Peganum nigellastrum
Peganum nigellastrum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Peganum nigellastrum is a unique botanical species known for its specific chemical profile and medicinal potential. The plant's roots serve as the primary part utilized for various preparations and studies. Chemical analysis of these roots has revealed the presence of notable compounds, including 3-(1H-indol-3-yl)quinoline and 3-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)quinoline. Additionally, the species contains 3-phenylquinoline and 3alpha,27-dihydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid methyl ester. Understanding these components is essential for exploring the biological significance of this plant.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Nitrariaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root
Classification
Common Names
Peganum nigellastrum is a unique botanical species recognized by various regional identifiers. In certain linguistic contexts, it is known by the common name Гармала чернушкообразная. Moving into different cultural territories, the plant is also referred to as Харлаг өмхий-өвс. These diverse naming conventions reflect the plant's widespread presence across different geographical landscapes. Understanding these common names helps researchers and enthusiasts identify the species throughout its various habitats.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Peganum nigellastrum is a unique botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological group, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized into the order Sapindales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. This species is a distinguished member of the genus Peganum. Finally, it finds its taxonomic home within the family Nitrariaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Nitrariaceae |
| Genus | Peganum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Peganum nigellastrum is a plant primarily found within the temperate regions of Asia. Its geographic footprint is notably concentrated across various provinces of China, including the North-Central, Southeast, and Xinjiang regions. Furthermore, this species has established a presence in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. Beyond the borders of China, it also thrives across the expansive landscapes of Mongolia. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's specific ecological range within the Asian temperate zone.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Peganum nigellastrum is characterized by its distinct herbaceous growth form. This plant typically maintains a modest stature, reaching a maximum height of 0.25 meters. Depending on environmental conditions, its height generally ranges from a minimum of 0.1 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Peganum nigellastrum serves as a rich botanical source for several significant chemical compounds. Research into the aerial parts of this plant has successfully isolated the alkaloid harmine. Furthermore, the species is known to contain 3-phenylquinoline, a specific quinoline derivative. Studies also highlight the presence of luotonin A, a pyrroloquinazolinoquinoline alkaloid found within its structure. This particular compound has gained scientific interest due to its ability to act as a human DNA topoisomerase I poison.
Conditions
Peganum nigellastrum serves as the source of luotonin A, a natural alkaloid with documented cytotoxic properties. This specific compound has been shown to exhibit significant cytotoxicity against the murine leukemia P-388 cell line. The mechanism behind this effect involves the stabilization of the human DNA topoisomerase I-DNA covalent binary complex. By inducing this type of cleavage, the substance functions similarly to the known topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin. Consequently, the plant's chemical constituents provide a biochemical basis for treating certain leukemic cell models.
Preparations
Peganum nigellastrum is prepared as roots for the isolation of specific chemical compounds. Researchers utilized these root structures to extract three previously unknown triterpenoids. Along with these new discoveries, four known lupene-type triterpenoids were also identified within the plant material. The structural determination of these components was achieved through the application of NMR spectroscopic methods. One specific triterpene isolated from the roots serves as a potent DNA topoisomerase II inhibitor.
Parts used
Peganum nigellastrum serves as a significant source of bioactive compounds, particularly within its root structure. Recent chemical analyses have successfully isolated three previously unknown triterpenoids from these specific plant parts. These newly identified substances were characterized using advanced NMR spectroscopic methods to confirm their unique chemical structures. Notably, one of these compounds, 3alpha,27-dihydroxylup-20(29)-en-28-oic acid methyl ester, demonstrates potential as a DNA topoisomerase II inhibitor. Such findings highlight the pharmacological importance of the chemical constituents found in the roots of this species.