Pentanema britannica
Pentanema britannica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Pentanema britannica is a botanical species recognized for its diverse range of biological activities, including cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. Research into its chemical composition has identified key compounds such as 1-O-Acetylbritannilactone, Eupatolide, 1,6-O,O-diacetylbritannilactone, and chlorogenic acid. Primarily utilized through the extraction of its flowers using ethanol, these extracts serve as valuable components in various preparations, including Kampo medicine. The plant shows significant therapeutic potential in addressing conditions such as bronchitis, inflammation, and neurodegenerative diseases. Ultimately, the concentrated extracts are highly valued for their potent antioxidant effects and medicinal versatility.
- Synonyms
- Inula Japonica Var. Linariifolia · Aster Britannica · 31 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Flower
Classification
Synonyms
Pentanema britannica is a botanical species that has been documented under several different scientific names throughout history. In various taxonomic records, it is frequently identified by the synonyms Aster britannica and Aster orientalis. The plant has also been classified under the names Conyza britannica and Helenium britannica in older literature. Furthermore, researchers have occasionally referred to this specimen as Helenium macrolepis. Navigating these shifting synonyms is essential for ensuring accurate identification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Pentanema britannica is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast botanical world, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It belongs to the order Asterales, which helps define its biological placement. Further refinement shows that it resides within the family Asteraceae. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its membership in the genus Pentanema.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Pentanema |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Pentanema britannica is a resilient species primarily distributed across the Asia-Temperate regions. Its natural range extends through the rugged landscapes of the Caucasus and the Transcaucasus. In addition to these mountainous areas, the plant is widely found throughout Central Asia. Specifically, it thrives within the diverse terrains of Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, and Tadzhikistan. This broad geographical spread highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various climates across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Pentanema britannica is characterized by its distinct herb growth form. As a self-supporting species, it maintains its structure without the need for external assistance. The plant exhibits significant variation in stature depending on its specific environment. Generally, its height ranges from a minimum of 0.15 meters to a maximum of 0.9 meters. While some specimens may stay closer to 0.35 meters, this height range defines its presence in the landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Pentanema britannica, also known as Inula britannica, possesses a diverse range of biological activities that highlight its significant medicinal potential. Research has demonstrated that its sesquiterpene lactones exhibit potent cytotoxic effects against various human cancer cell lines by inducing apoptosis. Additionally, the plant provides strong antimicrobial benefits, specifically showing effectiveness in combating pathogenic Salmonella through membrane damage. Its antioxidant properties are well-documented, particularly through the activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway to combat oxidative stress. Furthermore, the plant exhibits notable antiviral capabilities and provides hepatoprotective support by improving survival rates and regulating immune responses during hepatic injury.
Compounds
Pentanema britannica, also known through its synonym Inula britannica, serves as a rich source of various bioactive secondary metabolites. Scientific studies have identified that this medicinal plant contains several important sesquiterpene lactones, including eupatolide, ivangustin, and 1-O-acetylbritannilactone. In addition to these lactones, the plant is also known to contain flavonoids that play a role in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. These diverse chemical constituents contribute to the plant's wide range of therapeutic potential, particularly in the inhibition of cancer cell migration and the induction of apoptosis. Collectively, these relationships highlight the complex phytochemical profile that makes the species a subject of significant pharmacological interest.
Conditions
Pentanema britannica, also referred to as Inula britannica, is a traditional medicinal plant used to treat bronchitis and various forms of inflammation. Research indicates that its components, such as eupatolide, can effectively treat inflammation by inhibiting signaling pathways like NF-κB and MAPK. The plant's extracts also demonstrate significant cytotoxic activity that treats HCT116 cancer cells through the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, the sesquiterpenoids found in the plant show potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases due to their antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. These therapeutic effects are supported by the plant's ability to treat AKT phosphorylation, thereby modulating key cellular signaling processes.
Preparations
Pentanema britannica is prepared as Kampo medicine to address clinical issues like nausea and excessive sputum. This plant is also prepared as an extract to investigate its various bioactive properties. Researchers have specifically utilized ethanol to prepare this plant for antiviral testing. Furthermore, water is used as a solvent to prepare the plant's extracts for phytochemical analysis. These different preparations of the plant allow for the study of its diverse medicinal potential.
Parts used
Pentanema britannica, more commonly referred to in botanical studies as Inula britannica, utilizes its flowers as a primary source of valuable medicinal compounds. These yellow flowers of the Asteraceae family are rich in sesquiterpenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids that contribute to a wide range of biological activities. Research indicates that extracts derived from these flowers possess significant neuroprotective properties, offering potential benefits for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, specific components isolated from the plant's flowers have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by modulating key cellular signaling pathways. Beyond neurology, certain sesquiterpenelactones found in the flowers also exhibit anti-tumor activity by inducing the phosphorylation of Bcl-2 in various cancer cell lines.