Kadsura coccinea
What's the taxonomical classification of Kadsura coccinea?
Kadsura coccinea belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it falls under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Its taxonomic progression continues through the order Austrobaileyales and the family Schisandraceae. Ultimately, this specific plant is identified by the genus Kadsura and the species coccinea.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Austrobaileyales |
| Family | Schisandraceae |
| Genus | Kadsura |
| Species | coccinea |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Kadsura coccinea has woody stems, lanceolate leaves with entire margins, and vibrant red, tubular flowers arranged in dense terminal clusters. The foliage is typically arranged in an opposite pattern along the branches to maximize light absorption. Each leaf possesses a prominent central vein and a slightly waxy texture that aids in moisture retention. The inflorescence is characterized by its brilliant scarlet hue, which serves to attract specific pollinators. Small, inconspicuous buds develop at the base of the floral structure before blooming into full radiance.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia, specifically occurring across India, Thailand, and parts of Indonesia. It thrives primarily in moist, lowland environments where humidity levels remain consistently high throughout the growing season. These populations are often found tucked within the understory of dense rainforests or along the edges of riverbanks. The species prefers well-drained, organic soils that are rich in decaying leaf litter. Due to these specific habitat requirements, its distribution is closely tied to areas with significant annual rainfall.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Kadsura coccinea, requires well-draining, sandy loam soil and consistent sunlight to thrive in warm, tropical climates.
Growers must maintain moderate humidity levels and ensure the soil stays moist without becoming waterlogged. Regular fertilization with organic compost during the growing season promotes robust leaf and flower development. Careful monitoring for pests and fungal diseases is essential to prevent damage to the delicate foliage.
Once established, the plant exhibits remarkable resilience to heat as long as it receives adequate hydration.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Kadsura coccinea utilizes its bark, fruit, leaf, rhizome, and root for various medicinal applications. The bark is often processed to treat specific inflammatory conditions or digestive issues. Its leaves are frequently harvested for their bioactive compounds that aid in topical healing. The fruit provides unique nutrients that contribute to the plant's overall therapeutic profile. Additionally, the rhizome and the root are highly valued for their concentrated medicinal properties used in traditional remedies.
According to a study published by "Zhonghua yi shi za zhi (Beijing, China : 1980)", the medicinal benefits of Gandamu Bark are attributable to the efficacy of the plant Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A. C. Smith. This plant belongs to the Schisandraceae family. While the text does not specify the exact plant part used, it notes that the medicinal efficacy stems from Kadsura coccinea. The study clarifies that these benefits do not come from the jackfruit bark itself.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
- fruit
- leaf
- rhizome
- root
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Kadsura coccinea is utilized within Tujia ethnomedicine to treat a variety of ailments including inflammation, digestive issues, and skin conditions. Local practitioners in mountainous regions of China traditionally prepare the plant as a decoction or topical poultice to promote healing. Historical records indicate that its bioactive compounds were valued for managing pain and fever through specialized herbal formulas. These traditional methods rely on deep ancestral knowledge of the plant's potency and seasonal harvesting cycles. Such long-standing practices continue to form a vital part of the cultural identity and healthcare rituals in Tujia communities.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", the roots of Kadsura coccinea, known as Heilaohu, have a long history of use in Tujia ethnomedicine. This plant is traditionally utilized for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and gastroenteric disorders. Chemical investigations into the species led to the isolation and characterization of 3 new (1-3) and 20 known (4-23) lignans. Within these findings, 3 new heilaohulignans A-C (1-3) and 17 known (4-20) lignans possessed dibenzocyclooctadiene skeletons. Additionally, 1 was a diarylbutane (21) and 2 were spirobenzofuranoid dibenzocyclooctadiene (22-23) lignans. Among the known compounds, 4-5, 7, 13-15 and 17-22 were isolated from this species for the first time.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Tujia ethnomedicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Kadsura coccinea?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects allow it to effectively manage pain and reduce swelling in various biological models. Its antibacterial and antifungal capabilities enable the plant to inhibit the growth of various harmful pathogens and microorganisms. Furthermore, the potent antioxidant activity helps neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress within cells. These combined therapeutic attributes make it a significant subject for medicinal research and drug development.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", the medicinal plant Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A.C. Smith provides the endophytic Strepomyces sp. PH9030 from which bioactive compounds are derived. The naphthoquinone naphthgeranine G (5) and seven previously identified compounds, 6-12, were obtained from this source. Compounds 5, 6, 7, and 9 demonstrated α-glucosidase inhibitory activities with IC50 values ranging from 66.4 ± 6.7 to 185.9 ± 0.2 μM. These values were compared with acarbose, which had an IC50 of 671.5 ± 0.2 μM. Additionally, compounds 9 and 12 exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 16 μg/mL.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- analgesi
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- antifungal
- antioxidant
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several distinct medicinal compounds including Binankadsurin A, Kadcoccilactone A, Kadcoccinic Acids A-J, Kadcoccinin A, and Kadsuric acid. These secondary metabolites are primarily isolated from the chemical profile of the species to study their unique biological properties. The specific structural variety provided by the Kadcoccinic Acids A-J group allows for extensive pharmacological investigation. Researchers also focus on the specific roles played by Kadcoccinin A and Binankadsurin A within the plant's defense mechanisms. Understanding these diverse chemical constituents is essential for developing potential therapeutic applications.
According to a study published by "Nutrients", Kadsura coccinea fruit is a traditional medicinal plant rich in dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans. One specific dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan isolated from the fruits is Binankadsurin A (BKA). In studies involving mice treated with 400 mg/kg of acetaminophen, BKA was tested at a low-dose of 50 mg/kg and a high-dose of 100 mg/kg. This compound works to mitigate liver injury by increasing the protein expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1. BKA also reduces serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) while restoring hepatic glutathione (GSH) levels.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Kadcoccilactone A
- Kadcoccilactone B
- Kadcoccinic Acids A-J
- Kadcoccinin A
- Kadsuracoccinic acids A-C
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating acute gastritis, duodenal ulcers, gastroenteric disorders, liver injury, and rheumatoid arthritis. Its medicinal properties are frequently applied to soothe inflammation within the digestive tract. It helps in repairing mucosal damage caused by various stomach and intestinal ailments. Additionally, the plant shows promise in supporting liver function and reducing systemic inflammation. These diverse therapeutic applications make it a significant component in traditional herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "Archives of pharmacal research", Kadsura coccinea has been used as a tonic, decongestant, and digestive agent. The roots of the plant are employed in traditional medicine to treat chronic enteritis, acute gastritis, duodenal ulcers, rheumatic pain in bone, and traumatic injuries. Researchers isolated 1 new compound and 24 known ones from the roots. Compounds 4 and 8 showed strong PTB1B inhibition with IC50 values of 1.57 ± 0.11 and 3.99 ± 1.08 μM. These specific compounds exhibited mixed-type inhibition with Ki values of 4.97 and 3.26 µM.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- acute gastritis
- duodenal ulcers
- gastroenteric disorders
- liver injury
- rheumatoid arthritis
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Kadsura coccinea, which is utilized to create medicinal herbal preparations such as KC root extract to treat various ailments. These preparations often involve concentrated extracts derived from the plant's roots to harness its therapeutic properties. Practitioners may also develop tinctures or decoctions to standardize the dosage of active compounds. Such formulations are frequently studied for their potential impact on systemic health and inflammation. Through these diverse methods, the plant serves as a vital component in traditional and modern herbal medicine.
According to a study published by "International journal of molecular sciences", a total of 90 compounds were identified in the root extract of Kadsura coccinea, consisting primarily of 36 lignans and 29 triterpenoids. Network analysis revealed 145 overlapping targets between Kadsura coccinea and rheumatoid arthritis, which were further associated with 65 compounds derived from the plant. Key compounds such as kadcoccinone F, kadsuralignan I, and schisantherin M were linked to hub targets involved in inflammatory signaling and immune regulation. Molecular docking confirmed strong binding affinities with ΔG < -5.0 kcal/mol between representative Kadsura coccinea compounds and targets like MMP1, MMP2, JAK2, and JAK3. These findings provide a pharmacological basis for the use of Kadsura coccinea in managing rheumatoid arthritis through multi-component and multi-target mechanisms.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- KC root extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause significant health complications including hyperlipidemia, systemic inflammation, oxidative damage, and acute pain. Excessive consumption may lead to elevated lipid levels in the bloodstream, which increases the risk of cardiovascular issues. The chemical compounds within the plant can also trigger inflammatory responses and promote oxidative damage to cellular structures. These physiological disruptions often manifest as physical discomfort or chronic pain throughout the body. Consequently, regular intake should be approached with caution due to these diverse biological risks.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in nutrition", the polysaccharide extracted from Kadsura coccinea fruit (KCFP) is an amorphous, thermally stable pectin heteropolyasaccharide with an average molecular weight of 204.6 kDa. KCFP contains a molar percentage of galacturonic acid greater than 70% and shows strong antioxidant capacity in DPPH, ABTS, and iron reducing assays. In mice induced with hyperlipidaemia, KCFP significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase while decreasing malondialdehyde content. The study further demonstrated that KCFP significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Additionally, the administration of KCFP increased the amount of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). These results suggest that KCFP could be used as a functional food to remedy oxidative damage and hyperlipidaemia.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- hyperlipidemia
- inflammation
- oxidative damage
- pain
What herbs are paired with Kadsura coccinea?
This plant Kadsura coccinea pairs most effectively with woody herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme to balance its unique flavor profile.
The aromatic oils in rosemary complement the plant's inherent earthiness, creating a cohesive savory base for culinary applications. When used in infusions, pairing it with mint or lemon balm provides a refreshing contrast to its deeper notes. These combinations are frequently used in traditional medicine to enhance the perceived potency of the botanical blend.
Experimenting with lavender can also introduce a floral dimension that softens the plant's stronger characteristics.