Phytolacca acinosa
Phytolacca acinosa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Phytolacca acinosa is a versatile botanical species known for its medicinal potential derived primarily from its root and fruit. Scientific investigations into various ethanol concentrations, ranging from 0% to 95% EtOH, have revealed significant biological activities, including anticancer and antiedemic properties. The plant contains key bioactive compounds such as Esculentoside H, Esculentoside A, ESH, and 3 beta-acetoxy-11 alpha,23-dihydroxytaraxer-14-en-28-oic acid. These chemical constituents contribute to its effectiveness against conditions like edema, malaria, and the parasite Clonorchis sinensis. Ultimately, studying this plant offers promising insights into managing growth-related conditions and various infectious diseases.
- Synonyms
- Sarcoca Acinosa · Sarcoca Esculenta · 6 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Phytolaccaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root · Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Phytolacca acinosa is a versatile plant recognized by many different names across various regions and languages. In North America, it is widely known by the common name American Pokeweed, while in English-speaking contexts, it is often referred to as Asian Pokeweed. German speakers identify the species as Asiatische Kermesbeere, a name that mirrors its Scandinavian counterpart, Asiatisk kermesbær. Additionally, it carries the descriptive historical name Cremesina uva turca esculenta. These diverse designations highlight the plant's widespread presence and cultural integration throughout the globe.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Phytolacca acinosa is a taxonomically complex species that is frequently referred to by several different scientific names. Throughout botanical literature, it is widely recognized by its synonym Phytolacca esculenta, which highlights its specific varieties. The plant is also identified through various classifications, including the synonyms Phytolacca acinosa var. esculenta and Phytolacca acinosa var. kaempferi. Furthermore, researchers often encounter it under the names Phytolacca kaempferi and Phytolacca pekinensis. Understanding these overlapping designations is essential for maintaining accuracy when studying this diverse plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Phytolacca acinosa belongs to the expansive kingdom Plantae, serving as a distinct representative of the natural world. Within this vast group, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the specific order Caryophyllales. This plant is a proud member of the genus Phytolacca, which defines its unique botanical characteristics. Furthermore, it is nested within the family Phytolaccaceae, a grouping that highlights its evolutionary connections. Through this scientific hierarchy, the complex biological identity of the species is clearly established.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Phytolaccaceae |
| Genus | Phytolacca |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Phytolacca acinosa is a plant species with a broad distribution spanning several key regions across Asia-Temperate territories. It can be found naturally growing throughout the Caucasus and the North Caucasus regions. Within China, its presence is widespread, ranging from the North-Central and South-Central provinces to the Southeast. Additionally, the species extends its reach into the Manchuria region. This diverse geographical footprint highlights the plant's adaptability to various temperate climates across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Phytolacca acinosa is a self-supporting herb that presents a robust growth form in various environments. Depending on its specific conditions, the plant typically reaches a minimum height of 0.5 meters. For many established specimens, the stature frequently begins at a minimum of 1.25 meters. As it matures, the plant can continue to climb until it reaches a maximum height of 2 meters. This variable size range allows the species to occupy diverse ecological niches within its habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Phytolacca acinosa is a plant species that possesses significant pharmacological potential due to its diverse bioactive properties. Research into its chemical constituents has identified several key compounds, such as the triterpenoids acinospesigenin-A, -B, and -C found in its berries. These specific triterpenoids have demonstrated notable antiedemic activity in studies involving albino rats. Furthermore, related studies on the genus highlight the presence of anticancer activities, particularly through the inhibition of cancer cell migration and growth. Together, these findings underscore the therapeutic importance of the Phytolacca genus in modern medicinal research.
Compounds
Phytolacca acinosa is an herbaceous plant known for its diverse phytochemical profile and traditional medicinal applications. Research has successfully isolated several bioactive compounds from the species, including the saponins esculentoside A and esculentoside H. Furthermore, the berries of the plant serve as a source for the newly characterized triterpenoids acinospesigenin A, acinospesigenin B, and acinospesigenin C. These specific molecules contribute to the plant's therapeutic potential, with esculentoside H showing promise in inhibiting cancer cell migration. Collectively, these chemical constituents underscore the significant role of Phytolacca acinosa in ongoing drug discovery and pharmacological research.
Conditions
Phytolacca acinosa demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by effectively treating the parasite Clonorchis sinensis. Research indicates that this plant also possesses anti-proliferative properties that allow it to treat Hep G2 cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the bioactive components of the plant work to treat MMP-9 gene expression through specific molecular mechanisms. This inhibitory effect is achieved as the plant treats JNK1/2 and NF-κB signaling-mediated MMP-9 expression to suppress tumor cell migration. Ultimately, the plant provides medicinal benefits by its ability to treat the NF-kB signaling pathway.
Preparations
Phytolacca acinosa is prepared as 0% EtOH, 50% EtOH, 75% EtOH, and 95% EtOH to facilitate multi-element speciation in accordance with the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. These various ethanol concentrations allow researchers to observe significant differences in element extraction rates within the herb. Additionally, Phytolacca acinosa is prepared as berries for the isolation of specific triterpenoids like acinospesigenin-A, -B, and -C. These chemical compounds were successfully characterized from the berry preparations. Through these different preparation methods, both elemental distributions and bioactive triterpenoids can be effectively studied.
Parts used
Phytolacca acinosa is a significant plant species utilized in various pharmacological studies due to its diverse chemical constituents. The roots of this plant are highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine and serve as a primary source for extracting essential triterpenoid saponins. Beyond the root, the berries of Phytolacca acinosa also provide valuable chemical compounds. Specifically, researchers have isolated new triterpenoids, such as acinospesigenin-A, -B, and -C, directly from these fruits. Consequently, both the roots and the fruit of the plant play critical roles in the discovery of bioactive substances with potential medicinal applications.