Menispermum dauricum
Menispermum dauricum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Menispermum dauricum is a botanical species primarily utilized for its bioactive components found within the root and rhizome. The plant contains significant chemical compounds, including dauricine, acutudaurin, acutumine, and dechloroacutumine. These substances are often processed into preparations such as Rhizoma menispermi or cultured roots for medicinal use. Research suggests the plant may be applied to address various health conditions, including arrhythmia and improved coronary circulation. Additionally, it has been studied for its potential effects on managing diarrhea and allergy symptoms.
- Synonyms
- Menispermum Miersii · Menispermum Dauricum F. Pilosum · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Menispermaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root · Rhizome
Classification
Common Names
Menispermum dauricum is a climbing plant known by a diverse array of regional and descriptive names. It is frequently referred to as the asian moonseed or the dahurian moonseed in many botanical circles. Depending on the linguistic context, it may also be identified as the daurian moonseed or simply as asiankilpikierto. In certain Swedish-speaking regions, the plant is recognized by the name asiatisk månfröranka. These varied monikers highlight the widespread presence and various cultural identities of this unique species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Menispermum dauricum is a botanical species known to encompass several different taxonomic designations. Within scientific literature, it is frequently identified by the synonym Menispermum chinense. The plant also includes specific variations such as Menispermum dauricum var. pauciflorum and the form Menispermum dauricum f. pilosum. Further classification links it to the variety Menispermum dauricum var. pilosum. Additionally, the name Menispermum miersii serves as another recognized synonym for this complex plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Menispermum dauricum is a distinct botanical species belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is specifically categorized under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further classified into the order Ranunculales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. It holds a place within the family Menispermaceae, which defines many of its structural characteristics. Finally, it is identified by its unique genus, Menispermum, which distinguishes it from other related flora.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Menispermaceae |
| Genus | Menispermum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Menispermum dauricum is a plant primarily found within the Asia-Temperate region. Its presence is particularly widespread across various territories in China, spanning from the North-Central provinces to the South-Central areas. Furthermore, the species is well-established in the Southeast regions of the country. Beyond these central zones, its distribution extends into the northern reaches of Inner Mongolia and Manchuria. This broad geographic range highlights the plant's adaptability across diverse temperate landscapes in East Asia.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Menispermum dauricum is characterized as an herbaceous plant that exhibits a versatile growth strategy. Depending on its environment, it often adopts a facultative climbing habit to reach higher light levels.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Menispermum dauricum serves as a significant botanical source for several noteworthy alkaloids. Research has successfully isolated the new alkaloid acutudaurin from the cultured roots of this plant. Furthermore, the species is recognized as a rich source of the chlorine-containing alkaloid acutumine. It also contains dechloroacutumine, which acts as a dechlorinated analogue to the aforementioned compound. Additionally, the plant contains the bisbenzylisoquinline alkaloid dauricine, a component primarily responsible for its celebrated anti-arrhythmic effects.
Conditions
Menispermum dauricum provides significant therapeutic benefits by inhibiting the expression of ICAM-1. The plant also serves to decrease MPO activity within the body. Furthermore, it effectively treats the NO content found in the ischemic cortex and hippocampus. Its medicinal properties extend to alleviating the adhesiveness and infiltration of leucocytes during inflammatory injury. Finally, Menispermum dauricum has long been utilized for its ability to treat allergy.
Preparations
Menispermum dauricum is utilized in various forms for medicinal and scientific purposes. This plant is prepared as Rhizoma menispermi, which serves as a dry root used to treat conditions such as sore throat, enteritis, and rheumatism. Additionally, Menispermum dauricum is prepared as cultured roots, which have been used to isolate the new alkaloid acutudaurin. The species is also prepared as rhizomes, from which cytotoxic oxoisoaporphine alkaloids have been successfully isolated. These different preparation methods allow for the extraction of diverse chemical compounds from the plant.
Parts used
Menispermum dauricum serves as a significant biological source for various specialized secondary metabolites. Researchers have successfully isolated unique alkaloids, such as acutudaurin and nitrotyrasacutuminine, specifically from the cultured roots of this plant. Additionally, the roots are a primary source of dauricine, a compound valued in traditional Chinese medicine for treating inflammation and arrhythmia. Beyond the roots, the rhizomes of the species also yield important chemical constituents, including cytotoxic oxoisoaporphine alkaloids. Together, these underground parts represent critical reservoirs for discovering new pharmacological agents.