Holoptelea integrifolia
What's the taxonomical classification of Holoptelea integrifolia?
Holoptelea integrifolia 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. Following its taxonomic progression, the plant is placed in the order Rosales and the family Ulmaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Holoptelea and is specifically designated as the species integrifolia.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Ulmaceae |
| Genus | Holoptelea |
| Species | integrifolia |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Holoptelea integrifolia has small, simple, opposite leaves with entire margins, woody stems, and small, inconspicuous flowers arranged in axillary clusters. The leaves are typically elliptical to lanceolate in shape and possess a somewhat leathery texture. Its branches exhibit a slender, spreading growth habit characteristic of many shrubs in the Euphorbiaceae family. The plant produces small capsules that contain tiny seeds, which are often dispersed by wind or water. This species is often distinguished by its compact structure and smooth, light-colored bark.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, specifically spanning across Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of Sonora and Chihuahua. It typically inhabits desert scrublands and rocky slopes within the Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert ecosystems. The species prefers well-drained soils found in canyon bottoms and bajadas where moisture is occasionally available. Its range is strictly limited to these subtropical drylands characterized by low annual rainfall. Localized populations are often found in specific microclimates that support xeric vegetation.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-drained, sandy soils and full sunlight to thrive in its natural habitat.
It is best cultivated in warm climates where it can receive consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. Seedlings should be planted in early spring to allow sufficient time for root establishment before the dry season. Maintaining regular weeding around the base helps prevent competition for essential nutrients.
Once established, the plant is relatively hardy and demands minimal supplemental care.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Holoptelea integrifolia provides medicinal utility through the use of its bark, leaf, pericarp, and seed. The bark is harvested to extract specific compounds used in traditional remedies. Leaves are often prepared as infusions to treat various ailments. The pericarp serves as a source for specialized medicinal applications. Additionally, the seeds contain bioactive elements that contribute to its healing properties.
According to a study published by "Pakistan journal of pharmaceuatical sciences", the bark and leaves of Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb.) Planch. are used to make Intericutol plus ointment. This study included 150 patients who were divided into two groups of 75 patients each to test 2% and 3% ointment concentrations. A dose of 10gm/week was applied topically on wounds for 28 days. The 3% ointment showed an 89% cure rate, while the 2% ointment showed an 81% cure rate (p=0.02). The results indicated that the ointment made from these plant parts is effective in treating cutaneous Leishmaniasis.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
- leaf
- pericarp
- seed
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Holoptelea integrifolia, is historically utilized in various traditional medicinal systems including Ayurveda for its specific therapeutic properties. In Ayurvedic practice, different parts of the plant are often integrated into formulations meant to address specific physiological imbalances. Historical records suggest that indigenous groups have also employed the species for practical purposes such as making tools or dyes. These traditional uses highlight the plant's multifaceted role in both cultural rituals and daily survival. Understanding these historical applications provides insight into the botanical knowledge passed down through generations.
According to a study published by "RSC advances", Holoptelea integrifolia, also known as the Indian Elm Tree, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its medicinal properties. Two biologically active metabolites, 5(6) dihydrostigmast 22en 3-O-beta-glucoside (DHS) and 1-O-eicosanoyl glycerol-2'-O-beta-galacturonic (EGG), were isolated from the n-butanol fraction. EGG demonstrated significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex type-1 (HSV-1) and Coxsackie (CoxB4) viruses. This metabolite presented a selectivity index (SI) of 18.18 against HSV-1 and 15.58 against CoxB4 viruses. DHS showed the highest inhibitory potency against drug-resistant strains and displayed the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ayurveda
What are the pharmacological activities of Holoptelea integrifolia?
This plant has analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial pharmacological activities. These properties are derived from its diverse collection of secondary metabolites that interact with biological systems. The antioxidant capacity helps neutralize free radicals and reduces oxidative stress within cells. Additionally, its ability to inhibit bacterial growth makes it a potent candidate for antimicrobial research. These combined effects suggest significant therapeutic potential for treating pain and infectious conditions.
According to a study published by "BioMed research international", Holoptelea integrifolia is a versatile medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment and prevention of ailments such as leprosy, inflammation, rickets, leucoderma, scabies, rheumatism, ringworm, eczema, malaria, intestinal cancer, and chronic wounds. In vitro and in vivo pharmacological investigations on crude extracts and isolated compounds have demonstrated antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, adaptogenic, anticancer, wound healing, hepatoprotective, larvicidal, antiemetic, CNS depressant, and hypolipidemic activities. Phytochemical analysis identified the presence of terpenoids, sterols, saponins, tannins, proteins, carbohydrates, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, and quinines. Numerous specific compounds have been isolated from the species, including Holoptelin-A, Holoptelin-B, friedlin, epifriedlin, β-amyrin, stigmasterol, β-sitosterol, 1,4-napthalenedione, betulin, betulinic acid, hexacosanol, and octacosanol.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- analgesic
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-oxidant
- antibacterial
- antimicrobial
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the specific medicinal compounds Holoptelin-A, Holoptelin-B, betulin, betulinic acid, and friedlin. These chemical constituents are often studied for their diverse biological activities and potential therapeutic applications. Holoptelin-A and Holoptelin-B represent unique alkaloids identified within the species. Additionally, the presence of triterpenoids like betulin and betulinic acid contributes to the plant's complex chemical profile. Friedlin serves as another significant component found within its organic makeup.
According to a study published by "BioMed research international", Holoptelea integrifolia contains various phytochemicals such as terpenoids, sterols, saponins, tannins, proteins, carbohydrates, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, and quinines. Numerous specific compounds have been identified and isolated from the plant species, including Holoptelin-A, Holoptelin-B, friedlin, epifriedlin, β -amyrin, stigmasterol, β -sitosterol, 1, 4-napthalenedione, betulin, betulinic acid, hexacosanol, and octacosanol. These identified compounds and crude extracts demonstrate a wide range of activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, antidiarrhoeal, adaptogenic, anticancer, wound healing, hepatoprotective, larvicidal, antiemetic, CNS depressant, and hypolipidemic effects. The plant is traditionally used for treating ailments like leprosy, inflammation, rickets, leucoderma, scabies, rheumatism, ringworm, eczema, malaria, intestinal cancer, and chronic wounds. Further studies on these chemical constituents and their mechanisms are needed to ensure their eligibility for modern medicines.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Holoptelin-A
- Holoptelin-B
- betulin
- betulinic acid
- friedlin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Coxsackie (CoxB4) viruses, ESBL-Escherichia coli, Fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans, and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Its medicinal properties target a wide array of highly resistant bacterial and fungal pathogens. Research indicates that the botanical extracts can effectively combat multidrug-resistant strains that traditional antibiotics often fail to control. Additionally, the plant shows significant potential in neutralizing specific viral threats like the Coxsackie B4 strain. This broad spectrum of activity makes it a valuable subject in the study of natural antimicrobial agents.
According to a study published by "RSC advances", Holoptelea integrifolia has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its medicinal properties. The n-butanol fraction of the plant exhibited weak antiviral effects, while its isolated metabolites DHS and EGG demonstrated significant antiviral activity against herpes simplex type-1 (HSV-1) and Coxsackie (CoxB4) viruses. Specifically, EGG presented a selectivity index (SI) of 18.18 against HSV-1 and 15.58 against CoxB4 viruses. Regarding antibacterial activity, the metabolite DHS showed high inhibitory potency against drug-resistant strains, including MRSA and Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pnueomia. DHS also exhibited significant inhibitions against Fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans and ESBL - Escherichia coli.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pnemuonia
- ESBL - Escherichia coli
- Fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans
- MRSA
- beta-lactam resistant Staphylococcus aureus
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations including a powder in fine suspension, an acetone extract, and a topical ointment. The acetone extract is frequently utilized to isolate specific bioactive compounds for more concentrated therapeutic applications. Practitioners may also utilize the plant as a powder in fine suspension to ensure even distribution during administration. For localized skin treatments, the botanical components are often processed into a stable ointment. These diverse formulations allow for various methods of delivery depending on the intended medicinal effect.
According to a study published by "Ancient science of life", medicinal plant preparations of Holoptelai integrifolia (Chirubilva) were used in adipose cell suspension. These preparations included powder in fine suspension, water, and alcoholic extract forms. The study evaluated the effect of these Holoptelai integrifolia preparations on adipose tissue metabolism in rats. The results showed that the preparations from this plant exhibited lipolytic action to mobilize fat from adipose tissues in rats. Consequently, these preparations helped in the reduction of obesity.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Powder in fine suspension
- acetone extract
- ointment
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse health reactions such as skin irritation, digestive upset, and mild allergic responses in sensitive individuals. Contact with the foliage or stems may lead to localized dermatitis or redness on the skin. If accidentally ingested, the plant can trigger nausea, abdominal cramping, or general stomach discomfort. Some people may also experience respiratory irritation if the pollen or fine particles are inhaled. Monitoring these symptoms is essential when working near the species.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Holoptelea integrifolia?
This plant, Holoptelea integrifolia, is best paired with woody aromatic herbs like rosemary and sage to complement its subtle, earthy undertones.
These robust flavors help balance the plant's unique profile during culinary or medicinal applications. Pairing it with lavender can also provide a floral contrast that enhances its natural scent. Additionally, incorporating thyme helps ground the more delicate notes found in the foliage.
Utilizing these specific combinations ensures a well-rounded sensory experience.