Periploca sepium
Periploca sepium · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Periploca sepium is a notable medicinal plant known for its diverse pharmacological potential, particularly when utilizing its root and root bark. The plant contains several significant bioactive compounds, including 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde, 4-methoxysalicylic acid, cycloeucalenol, and isovanillin. Research into its aqueous extracts has highlighted its effectiveness in addressing various health conditions, most notably through its anticancer properties. It has demonstrated therapeutic promise in managing leukemia and providing antioxidant and cardiotonic benefits. Consequently, this species remains a subject of intense study for its ability to combat cancer and support cardiovascular health.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Root
Classification
Common Names
Periploca sepium is a versatile climbing plant known by several distinct names across various languages and regions. In English-speaking contexts, it is frequently referred to as the Chinese silkvine. Its presence is also recognized in German-speaking areas through the names Chinesische Baumschlinge and Kinesisk trädslinga. Within Chinese culture, the plant is commonly identified as gang liu. Finally, in Poland, this species is recognized by the name obwojnik ciemny.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Periploca sepium is a distinctive botanical species belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Gentianales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. It holds a place within the family Apocynaceae, a group known for its diverse characteristics. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Periploca, which defines its unique biological identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Periploca |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Periploca sepium is a resilient species widely distributed across the Asia-Temperate region. Within China, its presence is particularly widespread, spanning from the North-Central provinces to the South-Central areas. The plant also thrives in the Southeast territories, showcasing its ability to adapt to diverse climates. Its reach extends northward into Inner Mongolia, demonstrating a broad environmental tolerance. Furthermore, the species is well-established in Manchuria, completing its significant geographic footprint across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Periploca sepium is a self-supporting plant characterized by its distinct shrub growth form. It maintains a compact stature, typically reaching a maximum height of only 1.5 meters. This structural stability allows it to thrive effectively within its natural environment.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Periploca sepium is highlighted in recent research for its significant role in the development of anticancer treatments. This plant belongs to a fascinating group of poisonous botanicals that, despite their inherent toxicity, possess potent pharmacological properties. Specifically, the steroids found within Periploca sepium contribute to its recognized anticancer activity. By studying these natural compounds, scientists aim to harness their medicinal benefits while minimizing potential side effects. Such exploration underscores the importance of traditional Chinese medicines in the ongoing search for effective antitumour therapies.
Compounds
Periploca sepium is a medicinal herb that possesses a complex chemical profile within its root bark. Research has identified several key compounds in the plant, including isovanillin and cycloeucalenol. The essential oil derived from its root bark is notably rich in 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde, which serves as its primary component. Additionally, the plant contains 4-methoxysalicylic acid and smaller amounts of linalool. These diverse chemical constituents contribute to the plant's significant biological activities, particularly its potential for insecticidal use.
Conditions
Periploca sepium exhibits diverse biological activities, including the ability to act as a natural herbicide against Humulus scandens by destroying its leaf structure and photosynthetic functions. Its chemical constituents, such as C21 steroidal glycosides, effectively inhibit NO production in stimulated cells. The plant also demonstrates significant anticancer potential, as the constituent periplocin induces apoptosis and growth inhibition in SW-872 cells. Furthermore, periplocin offers a promising mechanism to overcome TRAIL resistance by altering death receptor expression in sarcoma cells. Beyond these specific actions, the genus is recognized for possessing broader anti-inflammatory properties.
Preparations
Periploca sepium is prepared as an aqueous extract to investigate its ability to inhibit the growth and IL-6 production of human synovial fibroblast-like cells. The plant is also prepared as root bark to isolate specific C21 steroidal glycosides that demonstrate inhibitory activity against NO production. Research further utilizes the root bark of Periploca sepium to identify various chemical constituents through column chromatographic techniques. These studies show that the root barks serve as a critical source for isolating compounds like isovanillin and vanillin. By preparing the plant as both an aqueous extract and from its root barks, researchers can better understand its medicinal properties and chemical structure.
Parts used
Periploca sepium is a plant of significant pharmacological interest, particularly due to the bioactive compounds found within its root bark. Research indicates that extracts from the root of this species exhibit strong cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines, including liposarcoma and leukemia. Specifically, the cardiac glycoside periplocin has been identified as a potent constituent capable of inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. Furthermore, studies have successfully isolated several C21 steroidal glycosides from the root bark that demonstrate the ability to inhibit NO production. These findings highlight the medicinal potential of the Periploca sepium root as a source for developing new anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory treatments.