Ilex centrochinensis
Ilex centrochinensis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Ilex centrochinensis is a distinctive species within the holly family known for its unique botanical properties. Researchers have identified significant biological potential within the plant, particularly concerning its medicinal applications. Recent scientific studies have focused heavily on the leaf as the primary source of its bioactive compounds. Most notably, these components have demonstrated promising antitumor activities in various experimental models. This makes the plant a subject of great interest for ongoing pharmacological investigations.
- Synonyms
- Ilex Leptacantha · Ilex Aquifolium Var. Chinensis · 2 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Ilex centrochinensis is a distinctive botanical species known by several different regional names. In certain areas, it is commonly referred to as 華中枸骨. It is also frequently identified by the name 霍山冬青 among local enthusiasts. These varying common names reflect the plant's diverse presence across different cultural landscapes. Understanding these linguistic relationships is essential for accurate identification in the field.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Ilex centrochinensis is a complex botanical species that is frequently identified by several different scientific names. Within botanical literature, it is recognized by the synonym Ilex aquifolium var. chinensis. The plant is also categorized under the name Ilex dipyrena var. leptacantha in certain taxonomic contexts. Furthermore, researchers may encounter this species listed as Ilex huoshanensis or simply as Ilex leptacantha. Understanding these various synonyms is essential for ensuring accurate identification and classification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Ilex centrochinensis is a fascinating member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further belongs to the specific order Aquifoliales, showcasing its unique evolutionary lineage. This plant is a distinguished representative of the genus Ilex, which is well-known to botanists. Finally, it is nested within the family Aquifoliaceae, completing its detailed taxonomic profile.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Aquifoliales |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus | Ilex |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Ilex centrochinensis is a distinctive species primarily found within the Asia-temperate climatic zone. Its natural distribution is centered heavily in China, where it thrives in various local environments. More specifically, the plant is well-established throughout the China South-Central region. This geographic concentration makes it a significant component of the local temperate flora. Understanding its specific range is essential for studying its ecological role within these particular habitats.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Biological Activities
Ilex centrochinensis has demonstrated significant potential in pharmacological research due to its notable antitumor activity. Recent studies focused on the leaves of this species to isolate and identify various chemical constituents through advanced chromatography techniques. Researchers successfully identified ten distinct compounds, including several that were being documented within the Ilex genus for the very first time. Among these, specific flavan derivatives showed strong cytotoxic effects against Huh7 cell lines, while others like ursolic acid and oleanolic acid exhibited activity against Caco-2 cells. These findings highlight the plant's promise as a source of bioactive molecules for future cancer research and drug development.
Compounds
Conditions
Ilex centrochinensis contains various chemical constituents that demonstrate significant antitumor activity against specific cancer cell lines. The plant's isolated compounds, specifically (2S)-5,4'-dihydroxy-7,3'-dimethoxyflavan and (2S)-5,4'-dihydroxy-7-methoxyflavan, show strong cytotoxic effects when treating Huh7 cell lines. Additionally, other compounds derived from the species, such as ursolic acid, uvaol, and oleanolic acid, exhibit weak cytotoxic activity against Caco-2 cell lines. These interactions highlight the potential of the plant's bioactive molecules to inhibit the growth of both Huh7 and Caco-2 cells. Consequently, the research confirms that Ilex centrochinensis possesses targeted medicinal properties against these different cellular models.
Preparations
Parts used
Ilex centrochinensis contains various bioactive chemical constituents primarily located within its leaves. Through advanced chromatographic techniques, researchers have successfully isolated a diverse range of compounds, including several flavans, flavanones, and flavones. Notably, the study identified several new natural products, such as specific 5,8-quinoflavans, that had not been previously documented in this species. These leaf-derived compounds have demonstrated significant potential in medicinal research, particularly regarding their cytotoxic activity against Huh7 cell lines. Ultimately, the phytochemical investigation of these leaves provides essential insights into the plant's complex chemical profile and its antitumor properties.