Litsea pedunculata
Litsea pedunculata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Litsea pedunculata is a botanical species of significant interest due to its diverse chemical profile. Research indicates that the plant contains valuable flavonoids distributed throughout its structure. Studies focusing on the leaves and stems have revealed that these components possess notable biological properties. Specifically, preparations derived from the stem barks have demonstrated potent cytotoxic activities. Understanding these chemical characteristics offers important insights into the plant's potential medicinal applications.
- Synonyms
- Benzoin Pedunculatum · Lindera Pedunculata
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Litsea pedunculata is a distinctive species recognized by various regional names depending on the linguistic context. In Chinese-speaking regions, it is widely known by the common name 紅皮木薑子. Similarly, it is frequently referred to as 红皮木姜子 in simplified script. These overlapping names reflect the plant's significant cultural and botanical presence across different territories. Understanding these linguistic variations is essential for anyone studying the diverse nomenclature of this unique species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Litsea pedunculata is a botanical species that is frequently identified through various scientific nomenclatures. Within taxonomic literature, this plant is recognized by the synonym Benzoin pedunculatum. It is also commonly referred to in different botanical records as Lindera pedunculata. These overlapping names highlight the complex history of its classification within the plant kingdom. Understanding these synonyms is essential for researchers seeking to accurately document the species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Litsea pedunculata is a remarkable botanical specimen belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this expansive realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its specific evolutionary lineage continues through the order Laurales. Furthermore, it is a distinguished member of the family Lauraceae. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its placement within the genus Litsea.
| 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 pedunculata is a plant species with a specific geographic range spanning across the Asia-Temperate region. Within this broad territory, it is notably documented throughout various parts of China. Specifically, the species can be found thriving in the landscapes of China South-Central. Its presence is also well-established within the diverse ecosystems of China Southeast. These distribution patterns highlight the plant's significant ecological footprint across these distinct Chinese provinces.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Litsea pedunculata is a self-supporting plant that typically adopts a shrub-like growth form. This species is characterized by its sturdy structure, which allows it to stand independently in its natural habitat. Under optimal conditions, it can reach a maximum height of approximately 6 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Litsea pedunculata has been identified as a significant source of novel bioactive compounds, specifically within the genus Litsea. Recent research into the stem barks of this plant has led to the isolation of two new chalcones characterized by rare epoxy or ethylidenedioxy groups. These chemical structures were meticulously elucidated through various spectral methods, including 1D and 2D NMR. Most notably, these newly discovered chalcones demonstrated potent cytotoxic activity when tested against human tumor cell lines. In several instances, their effectiveness against myeloid leukaemia and epidermoid carcinoma even surpassed that of the standard drug cisplatin.
Compounds
Litsea pedunculata has been identified as a source of significant biochemical interest due to its unique chemical profile. Recent research conducted on the stem barks of this plant has led to the isolation of two novel flavonoids featuring a chalcone skeleton. Alongside these new discoveries, seven previously known flavonoids were also identified within the specimen. This study marks the very first report confirming the presence of chalcones within the Litsea genus. Furthermore, these newly discovered compounds demonstrated potent cytotoxic activities against specific human tumor cell lines during in vitro evaluations.
Conditions
Preparations
Litsea pedunculata is prepared as stem barks to facilitate the isolation of various chemical compounds. Researchers utilized these barks to extract two novel flavonoids characterized by a chalcone skeleton. Through various spectral methods, the specific structures of these isolated components were successfully elucidated. The study highlights that these extracts contain rare epoxy or ethylidenedioxy groups. Ultimately, the stem barks serve as a vital source for discovering potent cytotoxic chalcones.
Parts used
Litsea pedunculata is a plant species from which several unique chemical compounds have been successfully isolated. Research indicates that the leaves of this plant serve as a source for the novel aryltetralone lignan known as pedunculine A. Additionally, the stem components, specifically the stem barks, contain various flavonoids and chalcones. These secondary metabolites were identified through advanced spectroscopic methods and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The study of these specific plant parts has even revealed potent cytotoxic activities against certain human tumor cell lines.