Neoshirakia japonica
Neoshirakia japonica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Neoshirakia japonica is a botanical species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its unique chemical composition. Research indicates that the ethanol extract derived from its leaves and stems contains specific bioactive compounds, namely 2B and 3B. These constituents are being rigorously studied for their potential therapeutic effects on various physiological processes. Specifically, investigations are focused on how these extracts can modulate and mitigate the complex conditions associated with neuroinflammation. Consequently, understanding the pharmacological properties of this plant may provide new insights into treating neurological disorders.
- Synonyms
- Excoecaria Japonica · Stillingia Japonica · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Neoshirakia japonica is a distinctive species recognized by a variety of names across different languages and regions. It is most frequently referred to by its English common names, the Japanese Tallow Tree and the milktree. In certain contexts, it is simply known as the tallow tree, reflecting its botanical characteristics. Its linguistic reach extends to Slovakia, where it is identified as mliečnikovník japonský. Finally, the plant is known by its original Japanese name, アツバシラキ, honoring its native heritage.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Neoshirakia japonica is a botanical species known to exist under several different taxonomic names. Within scientific literature, it is frequently identified by its synonym Excoecaria japonica. Researchers may also encounter this plant listed as Sapium japonicum or Shirakia japonica in various historical records. Furthermore, the species has been classified under the names Stillingia japonica and Triadica japonica. Understanding these multiple synonyms is essential for ensuring accuracy when studying the plant's complex botanical relationships.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Neoshirakia japonica belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a unique branch of the biological world. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Malpighiales, showcasing its evolutionary connections to other diverse flowering plants. This specific plant is a member of the genus Neoshirakia, which distinguishes its unique morphological traits. Finally, it is categorized under the family Euphorbiaceae, placing it among a well-known group of diverse botanical relatives.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Neoshirakia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Neoshirakia japonica is a distinctive species primarily found throughout the Asia-Temperate regions. Its presence is widespread across China, spanning the North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast territories. Beyond the Chinese mainland, this plant also thrives within the diverse landscapes of Eastern Asia. Specifically, it can be identified growing naturally in the countries of Japan and Korea. This broad geographical range highlights the plant's adaptability to various temperate environments across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Neoshirakia japonica is a self-supporting species that primarily expresses itself through a tree-like growth form. This plant exhibits significant variation in stature depending on its environment and age. While it can be found as small specimens reaching a minimum height of 1 meter, it frequently grows much larger. Many mature individuals typically establish a minimum height of 4.5 meters as they develop. Ultimately, the species reaches a maximum height of approximately 8 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Neoshirakia japonica serves as a rich natural source for various bioactive sesquineolignan enantiomers. Through the analysis of ethanol extracts from its stems and leaves, researchers have successfully isolated several key compounds. Specifically, the plant contains the known sesquineolignans 2b and 3b. In addition to these, the compound 3c was also identified within its chemical profile. Studies on these isolates have further explored their potential roles in radical scavenging and neuroinflammatory activities.
Conditions
Neoshirakia japonica possesses significant therapeutic potential by effectively treating LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells. The plant contains various glycosides and casbane diterpenoids that work to treat microglial nitric oxide production. Specifically, these isolated compounds demonstrate potent inhibitory activities against nitric oxide levels in stimulated cells. Through these mechanisms, the plant serves to treat neuroinflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Furthermore, its ability to regulate microglial polarization provides a consistent neuroprotective effect against inflammatory responses.
Preparations
Neoshirakia japonica is prepared as an ethanol extract specifically from its stems and leaves. This extraction process was utilized to isolate twelve pairs of sesquineolignan enantiomers. Researchers employed chiral HPLC columns to achieve the successful separation of these complex compounds. Following isolation, the absolute configurations of the undescribed sesquineolignans were elucidated through ECD spectra analysis. These extracted compounds were further evaluated for their potential antineuroinflammatory and radical scavenging activities.
Parts used
Neoshirakia japonica is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family that serves as a significant source of bioactive chemical compounds. Scientific investigations have focused on extracting various substances, such as sesquineolignans and glycosides, directly from its stems and leaves. By utilizing ethanol extracts from these specific plant parts, researchers have successfully isolated numerous new and known chemical structures. These isolated compounds, derived from both the stem and leaf components, have demonstrated promising antineuroinflammatory and radical scavenging activities. Ultimately, the study of these plant parts provides valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of the species.