Litsea lancifolia
Litsea lancifolia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Litsea lancifolia is a botanical species that has garnered scientific interest due to its unique chemical composition. Researchers have focused on exploring its potential therapeutic properties through various laboratory methods. One specific method involves the creation of a diethyl ether extract to isolate its bioactive compounds. This specialized preparation allows for a more concentrated analysis of the plant's underlying constituents. Understanding these extracts is essential for uncovering the medicinal value inherent in this plant.
- Synonyms
- Malapoenna Lancifolia · Tetranthera Lancifolia
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Synonyms
Litsea lancifolia is a botanical species that has been classified under various names throughout its taxonomic history. Scientific records indicate that this plant is also recognized by the synonym Malapoenna lancifolia. Furthermore, researchers have previously identified the species under the name Tetranthera lancifolia. These overlapping designations reflect the evolving nature of plant nomenclature and classification. Understanding these synonyms is essential for ensuring accuracy when documenting the plant's presence in different studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Litsea lancifolia is a specialized member of the kingdom Plantae. This botanical species is classified under the class Equisetopsida and belongs to the order Laurales. Within this taxonomic hierarchy, it is further nested in the family Lauraceae. It is most specifically identified by its placement in the genus Litsea. Understanding these biological relationships provides essential insight into the plant's evolutionary history.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Laurales |
| Family | Lauraceae |
| Genus | Litsea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Litsea lancifolia exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across both temperate and tropical regions of Asia. In the temperate zones, this species is prominently distributed throughout various parts of China, including the South-Central and Southeast regions as well as the island of Hainan. Moving into tropical climates, the plant can also be found across the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, its presence is well-documented in the state of Assam and throughout Bangladesh. This wide distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to different environmental conditions across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Litsea lancifolia is a self-supporting plant characterized by its distinct shrub growth form. This species typically reaches a modest height of up to 3 meters in most environments. However, under certain conditions, it has the potential to reach a maximum height of 12 meters. Whether small or large, its sturdy structure allows it to thrive as a standalone feature in its habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Litsea lancifolia has been identified as a source of several significant chemical constituents through detailed phytochemical analysis. Research involving the diethyl ether extract of the herb has successfully isolated a variety of unique compounds. Specifically, the plant contains dehydrodiisoeugenol and dihydrodehydrodiconifery alcohol. Furthermore, the chemical profile of the species includes p-hydroxy benzoic acid and vanillin. These findings represent the first time these specific compounds have been isolated from this particular plant.
Conditions
Preparations
Litsea lancifolia is prepared as a diethyl ether extract to facilitate the study of its chemical constituents. Researchers utilized this specific extraction method to isolate various organic compounds from the plant material. Through silica gel column chromatography of the diethyl ether extract, seven distinct chemical structures were successfully identified. These isolated substances include (-)-aristotetralone, dehydrodiisoeugenol, and dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol, among others. This extraction process allowed for the first-time identification of these specific compounds within the species.