, antipyretic, antitussive, and expectorant activities. Clinically, it is frequently utilized to manage conditions involving cough, as well as in research related to breast carcinoma. Consequently, it remains a significant component in traditional pharmacological applications.
- Synonyms
- Lilium Bonatii · Melorima Cirrhosa · 11 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Liliaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Fritillaria cirrhosa is a unique botanical species known by a variety of distinct names across different cultures. In traditional medicine, it is widely recognized by its common name, Chuan Bei Mu. It is also frequently referred to as the Himalayan Fritillary, highlighting its native mountain origins. Depending on the specific region or language, you may also encounter it called Kakolee or Kakoli. Finally, the plant is known as Rjúpulilja, reflecting the diverse linguistic tapestry surrounding this beautiful flower.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Fritillaria cirrhosa is a complex botanical species characterized by several recognized taxonomic synonyms. Within its classification, it is known by the alternative name Baimo cirrhosa. The plant also encompasses various subspecies and varieties, such as Fritillaria cirrhosa subsp. roylei and Fritillaria cirrhosa var. bonatii. Additionally, researchers identify distinct forms like Fritillaria cirrhosa var. brachyantha and Fritillaria cirrhosa var. dingriensis. Understanding these various names is essential for accurate identification within the genus.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Fritillaria cirrhosa is a unique botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the order Liliales. The plant further identifies with the family Liliaceae, showcasing its specialized evolutionary traits. As a member of the genus Fritillaria, it shares structural characteristics with many of its close relatives. Understanding these biological relationships provides essential insight into the plant's place within the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Fritillaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Fritillaria cirrhosa is a resilient species primarily distributed across the temperate regions of Asia. Within China, it can be found flourishing in the North-Central and South-Central provinces as well as throughout Qinghai. Its natural habitat also extends into the high-altitude landscapes of Tibet. Additionally, the plant reaches into the tropical reaches of the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the East Himalaya. This wide geographic range highlights the plant's ability to adapt to diverse Asian environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Fritillaria cirrhosa is a delicate herb that maintains a self-supporting growth form in its natural habitat. This plant typically reaches a modest stature, with heights ranging from a minimum of 0.15 m to a maximum of 0.5 m. Within this range, many specimens are frequently observed at a height of approximately 0.325 m. Such compact dimensions allow it to thrive effectively within its specific ecological niche. Through these physical characteristics, the species demonstrates a specialized adaptation to its environment.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Fritillaria cirrhosa is a critically endangered Himalayan medicinal plant that holds significant value in traditional healing practices. According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, its bulbs are widely utilized for their antitussive and expectorant properties to treat respiratory tract diseases. The plant also serves an important role in managing fever, demonstrating documented antipyretic activity in traditional Chinese medicine. Recent scientific investigations have further expanded its therapeutic profile by confirming promising antiplasmodial activity against malaria-causing strains. These diverse medicinal capabilities highlight the importance of accurately identifying the species to ensure its continued use in pharmacology.
Compounds
Fritillaria cirrhosa is a significant medicinal plant valued for its diverse array of bioactive secondary metabolites. Scientific analyses have confirmed that the plant contains several important alkaloids, including peiminine and peimisine. Furthermore, detailed chemical profiling identifies the presence of delavinone and ebeiedinone within its composition. Research also highlights hupehenine as one of the key components found in the species. Together, these constituents contribute to the complex pharmacological profile that drives the plant's various therapeutic activities.
Conditions
Fritillaria cirrhosa is widely utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to treat cough and serves as a significant antitussive agent. Its medicinal properties also allow it to function as an effective expectorant to help eliminate phlegm. Beyond its human health benefits, the plant demonstrates biological resilience by managing Cd stress through detoxification mechanisms like glutathione metabolism and cell wall biosynthesis. Research into its molecular responses shows that it can also counteract Cd toxicity to preserve its medicinal integrity. Together, these characteristics highlight the plant's dual importance in both respiratory therapy and environmental adaptation.
Preparations
Fritillaria cirrhosa is prepared as a bulb, which serves as a highly valued traditional Chinese herbal medicine. This plant is also prepared as Fritillaria cirrhosa, often referred to in medicinal contexts as Chuanbeimu. It is specifically prepared as Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus, a precious material used for its anti-inflammatory and anti-tussive properties. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as two distinct medicinal materials known as Qingbei (QB) and Songbei (SB). These classifications, QB and SB, are distinguished by their unique bioactive components and growth years.
Parts used
Fritillaria cirrhosa is a critically endangered alpine species that possesses several distinct morphological components essential to its biological functions. Research indicates that the plant includes a leaf, which plays a vital role in physiological processes such as photosynthesis and heavy metal sequestration. Additionally, the plant features a stem that contributes to its overall structural integrity and specialized metabolic activities. These various parts, including the leaves, can even be utilized as explants in tissue culture to induce the development of new bulbs. Understanding the specific roles of the leaf and stem is crucial for the conservation and sustainable cultivation of this medicinal resource.