Fritillaria walujewii

Fritillaria walujewii · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Fritillaria walujewii is a distinctive botanical species recognized for its unique medicinal properties. This plant is particularly valued in pharmaceutical contexts due to its rich chemical composition. One of its most significant active components is the alkaloid known as peiminine. This specific chemical is frequently utilized in various medical preparations to harness its therapeutic potential. Consequently, the plant remains a subject of great interest in both traditional and modern scientific studies.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Fritillaria Xinyuanensis · Fritillaria Walujewii Var. Plena · 2 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Liliaceae
Distribution
Not available
Plant Parts
Not available

Classification

Common Names

Fritillaria walujewii is a distinctive plant recognized by a diverse array of regional and linguistic common names. In various English-speaking contexts, it is frequently referred to as the Sinkiang fritillaria. The species also carries unique identifiers across different cultures, such as the Valujevi püvilill and the Polish szachownica Walujewa. In Chinese-speaking regions, it is known locally as xin jiang bei mu. Finally, the plant is identified in Cyrillic script as Рябчик Валуева, reflecting its broad geographical footprint.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Fritillaria walujewii is a complex species that is frequently associated with several different botanical synonyms. Taxonomic discussions often link this plant to Fritillaria tianshanica, reflecting overlapping classifications in scientific literature. Additionally, specific varieties such as Fritillaria walujewii var. plena and Fritillaria walujewii var. shawanensis are recognized under its umbrella. The species also encompasses the name Fritillaria xinyuanensis within its wide taxonomic reach. Understanding these diverse nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate botanical identification.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Fritillaria walujewii belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a unique branch of the living world. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the order Liliales. This specific lineage places the species firmly within the diverse family Liliaceae. As a member of the genus Fritillaria, it shares distinct morphological characteristics with its close relatives. Ultimately, these biological relationships define its essential place within the complex botanical hierarchy.

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 walujewii is a specialized species primarily distributed across the temperate regions of Asia. Its natural habitat spans the vast landscapes of Central Asia, including specific territories within Kazakhstan. The plant can also be found growing throughout the diverse terrain of Kyrgyzstan. Furthermore, its range extends eastward into the Xinjiang region of China. This widespread presence across these specific territories highlights the plant's adaptability to the Central Asian climate.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Fritillaria walujewii is a delicate herb characterized by its self-supporting growth form. This plant typically maintains a modest stature, reaching a maximum height of approximately 0.4 meters. Depending on its specific environment, the height of an individual specimen generally ranges between 0.2 and 0.3 meters. These compact dimensions allow it to thrive within its natural ecological niche. Overall, its structural simplicity makes it a distinctive feature of its habitat.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Compounds

Fritillaria walujewii serves as a significant botanical source containing the bioactive compound Peiminine. Recent research indicates that this specific alkaloid can play a crucial role in enhancing the cytotoxicity of Doxorubicin when targeting human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. By treating AGS cell lines with Peiminine, scientists observed a notable reduction in cell viability alongside an increase in programmed cell death. Furthermore, the compound was found to downregulate the expression of specific microRNAs, namely hsa-miR-106a-5p and hsa-miR-181a-5p. These findings suggest that Peiminine holds promising potential as a supplementary treatment for managing gastric cancer.

Conditions

Fritillaria walujewii contains the compound Peiminine, which has demonstrated potential in treating gastric cancer (GC). Research indicates that Peiminine enhances the cytotoxicity of Doxorubicin, thereby reducing the viability of AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. This plant derivative also promotes apoptosis within the cancer cell line, effectively inhibiting its overall growth. Furthermore, treatment with Peiminine leads to the downregulation of specific microRNAs, namely hsa-miR-106a-5p and hsa-miR-181a-5p. These biological effects suggest that the plant may serve as a valuable supplementary treatment for managing gastric cancer.

Preparations

Fritillaria walujewii is prepared as Peiminine, a substance often utilized for palliative care in patients facing gastric cancer. This specific herbal remedy serves as a critical component in studies examining how to enhance the cytotoxicity of Doxorubicin. By utilizing Peiminine derived from the plant, researchers observed a significant reduction in the viability of AGS human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. The preparation also plays a key role in downregulating the expression of hsa-miR-106a-5p and hsa-miR-181a-5p within these cancer cells. Ultimately, the use of Peiminine from Fritillaria walujewii demonstrates potential as a supplementary treatment to improve chemotherapy effectiveness.

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