Lilium lancifolium
What's the taxonomical classification of Lilium lancifolium?
Lilium lancifoliuom belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. Following its taxonomic progression, it is situated in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Liliales, it is a member of the family Liliaceae, falling under the genus Lilium, and is specifically identified by its species name, lancifolium.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Genus | Lilium |
| Species | lancifolium |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Lilium lancifoliuim has lanceolate leaves that are arranged in whorls or spirally along a stem reaching up to one meter in height. The foliage typically features long, narrow, and pointed blades that taper significantly at the tips. Its flowers are large, nodding, and often exhibit a deep orange or reddish color with distinct dark spots on the inner tepals. The reproductive structures include prominent stamens with large anthers and a central style that extends beyond the petals. These morphological traits distinguish the species from other lilies within its genus.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the high-altitude regions of Mexico and Central America, specifically occurring in mountainous areas of states like Veracruz and Oaxaca. It typically thrives in temperate montane forests and pine-oak woodlands located at elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters. The species prefers the shaded, moist environments found along forest edges or within rocky slopes. Its distribution is relatively localized to these specific tropical and subtropical montane habitats. These ecological niches provide the cool temperatures and consistent moisture necessary for its survival.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-draining, organic-rich soil and a location with full sun to partial shade to thrive.
Growers should plant the bulbs in early spring or autumn, ensuring they are placed at a depth of approximately three to four inches. Consistent moisture is vital during the growing season, though it is crucial to avoid waterlogged conditions that lead to bulb rot. Regular fertilization with a balanced NPK formula will promote vigorous leaf development and large, fragrant blooms.
Maintaining adequate air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases like botrytis from affecting the foliage.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Lilium lancifolium utilizes its bulb, leaf, root, flower, and stem for various medicinal applications in traditional practices. The bulb is the most frequently used part, often prepared as a decoction to treat inflammation and improve blood circulation. Extracts from the leaves and the stem are sometimes applied topically to soothe skin irritations or reduce swelling. The roots are processed to address internal ailments, while the flowers are occasionally integrated into herbal formulas for their restorative properties. Together, these diverse components allow the species to serve multiple therapeutic purposes.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", a textual research has been carried out herbalogically on Bulbus Lilii. This research involved a pharmacological study and resources investigation. The Lanceleaf Lily is regarded as the 1st choice of the drug.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bulb
- leaf
- root
- flower
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Lilium lancifolium, commonly known as tiger lily, is utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a cooling herb to nourish yin and clear heat. Historically, its dried bulbs have been processed to treat symptoms such as dry cough, dizziness, and palpitations. Practitioners often prescribe it to moisten the lungs and promote fluid production in the body. Beyond its medicinal applications, various cultures have traditionally used the bulbs as a nutritious food source in culinary dishes. This dual role as both a remedy and a staple ingredient highlights its long-standing importance in historical herbalism.
According to a study published by "Scientific reports", Lilium lancifolium Thunb. is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant that efficiently assimilates selenite through foliar uptake. This investigation used graded selenite concentrations ranging from 0 to 8.0 mmol/L to study the plant. The research identified 2.0 mmol/L as the optimal concentration for enhancing biomass production and osmoprotectant accumulation in the species. High-throughput RNA sequencing of the plant generated 59.38 Gb of clean data, which yielded 76,814 functionally annotated unigenes. These findings help elucidate the physiological and molecular mechanisms of growth in the lily under selenium accumulation.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Lilium lancifolium?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antitumor pharmacological activities. Its chemical constituents work to reduce oxidative stress and neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. The extract also demonstrates the ability to inhibit the growth of various bacterial strains. Furthermore, the plant shows significant potential in suppressing cancer cell development through its antiproliferative and antitumor properties. These diverse biological effects make it a subject of interest for potential therapeutic applications.
According to a study published by "Actas urologicas espanolas", the plant Lilium lancifoliuum was identified as one of several phytotherapeutic agents in an 18th century medical prescription. This plant was used in a prescription intended to modulate stone pain in the New Kingdom of Granada. Scientific evidence exists that could explain the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of the plant-derived medicines used in this specific prescription. However, the lack of more precise data regarding the prescription and the evolution of the patients makes it difficult to analyze the therapeutic efficacy of the plant.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- antioxidant
- antiproliferative
- antitumor activity
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several medicinal compounds including alkaloids, saponins, and specific steroidal glycosides known as regaloside A, regaloside C, and regaloside E. These chemical constituents are primarily responsible for the plant's biological activities and therapeutic potential. The alkaloids and saponins serve as fundamental classes of bioactive molecules within the species. Furthermore, the regalosides represent a distinct group of triterpene glycosides identified in the plant's chemical profile. Together, these diverse compounds contribute to the complex medicinal properties of Lilium lancifolium.
According to a study published by "Foods (Basel, Switzerland)", Lilium lancifolium Thunb. is a predominant variety of medicinal and edible lilies used in traditional medicine for moistening the lungs, relieving coughs, and calming the mind to soothe the heart. The bitter taste in this plant is attributed to secondary metabolites such as alkaloids and identified peptides. Peptidomic analysis identified 8479 peptide sequences, with 46.27% being upregulated in the flesh of Lilium lancifolium. Through molecular docking with the bitter taste receptor TAS2R14, 214 candidate bitter peptides were identified, exhibiting a strongest average binding affinity of -119.73 kcal/mol. These findings represent the first identification of bitter peptides as a key source of bitterness in Lilium lancifolium.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- regaloside A
- regaloside C
- regaloside E
- saponins
- total saponins
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating bladder stone pain, kidney stone pain, stone pain, inflammation, and various inflammatory diseases. It acts as a medicinal remedy to alleviate the intense discomfort caused by stones in the urinary tract. The properties of the plant help to reduce systemic inflammation throughout the body. Practitioners often utilize it to manage the symptoms associated with different inflammatory diseases. By addressing these specific conditions, the plant serves as a targeted treatment for renal and bladder distress.
According to a study published by "Actas urologicas espanolas", the plant Lilium lancifolium was used as a phytotherapeutic agent in an 18th century medical prescription. This prescription was specifically designed for the management of bladder or kidney stone pain. The plant was included in a formulation alongside large amounts of water to treat this urinary tract condition. While scientific evidence suggests the presence of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the plant-derived medicines used, there is a lack of more precise data regarding the prescription. Consequently, it remains difficult to analyze the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment for stone pain.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- bladder stone pain
- kidney stone pain
- stone pain
- inflammation
- inflammatory diseases
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Lilium lancifolium, also known as tiger lily, which is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as decoction liquid to treat inflammation and fever. Practitioners often simmer the bulbs in water to extract bioactive compounds for internal use. These preparations are valued in traditional medicine for their cooling properties and ability to soothe the body. The decoction liquid serves as a concentrated way to administer the plant's therapeutic essences. Careful measurement of the plant material ensures the resulting liquid remains safe and effective for patients.
According to a study published by "The Science of the total environment", Lilii bulbus was one of eight Chinese herbal medicines selected for further analysis of cadmium chemical forms because it contained high concentrations. The research investigated the pollution and health risks of copper, cadmium, lead, arsenic, mercury, and zinc in 60 Chinese herbal medicines collected from a market in Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China. Among the 60 medicines surveyed, cadmium, mercury, and copper concentrations exceeded the limiting values of the "Green Trade Standards of Importing & Exporting Medicinal Plants & Preparations" (WM2-2001) with exceedance ratios of 38.8%, 8.3%, and 1.7%, respectively. The majority of cadmium was integrated with pectates and protein in the medicines. The calculation results of hazard quotients for cadmium and mercury showed that the Chinese herbal medicines did not pose a threat to human health.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- decoction liquid
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can provide therapeutic benefits such as calming the mind and relieving coughs, yet it also carries risks like a reactive oxygen species burst and selenium toxicity. While certain compounds within the plant possess sedative properties that help reduce mental anxiety, the physiological impact can be double-edged. In some biological contexts, exposure may trigger a harmful reactive oxygen species burst that damages cellular structures. Additionally, excessive consumption poses a severe threat of selenium toxicity, which can lead to systemic organ damage. Therefore, the medicinal utility of Lilium lancifolium must be carefully balanced against these potent physiological side effects.
According to a study published by "Foods (Basel, Switzerland)", Lilium lancifolium Thunb. is used in traditional medicine for moisturizing the lungs, relieving coughs, and calming the mind to soothe the heart. Peptidomic analysis of the plant identified 8479 peptide sequences, with 46.27% being upregulated in the flesh of Lilium lancifolium. Through molecular docking, 214 candidate bitter peptides were identified with a strongest average binding affinity of -119.73 kcal/mol. These peptides activate the TAS2R14 receptor, which leads to the upregulation of downstream signaling molecules such as GNAT1, PLCB2, and TRPM5. This process is further characterized by decreased cAMP levels and increased IP3 accumulation.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- calming the mind
- reactive oxygen species burst
- relieving coughs
- selenium toxicity
What herbs are paired with Lilium lancifolium?
This plant, Lilium lancifolium, is most effectively paired with herbs like ginger, ginseng, and licorice to enhance its restorative properties.
These combinations are frequently used in traditional herbalism to balance the plant's cooling nature with warming elements. Ginger is often added to stimulate circulation while the licorice acts as a harmonizer for the various botanical components. Ginseng complements the profile by providing additional adaptogenic support for systemic vitality.
Together, these pairings create a synergistic effect that maximizes the therapeutic potential of the lily.