Hemerocallis citrina
What's the taxonomical classification of Hemerocallis citrina?
Hemerocallis citrina belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Asparagales. This specific plant is a part of the family Asphodelaceae, falling under the genus Hemerocallis, with its unique designation being the species citrina.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Genus | Hemerocallis |
| Species | citrina |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Hemerocallis citrina has strap-like, linear leaves that grow in basal clumps and large, funnel-shaped flowers with six tepals in shades of pale blue or lavender. The foliage consists of long, arching green blades that emerge directly from the ground to form a dense mound. Each bloom features a distinct throat, often displaying a contrasting yellow or white center. The plant produces sturdy, upright flowering stalks that rise above the leaf canopy to support multiple buds. These stalks eventually give way to small, rounded seed capsules once the flowering period concludes.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the eastern regions of China, spanning across several provinces where its natural habitat thrives. While it originated in East Asia, it has been widely introduced to other temperate parts of the world for ornamental purposes. In many non-native regions, it is frequently found in cultivated gardens and landscaped urban areas. Its ability to adapt to various soil types has allowed it to spread beyond its original boundaries. Consequently, it is now common in many botanical collections throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires full sun to partial shade exposure and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.
You should water the specimens regularly during periods of drought to maintain consistent moisture in the root zone. Applying a balanced organic fertilizer in early spring promotes vigorous foliage development and abundant flowering. These perennials are exceptionally hardy and can tolerate a wide range of soil types including sandy or clay-heavy compositions.
Spacing plants approximately twelve inches apart allows sufficient airflow to prevent fungal diseases within the clump.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Hemerocallis citrina is utilized medicinally through its buds, flowers, leaves, and roots. The flower and buds are often processed to create decoctions that help soothe the digestive tract. Dried leaves can be steeped into teas to address various inflammatory conditions. Additionally, the roots are harvested and prepared to serve as a traditional remedy for internal ailments. Each specific part offers distinct therapeutic properties depending on the preparation method used.
According to a study published by "BMC complementary and alternative medicine", the flower and bud parts of Hemerocallis citrina are used medicinally and are known as Wang-You-Cao. Pretreatment of PC12 cells with the extract and phenolic fractions of these flowers at concentrations ranging from 0.63 to 5 mg raw material/mL significantly reversed neurotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner. The fractions containing phenolic acid derivatives, which consist of 0.59% w/w in the flowers, exerted a dose-dependent neuroprotective effect. Additionally, fractions containing flavonoids at 0.60% w/w also exerted a similar dose-dependent effect. These phenolic acid derivatives and flavonoids were likely the active constituents that conferred neuroprotection.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bud
- flower
- leaf
- root
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Hemerocallis citrina has been utilized within Traditional Chinese Medicine to address various internal ailments and physiological imbalances. Practitioners have historically relied on its roots and leaves to treat issues related to blood stagnation and menstrual irregularities. In many regional folk traditions, the plant is also applied topically to soothe skin irritations or reduce localized inflammation. These historical applications often focus on its perceived ability to clear heat and detoxify the body. Such long-standing medicinal practices highlight the botanical importance of the species in ancient healing systems.
According to a study published by "International journal of molecular sciences", Hemerocallis citrina is an herbaceous perennial plant. This plant has been utilized in Asian cuisine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Researchers tested the therapeutic potential of various extracts including HCE30%, HCE50%, and HCN. Chronic treatment with the HCE30% extract was found to ameliorate motor deficits in models of two human genetic neurodegenerative diseases. These specific models included Machado-Joseph Disease/Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 3 (MJD/SCA3) and Frontotemporal Dementia with Parkinsonism associated to chromosome 17 (FTDP-17).
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Hemerocallis citrina?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, antidepressant-like, antioxidant, antitumor, and neuroprotective pharmacological activities. Its diverse chemical profile allows it to combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals in biological systems. These antioxidant properties contribute significantly to its neuroprotective potential, helping to shield neurons from damage. Furthermore, the plant exhibits antidepressant-like effects that may influence mood regulation through complex biochemical pathways. Research also suggests that its antitumor capabilities can assist in inhibiting the growth and progression of certain cancer cells.
According to a study published by "Life sciences in space research", Hemerocallis citrina Baroni is a perennial herb possessing antidepressant, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. When administered at a dose of 2 g/kg/day via oral gavage for 28 days, the Hemerocallis citrina extract (HCE) was found to ameliorate cognitive impairments and depression-like behaviors induced by sleep deprivation. The HCE treatment reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-6 in both the serum and the hippocampus. Furthermore, the HCE suppressed microglial activation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) as well as the CA1 and dentate gyrus (DG) regions of the hippocampus. These activities include the inhibition of phosphorylated NF-κB expression and the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antidepressant-like effects
- antioxidant
- antitumor
- neuroprotective
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several specific medicinal compounds including hemerocalliin (VII), hemerocallone (VI), obtusifolin (III), 2-methoxy-obtusifolin (II), and various flavonoids. These bioactive substances contribute to the complex chemical profile of the Hemerocallis citrina species. Research into these constituents often focuses on their potential pharmacological activities and therapeutic properties. The presence of flavonoids specifically suggests antioxidant or anti-inflammatory capabilities within the plant's extract. Each of these identified molecules plays a distinct role in the overall chemical composition of the species.
According to a study published by "Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials", 7 compounds were isolated and identified from the root of Hemerocallis citrina. These chemical constituents include chrysophanol(I), 2-methoxy-obtusifolin(II), obtusifolin (III), rhein (IV), aloe-emodin (V), hemerocallone ( VI) and hemerocallin (VII). The compounds were extracted by microwave method and purified by silica gel column. Specifically, compounds IV and VI are isolated from this plant for the first time.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- hemerocallin (VII)
- hemerocallone ( VI)
- obtusifolin (III)
- 2-methoxy-obtusifolin(II)
- flavonoids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating cognitive decline, cognitive deficits, cognitive impairment, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuroinflammation. Research suggests that its bioactive compounds may help protect the brain from the progressive damage associated with various neurological disorders. By targeting neuroinflammation, the plant helps mitigate the biological triggers that lead to memory loss and decreased mental function. These therapeutic properties make it a subject of interest for managing the complex symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. Ultimately, its ability to combat cognitive deficits offers potential pathways for enhancing long-term brain health.
According to a study published by "Life sciences in space research", Hemerocallis citrina Baroni is used to address cognitive deficits and depressive-like behaviours induced by sleep deprivation. The plant possesses antidepressant, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. In the study, Hemerocallis citrina extract was administered at 2 g/kg/day via oral gavage for 28 days. This treatment ameliorated impairments in short- and long-term spatial and nonspatial memory and mitigated depression-like behaviors. Additionally, the extract reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-18, and IL-6 in the serum and hippocampus. These findings suggest the plant is beneficial for the prevention and treatment of cognitive decline and depression.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cognitive impairment
- neuroinflammation
- neurotoxicity
- oxidative stress
- neurodegenerative diseases
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations including the HCE30% extract and the traditional formula known as Xuancaogen. These preparations are primarily utilized in clinical research and traditional medicine to study their potential effects on various physiological processes. The HCE30% extract represents a standardized concentration of active compounds derived from the plant tissues. Xuancaogen serves as a specific herbal formulation that incorporates these botanical elements for therapeutic application. Researchers continue to investigate the chemical constituents of these preparations to better understand their pharmacological properties.
According to a study published by "International journal of molecular sciences", Hemerocallis citrina is an herbaceous perennial plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Researchers tested the therapeutic potential of extracts known as HCE30%, HCE50%, and HCN in vivo using models of two human genetic neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic treatment with the HCE30% extract ameliorated the motor deficits typically observed in these models. The effect on the motor phenotype of the MJD/SCA3 model was dependent on serotonergic signaling and the action of the HLH-30/TFEB transcription factor. These findings suggest that phytochemicals from the plant act through the modulation of serotonergic neurotransmission.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- HCE30% extract
- Xuancaogen
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if ingested by humans or pets. These gastrointestinal side effects are the primary health concerns associated with the consumption of its tissues. The toxicity is often triggered when individuals accidentally eat the leaves or flowers. Symptoms typically manifest shortly after ingestion as the body reacts to the plant's compounds. Monitoring for these digestive issues is essential if accidental exposure is suspected.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
What herbs are paired with Hemerocallis citrina?
This plant, Hemerocallis citrina, pairs best with aromatic herbs like lavender, rosemary, and sage to create a balanced garden aesthetic.
The silvery foliage of lavender provides a striking textural contrast to the bright green leaves of the daylily. Pairing these species together also helps attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the shared space. Rosemary and sage offer structural stability and year-round interest that complements the seasonal bloom cycle of the Hemerocallis citrina.
These combinations ensure that the garden remains visually engaging even when the daylilies are not in flower.