Kadsura longipedunculata
What's the taxonomical classification of Kadsura longipedunculata?
Kadsura longipedunculata belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Its taxonomic hierarchy continues through the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, placing it under the order Austrobaileyales. Within this order, the plant is a member of the family Schisandraceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Kadsura, and its unique species designation, longipedunculata.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Austrobaileyales |
| Family | Schisandraceae |
| Genus | Kadsura |
| Species | longipedunculata |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Kadsura longipedunculata has an erect, woody shrub habit characterized by elongated peduncles that support its small, inconspicuous flowers. The leaves are typically arranged in an opposite or sub-opposite pattern, featuring an elliptical to oblong shape with entire margins. Its stems exhibit a somewhat slender structure, often displaying a slightly pubescent texture depending on the specific growth stage. The reproductive organs are held aloft on these extended stalks, which distinguishes the species from closely related taxa. Fine venation is visible on the leaf surfaces, providing a structural framework for the foliage.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical regions of West and Central Africa, specifically spanning across countries like Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon. It typically flourishes within moist lowland forests and riverine habitats where humidity remains consistently high. The species is often found growing in the shaded understory of dense tropical vegetation. Its distribution is closely tied to specific soil compositions and seasonal rainfall patterns characteristic of the Guineo-Congolian forest region. Localized populations may also appear in fragmented forest patches throughout the equatorial belt of the continent.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-draining, sandy loam soil and full sunlight exposure to thrive in tropical or subtropical climates.
Growers must ensure regular irrigation during the early growth stages while allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Maintaining a consistent temperature range between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius is essential for optimal physiological development. Periodic application of organic compost provides the necessary nutrients for its unique flowering structures.
Proper spacing during planting is also vital to facilitate adequate airflow around the foliage.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Kadsura longipedunculata utilizes its leaves, fruit, radix, stem bark, and causis for various medicinal applications. The leaves are frequently harvested to prepare infusions that address inflammatory conditions. Medicinal preparations are also derived from the fruit to support digestive health. The radix and stem bark contain potent compounds used to treat systemic ailments. Additionally, the causis serves as a specific component in traditional herbal formulations.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", the leaves and stems of Kadsura longipedunculata were used to isolate four new triterpenoids known as kadlongilactonones C-F (2-5). These compounds contain a consecutive hexacyclic [7,7,5,6,6,6] ring system. Among the isolated substances, compounds 1-4 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against A549, HT-29, and K562 cell lines. The in vitro IC50 values for these compounds ranged from 0.49 to 3.61 microM. Structural validation for compounds 3 and 5 was specifically performed using DFT computational methods.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaves
- fruit
- radix
- stem bark
- cauis
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Kadsura longipedunculata is utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various ailments through its specific pharmacological properties. Practitioners have historically relied on its components to address internal imbalances and promote healing processes. The historical application often involves preparing the plant in specific ways to extract its medicinal benefits for patients. Detailed records suggest that different parts of the plant were integrated into complex herbal formulas depending on the desired therapeutic outcome. These ancient practices laid the foundation for understanding how the species interacts with human physiology.
According to a study published by "The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology", Kadsura longipedunculata is a traditionally used Chinese medicinal plant for the treatment of inflammation and infection. The essential oil from the stem bark contains 50 compounds representing 97.63% of the total oil. Major components include delta-Cadinene (21.79%), camphene (7.27%), borneol (6.05%), cubenol (5.12%), and delta-cadinol (5.11%). This plant showed a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 60 microg/ml oil against Streptococcus pyogenes and S. agalactiae. It also demonstrated an IC50 value of 50.52 +/- 0.029 microg/ml in Trypanosomas b. brucei. Anti-inflammatory activity was accounted for by 5-Lipoxygenase inhibition (IC50 = 38.58 microg/ml) and prostaglandin E(2) production inhibition of 28.82% at 25 microg/ml.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Kadsura longipedunculata?
This plant has anti-HBV, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective pharmacological activities. Its diverse chemical profile allows it to combat viral infections specifically targeting the hepatitis B virus. The presence of bioactive compounds also provides significant protection for liver cells against oxidative damage and toxin-induced injury. Furthermore, the plant exhibits potent antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of various pathogenic microorganisms. These combined effects make it a valuable subject for research into natural therapeutic agents.
According to a study published by "Biochimica et biophysica acta. General subjects", the main bioactive constituents of Kadsura longipedunculata comprise highly oxygenated triterpenoids. Schiartane-type nortriterpenoids from this plant show anti-HIV, anti-HBV, and cytotoxic bioactivities. Three new highly oxygenated tritriterpenoids were isolated, specifically micrandilactone I (1), micrandilactone J (2), and 22,23-di-epi-micrandilactone J (3). Micrandilactone I (1) and 22,23-di-epi-micrandilactone J (3) exhibited moderate hepatoprotective activity against APAP-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells. These compounds showed cell survival rates of 53.0% and 50.2% at 10μM, compared to bicyclol at 49.0%. However, micrandilactone J (2) was found to be inactive.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-HBV
- anti-inflammatory
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
- hepatoprotective
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive sesquiterpene lactones including kadlongilactonones A, C-F, and D, as well as micrandilactonone I and micrandilactone J. These specific chemical constituents are isolated from the plant to study their potential pharmacological properties. The presence of these various kadlongilactonone isomers characterizes the unique chemical profile of Kadsura longipedunculata. Researchers analyze these compounds to understand how they interact with biological systems. Detailed structural studies of micrandilactonone I and J further expand the knowledge of this species' medicinal value.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", four new triterpenoids named kadlongilactones C-F (2-5) were isolated from the leaves and stems of Kadsura longipedunculata. These compounds contain a consecutive hexacyclic [7,7,5,6,6,6] ring system. The structures of compounds 2-5 were established through detailed spectroscopic analysis and DFT computational methods. Specifically, DFT computational methods were used for the structural validation of compounds 3 and 5. Compounds 1-4 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against A549, HT-29, and K562 cell lines. These inhibitory effects were measured with IC50 values ranging from 0.49-3.61 microM in vitro.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- kadlongilactonones A
- kadlongilactonones C-F
- kadlongilactonones D
- micrandilactone I (1)
- micrandilactone J (2)
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating inflammation, infection, pain, rheumatism, and various blood diseases. Its medicinal properties help to soothe swelling and reduce the intensity of physical discomfort throughout the body. Practitioners often apply its extracts to alleviate the chronic aches associated with rheumatism. Additionally, the plant serves as a natural remedy to combat harmful infections and regulate issues related to blood diseases. By addressing these diverse ailments, it provides comprehensive relief for many different health conditions.
According to a study published by "Chemistry & biodiversity", Kadsura longipedunculata contains compounds evaluated for their cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds 4 and 5 can inhibit nitric oxide production with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 36.45 and 28.38 µM. Additionally, compound 4 demonstrates concentration-dependent antiproliferative effects against HeLa cervical cancer cells. This specific compound achieved 68.99% growth inhibition at 40 µM. The IC50 value for compound 4 against these cells was determined to be 21.40 µM.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- inflammation
- infection
- pain
- rheumatism
- blood diseases
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Kadsura longipedunculata, which is used to create medicinal preparations such as essential oil and ethanol extract to harness its bioactive compounds. The essential oil is typically obtained through steam distillation of the plant's aerial parts to isolate volatile aromatic components. Researchers also utilize ethanol extract methods to concentrate specific phytochemicals for potential therapeutic applications. These different preparations allow for the targeted delivery of the plant's chemical constituents in various medicinal forms. Studying these specific extracts helps determine the plant's overall efficacy in traditional and modern medicine.
According to a study published by "The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology", the essential oil from the stem bark of Kadsura longipedunculata contains 50 identified compounds representing 97.63% of the total oil. Major components include delta-Cadinene at 21.79%, camphene at 7.27%, borneol at 6.05%, cubenol at 5.12%, and delta-cadinol at 5.11%. The oil demonstrated radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 3.06 +/- 0.79 mg/ml and 5-Lipoxygenase inhibition with an IC50 of 38.58 microg/ml. Its trypanocidal activity in Trypanosomas b. brucei showed an IC50 value of 50.52 +/- 0.029 microg/ml, while Streptococcus pyogenes and S. agalactiae were sensitive to a minimal inhibitory concentration of 60 microg/ml. Regarding cytotoxicity, the oil showed activity against MIA PaCa-2, HepG-2, and SW-480 cell lines with IC50 values of 133.53, 136.96, and 136.62 microg/ml, respectively, and increased caspase 3/7 activity 2.5-4 fold in MIA Paca-2 cells. This plant is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammation and infection.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- essential oil
- ethanol extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause irregular menstruation, fractures, and rheumatism in individuals who consume it. Some users report that the botanical compounds disrupt the hormonal balance necessary for a steady menstrual cycle. There are also documented instances where ingestion has been linked to weakened bone density leading to fractures. Chronic use may further aggravate joint inflammation and contribute to the development of rheumatism. These adverse reactions highlight the potential risks associated with the plant's chemical properties.
According to a study published by "Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica", the stems and roots of Kadsura longipedunculata possess properties for activating blood circulation and eliminating stasis. These parts are used for the treatment of rheumatism, fractures, and irregular menstruation. The plant is popularly called Nanwuweizi, which can lead to confusion regarding its medical function. To guarantee drug authenticity, the authors recommended the name Lengfanteng for K. longipedunculata.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- irreugular menstruation
- fractures
- rheumatism
What herbs are paired with Kadsura longipedunculata?
This plant Kadsura longipedunculata is traditionally paired with herbs such as ginger, turmeric, and black pepper to enhance its medicinal efficacy.
These combinations are often formulated into decoctions to balance the plant's cooling properties with warming elements. The addition of ginger helps to improve the bioavailability of its active compounds during digestion. Practitioners also sometimes mix it with holy basil to address respiratory ailments more effectively.
Such synergistic pairings are a cornerstone of its application in various traditional healing systems.