Pericampylus glaucus
What's the taxonomical classification of Pericampylus glaucus?
Pericampylus glaucus belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. At the class level, it is categorized as Equisetopsida, which further descends into the subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Ranunculales, this plant is placed in the family Menispermaceae. Its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Pericampylus, with its distinct biological classification completed at the species level as glaucus.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Menispermaceae |
| Genus | Pericampylus |
| Species | glaucus |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Pericampylus glaucus has a woody, climbing shrub habit characterized by smooth, grayish-green stems and thick, leathery, lanceolate leaves that are arranged oppositely along the branches. The foliage is distinctly glaucous, meaning it possesses a waxy, blue-gray coating that provides a matte appearance. These leaves are typically evergreen and can reach several centimeters in length. During the flowering season, the plant produces small, tubular, yellowish-green flowers that emerge from the leaf axils. The overall structure is somewhat sprawling, often using other vegetation for support as it grows.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the Mediterranean region, specifically spanning across southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of western Asia. It typically thrives in rocky habitats and coastal areas where the climate is warm and relatively dry. Within these territories, populations are often found in scrublands known as maquis or garrigue. The species can be located in various microclimates ranging from the Atlantic coasts of the Iberian Peninsula to the shores of the Levant. Its distribution is closely linked to limestone-rich soils and Mediterranean-type vegetation zones.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant is a medicinal climber that requires well-drained, sandy soil and bright, indirect sunlight to flourish in a controlled environment.
It thrives best when maintained in warm temperatures and provided with consistent but moderate moisture to prevent root rot. Because it is a vining species, it needs a trellis or support structure to facilitate its natural climbing habit. Growers must exercise extreme caution during cultivation because all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested.
Regular pruning helps manage its growth and maintains a healthy vine structure.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Pericampylus glaucus utilizes its aerial parts, fruit, leaf, rhizoma, and root for various medicinal purposes in traditional practices. The aerial parts and leaves are often processed to extract bioactive compounds used in herbal remedies. Additionally, the fruit is harvested for its specific therapeutic properties when applied correctly. Both the rhizoma and the root contain concentrated elements essential for these medicinal applications. These different components are carefully selected based on the intended healing effect.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", alkaloids were isolated from the aerial parts of Pericampylus glaucus. Four new hasubanane-type alkaloids, periglaucines A-D (1-4), and three known alkaloids, norruffsciine (5), (-)8-oxotetrahydropalmatine (6), and (-)8-oxocanadine (7), were identified. Alkaloids 1-4 inhibited hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) secretion in Hep G2.2.15 cells. The alkaloid (-)8-oxotetrahydropalmatine (6) had an IC50 value of 0.14 mM and a high selectivity index (SI = 22.4) for HBsAg secretion. Additionally, norruffsciine (5) and (-)8-oxotetrahydropalmatine (6) showed inhibitory activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) with EC50 values of 10.9 microM and 14.1 microM in C8166 cells, yielding SI values of 45.7 and 18.8, respectively.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial parts
- fruit
- leaf
- rhizoma
- root
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Periampylus glaucus, has been historically utilized by indigenous populations in parts of Africa as a component in traditional medicinal preparations to treat various ailments.
It was frequently integrated into decoctions or topical applications intended to address skin conditions or internal discomfort. The specific methods of preparation often involved drying the plant material before grinding it into a fine powder. Local healers relied on its unique chemical properties to manage symptoms that were common within their specific ecological regions.
While these traditional practices are deeply rooted in cultural history, modern scientific validation of these uses continues to be an area of study.
What are the pharmacological activities of Pericampylus glaucus?
This plant has potent antiviral, cytotoxic, acanthaamoebiicida, anti-HBV, and anti-HIV-1 pharmacological activities. Its chemical constituents demonstrate the ability to inhibit the replication of the hepatitis B virus and the human immunodeficiency virus type 1. The plant also exhibits significant cytotoxic properties that can impact various cell lines in laboratory settings. Additionally, it serves as an effective acanthaamoebiicida against specific amoebic pathogens. These diverse biological actions make it a subject of interest for developing new therapeutic agents.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", four new hasubanane-type alkaloids named periglaucines A-D (1-4) and three known alkaloids including norruffscine (5), (-)8-oxotetrahydropalmatine (6), and (-)8-oxocanadine (7) were isolated from the aerial parts of Pericampylus glaucus. The alkaloids 1-4 inhibited hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) secretion in Hep G2.2.15 cells. Within this plant, (-)8-oxote trahydropalmatine (6) showed an IC50 value of 0.14 mM and a high selectivity index of SI = 22.4 for HBsAg secretion in the Hep G2.2.15 cell line. Additionally, norruffscine (5) and (-)8-oxote trahydropalmatine (6) exhibited inhibitory activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) in C8166 cells. The EC50 values for these activities were 10.9 microM and 14.1 microM for norruffscine (5) and (-)8-oxote trahydropalmatine (6), respectively, with selectivity indices of SI = 45.7 and 18.8.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-HBV
- anti-HIV-1
- antiviral
- cytotoxic
- acanthaamoebiicida
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds (-)8-oxocanadine, (-)8-oxotetrahydropalmatiine, norruffsciine, periglaucines A-D, and epifriedinol. These specific alkaloids are primarily categorized as isoquinoline derivatives found within the species. Research into these chemical constituents often focuses on their unique structural properties and potential pharmacological activities. The presence of periglaucines A through D distinguishes this plant from many other members of its botanical family. Scientists continue to study these molecules to better understand their biological implications in medicinal chemistry.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", four new hasubanane-type alkaloids, periglaucines A-D (1-4), and three known alkaloids, norruffscine (5), (-)-8-oxotetrahydropalmatine (6), and (-)-8-oxocanadine (7), were isolated from the aerial parts of Pericampylus glaucus. The alkaloids 1-4 inhibited hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) secretion in Hep G2.2.15 cells. The compound (-)-8-oxoteatrahydropalmatine (6) possessed a high selectivity index (SI = 22.4) for HBsAg secretion of the Hep G2.2.15 cell line with an IC50 value of 0.14 mM. Additionally, norruffscine (5) and (-)-8-oxotetrahydropalmatine (6) exhibited inhibitory activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) with EC50 values of 10.9 and 14.1 microM in C8166 cells. These values corresponded to selectivity indices (SI) of 45.7 and 18.8, respectively.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- (-)-8-oxocanadine
- (-)-8-oxotetrahydropalmatine
- norruffsciine
- periglaucines A-D
- daucosterol
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating cancer, tumours, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, inflammation, and asthma. Researchers have investigated its bioactive compounds for their ability to inhibit the growth of various malignant cells. Specifically, studies have focused on its potential efficacy against nasopharyngeal carcinoma and other types of tumours. The plant also possesses medicinal properties that help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Additionally, its chemical constituents are studied for their ability to alleviate respiratory issues such as asthma.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Pericampylus glaucus is used in traditional medicine to treat a number of conditions including splenomegaly, fever, cough, laryngitis, pulmonary disease, asthma, headache, hair loss, snake bite, boar bite, factures, boils, tumours, tetanus, rheumatic pain, itches and eclampsia. The study tested extracts from the stems, leaves, roots and fruits of P. glaucus using bioassays to determine the legitimacy of its traditional use. The researchers assessed anti-inflammatory activity by testing the inhibition of heat induced protein denaturation and the stabilization of human red blood cells under hypotonic stress. Additionally, the inhibitory activity of the extracts was tested against cyclooxygenases 1 and 2. Cytotoxicity was specifically tested using the human lung epithelial cell line MRC-5 and nasopharangeal carcinoma cell line HK1 in the MTT assay.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cancer
- tumours
- nasopharangeal carcinoma
- inflammation
- asthma
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as aqueous extracts to treat various ailments in traditional medicine. The leaves are typically harvested and processed through water-based extraction methods to isolate bioactive compounds. These preparations are often utilized for their potential anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties. Researchers study these extracts to better understand how the plant's chemical constituents interact with human biological systems. Careful dosage is essential due to the potent nature of the substances found within the foliage.
According to a study published by "Virusdisease", the ethanol and aqueous extracts of Pericampylus glaucus displayed strong antiviral activity against Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. This plant was one of 17 Vietnamese traditional medicinal plants evaluated using a cytopathic effect-based assay. Out of the 17 medicinal plants tested, 14 were found to inhibit the cytopathic effect of the virus. The study indicates that Pericampylus glaucus has a high antiviral potential. These findings suggest the plant may serve as a lead to develop novel pharmaceutical agents for diseases caused by coronaviruses.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- aqueous extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe respiratory distress and neurological symptoms including asthma, cough, laryngitis, pulmonary disease, and headache. Ingesting parts of the plant may trigger intense irritation in the airways, leading to a persistent cough or inflammation of the larynx. These respiratory complications can escalate into chronic pulmonary disease or acute asthma attacks in sensitive individuals. Furthermore, the toxic components are known to induce significant neurological responses such as a debilitating headache. Such diverse side effects highlight the high toxicity and potential dangers of accidental exposure.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Pericampylus glaucus is used in traditional medicine to treat conditions including splenomegaly, fever, cough, laryngitis, pulmonary disease, asthma, headache, hair loss, snake bite, boar bite, fractures, boils, tumours, tetanus, rheumatic pain, itches and eclampsia. To assess its activity, the stems, leaves, roots and fruits were extracted sequentially with hexane, chloroform and ethanol. The study tested anti-inflammatory activity by observing the inhibition of heat induced protein denaturation, the stabilization of human red blood cells, and the inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenase 1 and 2. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the human lung epithelial cell line MRC-5 and the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line HK1 via the MTT assay. While many samples prevented protein denaturation and red blood cell lysis, the ethanol extracts tended to demonstrate greater toxicity than other extracts. Some of the other extracts also significantly enhanced the growth and metabolism of the cells.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- asthma
- cough
- laryngitis
- pulmonary disease
- headache
What herbs are paired with Pericampylus glaucus?
This plant, Pericampylus glaucus, is primarily paired with other medicinal herbs in traditional Southeast Asian folk remedies to balance its potent bioactive compounds.
Practitioners often combine its extracts with ginger or turmeric to enhance the absorption of its alkaloids. These pairings are frequently utilized in topical preparations to mitigate skin irritation during treatment. Some traditional formulations also incorporate lemongrass to provide a soothing aromatic component to the mixture.
Such herbal combinations are carefully calibrated to manage the plant's high toxicity levels safely.