Rolandra fruticosa
Rolandra fruticosa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Rolandra fruticosa is a distinctive plant species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its unique chemical profile. Researchers have focused specifically on the plant's leaves to explore their diverse therapeutic potential. Through the use of a methanol extract, scientists are able to isolate and study its complex bioactive constituents. One of the most notable compounds identified within these preparations is the chemical isorolandrolide. Understanding this specific molecule is essential for unlocking the full pharmacological value of the species.
- Synonyms
- Echinops Nodiflorus · Echinops Fruticosus · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Rolandra fruticosa is known by a diverse array of local names across different regions. In Trinidad and Tobago, it is commonly referred to as Dos Blanc, while in other areas it is called Herbe argentee. The Lesser Antilles recognize the plant as Tete negresse, highlighting its unique cultural identity. In Puerto Rico, it goes by the names Yerba de plata or Doblan. Finally, the species is also identified in certain contexts as rolandra krovitá.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Rolandra fruticosa is a botanical subject characterized by a complex web of taxonomic synonyms. Within various scientific records, this plant is frequently identified as Echinops fruticosus or Echinops nodiflorus. It is also closely associated with the name Rolandra argentea in several classifications. Furthermore, the species encompasses the designations Rolandra diacantha and Rolandra monacantha. Understanding these diverse nomenclatures is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Rolandra fruticosa is a distinguished member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. This plant belongs to the order Asterales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. It is further nested within the diverse family Asteraceae. Ultimately, its unique biological identity is defined by its placement in the genus Rolandra.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Rolandra |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Rolandra fruticosa exhibits a remarkably broad geographic range that spans multiple continents and diverse climates. In Asia, the species is found across temperate regions such as Japan and Eastern Asia, while also inhabiting tropical landscapes throughout Malesia and Jawa. Its presence extends significantly into Southern America, where it is well-established within the borders of Brazil. Within Brazil, the plant thrives across various territories, including the northern, northeastern, and southeastern regions. This extensive distribution highlights the remarkable adaptability of the species to different environmental conditions worldwide.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Rolandra fruticosa is characterized by its distinct herb growth form. This plant is entirely self-supporting, maintaining its structure without the need for external assistance.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Rolandra fruticosa has been the subject of intensive bioactivity-guided research focusing on its cytotoxic sesquiterpene properties. Through the fractionation of methanol extracts from its leaves and twigs, scientists have successfully isolated several significant compounds. Notably, this botanical study led to the identification of isorolandrolide, a previously unknown sesquiterpene lactone. The researchers utilized spectroscopic methods to elucidate the unique structures of these newly discovered isolates. This chemical characterization provides essential insights into the complex secondary metabolites found within the plant.
Conditions
Rolandra fruticosa exhibits significant bioactive potential through its ability to treat the HT-29 human colon cancer cell line. Researchers utilized a methanol extract of its leaves and twigs to isolate various sesquiterpene lactones via cytotoxicity-guided fractionation. Among the seven identified compounds, 13-acetoxyrolandrolide was specifically found to possess a potent inhibitory effect against these cancer cells. The effectiveness of these isolates was further validated through specialized testing, including an NF-kappaB inhibition assay. This study highlights the plant's capacity to yield specific chemical constituents that target and suppress colon cancer cell growth.
Preparations
Rolandra fruticosa is prepared as a methanol extract derived from its leaves and twigs. This specific preparation underwent cytotoxicity-guided fractionation to isolate various bioactive compounds. Researchers utilized this extract to identify several sesquiterpene lactones, including both known and newly discovered structures. Through this process, the methanol extract served as the primary source for isolating seven distinct sesquiterpenes. The study ultimately focused on evaluating the potency of these isolates against the HT-29 human colon cancer cell line.
Parts used
Rolandra fruticosa serves as a significant source of bioactive compounds, particularly when examining its various botanical components. Recent scientific research has focused on the methanol extract derived from the leaves and twigs of this plant to identify potential medicinal properties. Through bioactivity-guided isolation, researchers successfully identified seven specific sesquiterpene lactones within these leaf extracts. Among these isolates, 13-acetoxyrolandrolide stood out due to its potent inhibitory effect against the HT-29 human colon cancer cell line. These findings highlight the importance of the leaves in the pharmacological study of the species.