Piper lanatum
Piper lanatum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Piper lanatum, commonly known as devil's club, is a significant botanical species studied for its diverse phytochemical profile. Research has identified key chemical constituents within the plant, including (+)-bornyl p-coumarate, Cepharadione A, and bornyl caffeate. Studies utilizing active organic extracts and crude chloroform bark extracts have demonstrated notable biological activities. Specifically, these preparations have been evaluated for their effects against various bacterial conditions, including Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Understanding these properties provides valuable insight into the plant's potential pharmacological applications.
- Synonyms
- Piper Pilobracteatum · Piper Boerlagei · 38 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Piperaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Piper lanatum is a plant widely recognized by its common name, the common piper. This species plays a unique role within its natural ecosystem through various biological connections. By understanding its specific botanical relationships, researchers can better appreciate its place in the wild. These associations highlight the intricate web of life that supports the plant's growth and survival. Ultimately, studying the common piper provides valuable insights into the complex interactions found in its habitat.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Piper lanatum is a botanical species that has been classified under several different scientific names throughout history. It is recognized by various synonyms, including the names Chavica haenkeana and Chavica viminalis. Furthermore, the plant has been linked to several terms within the Cubeba genus. These alternative designations include Cubeba canina, Cubeba lanata, and Cubeba lowong. Understanding these taxonomic relationships is essential for accurate identification and scientific consistency.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Piper lanatum is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. This plant is further organized into the order Piperales, showcasing its unique evolutionary lineage. It occupies the genus Piper, a group known for its distinct morphological characteristics. Finally, it is a proud member of the family Piperaceae, completing its detailed taxonomic profile.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Piperales |
| Family | Piperaceae |
| Genus | Piper |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Piper lanatum is a plant species with a widespread distribution across various tropical regions of Asia. It is prominently found throughout the Indian Subcontinent, with specific presence noted in India, Assam, and Bangladesh. Beyond the subcontinent, its range extends into the Indo-China region, encompassing territories such as Myanmar and Thailand. This broad geographic footprint highlights the plant's adaptability to diverse tropical environments. Consequently, understanding its distribution is essential for studying its ecological role across these diverse Asian landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Piper lanatum is characterized by its distinct growth form as a perennial herb. This species relies on an obligatory climbing habit to ascend through its surrounding vegetation.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Piper lanatum serves as a significant source of bioactive chemical compounds that demonstrate diverse biological activities. Research indicates that this plant species contains the oxoaporphine alkaloid cepharadione A, which has shown potent inhibitory effects in yeast cytotoxicity assays. Furthermore, the plant is known to contain bornyl caffeate, a hydroxycinnamic ester identified through advanced spectroscopic techniques. These specific constituents contribute to the complex chemical profile found within the various extracts of the Piper genus. Understanding these relationships provides valuable insights into the potential medicinal and antibacterial properties inherent in the species.
Conditions
Piper lanatum exhibits significant antibacterial properties against several specific Gram-positive pathogens. The plant's extracts effectively treat the bacteria Bacillus cereus. Additionally, the medicinal properties of the plant are shown to combat Staphylococcus aureus. It also demonstrates the ability to treat Streptococcus pneumoniae. These therapeutic relationships highlight the plant's potential as an antibacterial agent.
Preparations
Piper lanatum is prepared as an active organic extract to isolate DNA-damaging oxoaporphine alkaloids like cepharadione A. This specific preparation allows researchers to monitor putative double-strand DNA-damaging activity through sensitive yeast assays. Additionally, Piper lanatum is prepared as a crude chloroform bark extract to investigate its medicinal properties. This bark extract exhibits significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus. Through bioactivity-directed chromatographic techniques, researchers can identify specific antibacterial agents like (+)-bornyl p-coumarate from this preparation.