Kadsura coccinea
Kadsura coccinea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Kadsura coccinea is a versatile botanical species that offers significant therapeutic potential through its various plant parts, including the stem, root, leaf, and fruit. Research into its chemical composition has identified key bioactive compounds such as lignans, (+)-anwulignan, coccinilactone A, and kadsuric acid. When prepared as roots or through 80% acetone and EtOAc-soluble extracts, the plant exhibits potent antifungal, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities. These properties suggest that the plant may play a role in managing medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, duodenal ulcers, inflammation, and oxidative damage. Consequently, studying its specific fractions provides a foundation for developing new treatments for complex inflammatory and oxidative disorders.
- Synonyms
- Cosbaea Coccinea · Schisandra Hanceana · 7 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Schisandraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem · Root
Classification
Common Names
Kadsura coccinea is a versatile plant known by several distinct names across different languages and cultures. In English-speaking regions, it is frequently referred to as the crimson kadsura. Its diverse identity is further reflected in the Chinese names hei lao hu and 緋紅南五味子. In Russian contexts, the species is recognized as Кадсура ярко-красная. Additionally, it is commonly called hei lao hu, showcasing the rich linguistic variety associated with this unique species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Kadsura coccinea is a botanical species that has been identified under several different scientific names throughout history. Researchers have frequently documented this plant using the synonym Cosbaea coccinea to describe its unique characteristics. It is also closely associated with various other taxonomic designations, such as Kadsura ananosma and Kadsura calophylla. Further literature lists Kadsura cavaleriei as an alternative name used to categorize this particular specimen. Finally, the plant is linked to Kadsura chinensis var. annamensis, reflecting the complex linguistic history of its classification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Kadsura coccinea is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further finds its specific placement within the order Austrobaileyales. This species is a member of the Schisandraceae family, showcasing its unique evolutionary traits. Finally, it is identified more precisely by its membership in the genus Kadsura.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Austrobaileyales |
| Family | Schisandraceae |
| Genus | Kadsura |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Kadsura coccinea is a versatile species with a wide geographic range spanning across various Asian climates. Within the temperate regions of China, it can be found throughout the South-Central and Southeast territories, including the island of Hainan. The plant also thrives in tropical environments, extending its reach into the Indo-China peninsula. Specifically, its distribution encompasses the lush landscapes of both Laos and Myanmar. This broad ecological presence highlights the plant's ability to adapt to diverse habitats across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Kadsura coccinea is characterized by an obligatory climbing habit, meaning it relies entirely on other structures for support to reach the light.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Kadsura coccinea is a versatile plant species that yields various bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic potential. Research into the stems of the plant has led to the isolation of sesquiterpenoids like kadcoccinin A, which exhibit notable antifungal and cytotoxic effects. Beyond these stem-derived compounds, the fruit of the plant serves as a rich source of polysaccharides with impressive health-promoting properties. These fruit polysaccharides, specifically KCFP, have demonstrated a strong antioxidant capacity through their ability to scavenge free radicals. Taken together, these findings highlight the plant's diverse biological activities, ranging from combating oxidative damage to fighting fungal pathogens.
Compounds
Kadsura coccinea is a medicinal plant renowned for its complex chemical profile, which includes a diverse array of bioactive lignans. Detailed chemical investigations have identified specific constituents such as the triterpenoid coccinilactone A within its roots. The plant's fruit is also a significant source of polysaccharides, notably containing galacturonic acid. Furthermore, the species produces unique compounds like kadsuric acid, which contribute to its therapeutic potential. Recent network pharmacology studies have even highlighted the importance of specific molecules like kadcoccinone F in modulating inflammatory pathways.
Conditions
Kadsura coccinea contains bioactive lignans that effectively treat nitric oxide (NO) production by inhibiting its release in activated macrophage-like cells. The plant's constituent binankadsurin A also treats acetaminophen-induced liver injury and APAP-induced acute liver damage by mitigating oxidative stress through the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, research indicates that Kadsura coccinea treats rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by modulating inflammatory signaling and immune regulation. Through a multi-component and multi-target mechanism, the plant's compounds interact with key targets to manage the progression of RA. These diverse pharmacological activities highlight the plant's significant therapeutic potential for liver protection and inflammatory disease management.
Preparations
Kadsura coccinea is prepared as roots for the isolation of various lignans and lanostane-type triterpenoids used in medicinal studies. The plant is also prepared as an 80% acetone extract to facilitate chemical investigations of its bioactive components. From this extract, an EtOAc fraction is specifically obtained to isolate novel arylnaphthalene and dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans. Additionally, the plant is prepared as an EtOAc-soluble extract from its stems to identify unique rearranged 6/6/5/6-fused triterpenoid acids. Finally, Kadsura coccinea is prepared as fruits, which serve as a source of binankadsurin A for mitigating liver injury.
Parts used
Kadsura coccinea is a medicinal plant utilized in traditional medicine for its diverse pharmacological properties. Research indicates that various parts of the plant, including the stem and root, serve as significant sources for isolating bioactive compounds like lignans and triterpenoids. Detailed transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses have been conducted on the leaves, stems, and roots to better understand the genetic mechanisms behind its chemical biosynthesis. Furthermore, the fruits of the species have been identified as rich sources of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, such as binankadsurin A, which offers hepatoprotective benefits. By studying these different anatomical components, scientists continue to uncover the therapeutic potential of this versatile climbing plant.