Oplopanax horridus
Oplopanax horridus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Oplopanax horridus, commonly known as Devil's Club, is a versatile medicinal plant utilized for its diverse therapeutic activities. Researchers have focused on its potential anticancer and antidiabetic properties to address serious health concerns. Specifically, various preparations are studied for their effectiveness against conditions such as Acute Myeloid Leukemia, cancer, arthritis, and fever. These studies often utilize the root and stem, specifically focusing on the inner bark and inner stem bark. Common methods of extraction include the use of 70% ethanolic extracts and DC extracts to isolate bioactive compounds.
- Synonyms
- Aralia Erinacea · Fatsia Horrida · 6 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Root · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Oplopanax horridus is a unique botanical species recognized by a diverse array of regional and cultural names. In English-speaking regions, it is most frequently referred to by its common name, Devilsclub. This plant also carries distinct identities across different languages, such as Igelkraftwurz in German and Jinsém-alasquiano in Spanish. Other descriptive titles like Mazo del diablo and Tornpanax further highlight its various linguistic associations. Together, these names reflect the widespread interest and varied cultural perspectives surrounding this striking plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Oplopanax horridus is a botanical species that has been identified by a variety of different scientific names throughout history. Because of evolving taxonomic classifications, this plant is recognized by several synonyms including Aralia erinacea and Aralia occidentalis. Researchers have also documented the plant under the name Echinopanax horridus in various botanical records. Furthermore, the species has been previously referred to as Fatsia horrida in older literature. Its complex naming history also includes the designation Horsfieldia horrida, reflecting the shifting nature of plant nomenclature.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Oplopanax horridus is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Apiales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. This species is a member of the family Araliaceae, a group known for its diverse characteristics. Finally, it is uniquely identified by its specific genus, Oplopanax.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Genus | Oplopanax |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Oplopanax horridus is a notable plant species with a wide distribution spanning across Northern America. Its presence is firmly established in Eastern Canada, including the lush regions of Ontario. In the Northeastern United States, the plant can be found thriving within the state of Michigan. Moving westward, it occupies significant territories throughout the Northwestern United States, specifically within Idaho and Montana. Finally, its range extends further along the Pacific coast into the diverse landscapes of Oregon.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Oplopanax horridus grows in a distinct shrub form, creating a dense and textured presence within its ecosystem. As a self-supporting plant, it maintains its upright structure without the need for external assistance.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Oplopanax horridus, commonly known as Devil's Club, is a significant medicinal plant valued for its diverse therapeutic properties. Recent scientific investigations have highlighted its potential anticancer activities, specifically through the isolation of hydrophobic constituents that inhibit the proliferation of human breast and colon cancer cells. These studies demonstrate that certain polyacetylenes found within the plant can induce apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle in cancerous cell lines. Furthermore, the plant exhibits promising antidiabetic potential due to its ability to activate PPARγ, a transcription factor crucial for metabolic regulation. Together, these findings provide a scientific basis for the traditional medicinal uses of the species and offer a roadmap for developing future pharmaceutical treatments.
Compounds
Oplopanax horridus, commonly known as Devil's Club, is a medicinal plant that contains several noteworthy hydrophobic constituents. Research has identified specific compounds within its root bark, including falcarindiol and oplopandiol. Additionally, the plant contains oplopandiol acetate, which contributes to its complex chemical profile. Other significant substances found in the species include T-Cadinol and trans-Nerolidol. These isolated compounds are currently being studied for their potential anticancer activities against various human cancer cell lines.
Conditions
Oplopanax horridus demonstrates significant medicinal potential by treating various pathogens and cancer cell models. The plant exhibits potent antimycobacterial activity, specifically showing the ability to treat Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Erdman strain. In oncological studies, the extract has been shown to treat Ovcar 10 three-dimensional spheroids, which are more resistant to treatment than standard models. Furthermore, the plant effectively treats Ovcar 10 two-dimensional cells as well as various other 2D monolayer cells. These diverse interactions highlight the plant's ability to impact both bacterial infections and complex human cancer cell structures.
Preparations
Oplopanax horridus is prepared as a 70% ethanolic extract from its dry root bark powder to study its anti-proliferative and antioxidant properties. The plant is also utilized as a DC extract to investigate its potential for enhancing the activity of chemotherapeutic agents against pancreatic cancer cells. Research involving the inner bark extract of Oplopanax horridus has demonstrated its ability to partially inhibit respiratory syncytial virus. Additionally, the inner stem bark is prepared to isolate specific sesquiterpenes and anti-TB active fractions. Finally, the root bark is used to isolate and evaluate the anticancer activities of various natural polyynes and their acetylated derivatives.
Parts used
Oplopanax horridus, commonly known as Devil's Club, is a significant medicinal plant utilized by indigenous peoples for various therapeutic purposes. Research has identified that the root bark of this species contains potent polyynes and phenolic glycosides with notable anticancer potential. Specifically, extracts derived from the root have demonstrated efficacy in treating acute myeloid leukemia in experimental models. Beyond the roots, the inner stem bark also serves as a valuable source of bioactive compounds, including unique sesquiterpenes. These findings highlight how different parts of the plant, such as the root and stem, contribute to its complex pharmacological profile.