Megacodon stylophorus
Megacodon stylophorus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Megacodon stylophorus is a botanical species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its unique biological properties. Recent investigations have focused on the potential therapeutic benefits of its chemical constituents. Researchers have specifically utilized the ethanol extract of this plant to conduct detailed pharmacological assessments. These studies have demonstrated that the plant exhibits notable antimicrobial activities against various pathogens. Furthermore, the extract has shown promising antiproliferative effects, suggesting its utility in further biomedical research.
- Synonyms
- Gentiana Stylophora · Gentiana Stylophora Subsp. Yunnanensis
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Gentianaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Megacodon stylophorus is a distinctive plant known by several different names across various cultures. In English-speaking regions, it is most frequently referred to by the common name Yellow gentian lily. Its identity is also deeply rooted in Chinese terminology, where it is widely recognized as da zhong hua. Furthermore, the plant is often written using Chinese characters as 大钟花 to denote its specific botanical identity. Understanding these various names helps enthusiasts identify this unique species regardless of the linguistic context.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Megacodon stylophorus is a botanical species that shares significant taxonomic ties with other scientific names. In many botanical records, this plant is recognized by the synonym Gentiana stylophora. Furthermore, the classification extends to include the specific variety known as Gentiana stylophora subsp. yunnanensis. These overlapping designations highlight the complex evolutionary relationships within the Gentiana lineage. Understanding these synonyms is essential for researchers seeking to accurately identify and categorize the plant in different regions.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Megacodon stylophorus is a unique organism that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this expansive group, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its botanical lineage continues through the order Gentianales, which brings it into close relation with many other flowering plants. Furthermore, this species is a distinguished member of the family Gentianaceae. Ultimately, its specialized biological identity is defined by its placement within the genus Megacodon.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Gentianaceae |
| Genus | Megacodon |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Megacodon stylophorus exhibits a diverse geographic range that spans across several key regions of Asia. Within the temperate zones of China, this species can be found throughout the South-Central provinces as well as the high altitudes of Tibet. Moving into tropical climates, its presence extends across the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the East Himalaya. Furthermore, the plant is well-established in the mountainous landscapes of Nepal. These varying distributions highlight the adaptability of the species to both temperate and tropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Megacodon stylophorus is a distinctive herb characterized by its self-supporting growth form. This plant typically maintains a modest stature within its natural habitat. Depending on the specific specimen, its height generally ranges between 0.3 m and 0.6 m. Some observations suggest a more consistent minimum height of approximately 0.45 m for established individuals. These physical attributes define the compact and sturdy presence of this unique species.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Megacodon stylophorus has proven to be a significant source of bioactive chemical compounds, specifically through the isolation of new 2,3-seco-hopane triterpene derivatives. Chemical investigations of the whole plant's ethanol extract revealed several unique isolates, including two novel triterpenoids. These specific compounds have demonstrated notable antiproliferative activities against various tumor cell lines, such as HeLa, MCF-7, and Hep-G2. Furthermore, the study highlighted the plant's medicinal potential by observing clear antimicrobial activities in the newly identified derivatives. Such findings underscore the therapeutic importance of Megacodon stylophorus in the search for new pharmacological agents.
Compounds
Conditions
Preparations
Megacodon stylophorus is prepared as an ethanol extract of the whole plant to facilitate chemical investigation. This specific extraction process led to the successful isolation and identification of two new 2,3-seco-hopane triterpene derivatives. Through the analysis of this ethanol extract, researchers identified compounds 1 and 2 alongside ten previously known substances. The use of ethanol as a solvent proved essential for uncovering these unique seco-hopane triterpenoids. Consequently, the extract provided the necessary chemical foundation to evaluate the antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities of the isolated compounds.