Laportea bulbifera
Laportea bulbifera · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Laportea bulbifera is a plant species recognized for its significant medicinal potential, particularly when utilizing its root as a primary source. Scientific investigations have identified key bioactive compounds within the plant, including chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, isoquercitrin, and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside. When prepared as a concentrated extract, these chemical constituents exhibit notable analgesic activities. Such properties make the plant a subject of interest for managing various health conditions, such as inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, research suggests its therapeutic value in addressing hyperlipidemia and irregular menstruation.
- Synonyms
- Laportea Evitata · Boehmeria Bodinieri · 14 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Urticaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root
Classification
Common Names
Laportea bulbifera is a versatile plant recognized globally through a diverse array of local names. In English-speaking regions, it is most frequently referred to as the Bulbous Nettle. This botanical identity shifts across linguistic borders, known as zhu ya ai ma or 珠芽桑葉麻 in Chinese contexts. Its presence is also documented in Russian literature as Лапортея клубненосная, highlighting its international reach. Finally, the species is identified in Japan as ムカゴイラクサ, illustrating the many ways this unique plant is categorized worldwide.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Laportea bulbifera is a taxonomically complex species that has been classified under several different scientific names throughout history. It is recognized by the synonym Boehmeria bodinieri, reflecting past botanical interpretations of its lineage. Additionally, the plant has been referred to in literature as Fleurya bulbifera. The species also encompasses various subspecies that have been treated as synonyms, including Laportea bulbifera subsp. dielsii and Laportea bulbifera subsp. latiuscula. Finally, the classification includes Laportea bulbifera subsp. rugosa, highlighting the intricate web of its botanical relationships.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Laportea bulbifera is a specialized member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. This plant belongs to the order Rosales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. Further narrowing its identity, it is nested within the genus Laportea. Ultimately, this unique organism is a distinctive representative of the Urticaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Urticaceae |
| Genus | Laportea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Laportea bulbifera exhibits a widespread distribution across the Asia-Temperate region, particularly within the diverse landscapes of China. Its presence is noted throughout various territories, including the North-Central and South-Central provinces of the country. Furthermore, the species can be found spanning the Southeast regions and the northern reaches of Manchuria. The plant also extends its range into the unique high-altitude environments of Tibet. This broad geographic spread highlights the plant's ability to adapt to many different Chinese climates.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Laportea bulbifera is characterized by its distinct growth form as a self-supporting herb. This plant typically maintains a modest stature within its natural habitat. Depending on environmental conditions, its height can range from a minimum of 0.2 m to a maximum of 1 m. Such compact dimensions allow it to thrive effectively in its specific ecological niche.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Laportea bulbifera is a significant species within the Laportea genus that holds substantial value in traditional ethnomedicine. While it has historically been used to treat conditions like rheumatic arthralgia and limb numbness, modern pharmacological research has begun to validate these traditional practices. Specifically, scientific studies have confirmed that the plant possesses notable analgesic activity. This pain-relieving potential is linked to a diverse array of isolated compounds, including flavonoids and fatty acids, which exhibit various therapeutic properties. As research continues, uncovering the specific mechanisms behind these analgesic effects will be essential for the future development of its medicinal applications.
Compounds
Laportea bulbifera is a medicinal plant characterized by a complex profile of bioactive phytochemicals. Research indicates that the plant contains several important phenolic compounds, including quercetin and galuteolin. Furthermore, its chemical composition features significant amounts of chlorogenic acid and cryptochlorogenic acid. Detailed analysis of its extracts also reveals the presence of various fatty acids. These diverse components contribute to the plant's therapeutic potential and its observed antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities.
Conditions
Laportea bulbifera demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by treating rheumatoid arthritis through the inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and the regulation of intestinal absorption. The plant extract also effectively treats adjuvant-induced arthritis by altering pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic profiles and targeting biomarkers like rheumatoid factor within the joint cavity. Research shows that its methanol root extract provides remarkable protective effects against d-galactosamine-induced liver damage. Furthermore, the plant is utilized in the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative imbalance due to its high antioxidant capacity. Traditional and modern pharmacological studies also support its use in treating falling injuries, such as fractures.
Preparations
Laportea bulbifera is prepared as an extract to investigate its intestinal absorption characteristics and metabolic processes in biological models. Researchers utilize this extract to study how various bioactive components, such as chlorogenic acid and quercetin, are absorbed through the intestine of both normal and rheumatoid arthritis rats. The preparation of the extract also allows for the identification of specific metabolites in rat feces using advanced mass spectrometry techniques. Furthermore, the extract is administered to develop pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic models that assess its local concentration and efficacy within the joint cavities of arthritic rats. These studies on the prepared extract provide a scientific foundation for understanding its therapeutic mechanisms and potential clinical applications.
Parts used
Laportea bulbifera serves as a significant subject for chemical investigation, particularly regarding its complex secondary metabolites. Recent studies have focused on extracting specific chemical constituents from the plant to better understand its biological properties. By utilizing 70% ethanol and silica gel column chromatography, researchers successfully isolated several distinct compounds. Notably, these chemical structures were identified specifically from the root of L. bulbifera. Among the findings, compounds 3 and 4 represent the first reports of these substances as natural products derived from this species.