Sambucus williamsii
Sambucus williamsii · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Sambucus williamsii is a specialized botanical species known for its diverse array of therapeutic potential. The plant's stem contains significant chemical compounds, including (+)-medioresinol, (+)-pinoresinol, glochidioboside, and lariciresinol. These bioactive constituents provide the plant with notable antifungal activities that can combat various microbial threats. Due to these properties, the species is often studied for its ability to manage conditions such as inflammation and rheumatism. Understanding these chemical profiles offers valuable insights into the plant's medicinal applications in traditional and modern wellness.
- Synonyms
- Sambucus Sieboldiana Var. Coreana · Sambucus Foetidissima F. Flava · 18 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Viburnaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem
Classification
Common Names
Sambucus williamsii is a versatile species known by a wide variety of regional and linguistic identifiers. It is frequently referred to by its English common names, such as William's elder or North China red elder. In certain cultural contexts, the plant is also recognized as the Korean elder. Its names extend into other languages, including the Swedish designation Williamsfläder. Furthermore, it is identified in some records as baza Williamsova, showcasing the diverse nomenclature surrounding this plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Sambucus williamsii is a botanical species known for its complex taxonomic history and various scientific designations. Throughout different studies, this plant has been identified by several synonyms, including Sambucus barbinervis and Sambucus coreana. It is also frequently referred to in botanical literature as Sambucus buergeriana and its specific form, Sambucus buergeriana f. cordifoliata. Furthermore, the name Sambucus foetidissima has been applied to the species in various contexts. Understanding these overlapping relationships is essential for accurate plant identification and classification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Sambucus williamsii is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It belongs to the order Dipsacales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. Further narrowing its biological identity, the plant is situated within the family Viburnaceae. Finally, it is defined by its placement in the genus Sambucus, which characterizes its unique botanical properties.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Viburnaceae |
| Genus | Sambucus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Sambucus williamsii is a plant primarily native to the temperate regions of Asia. Its natural range is concentrated within China, where it thrives across diverse geographical landscapes. Specifically, it can be found throughout North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast China. The species also extends its presence into the northern territories of Inner Mongolia and Manchuria. This widespread distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various environments across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Sambucus williamsii is a self-supporting shrub that adds structural elegance to any garden landscape. This resilient plant typically reaches a maximum height of 5 meters, providing ample coverage. Its sturdy growth form makes it an ideal choice for creating natural privacy screens or lush borders.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Sambucus williamsii has demonstrated significant antifungal activity through the presence of bioactive compounds such as (+)-pinoresinol and glochidioboside. Research indicates that (+)-pinoresinol exerts potent fungicidal effects by causing direct damage to the plasma membranes of pathogens like Candida albicans. Similarly, the compound glochidioboside acts via a membrane-disruptive mechanism, specifically by forming pores that lead to cell shrinkage and death. Notably, both of these substances exhibit these therapeutic properties without causing hemolytic effects on human erythrocytes. These findings highlight the plant's substantial potential as a source for developing new treatments for fungal infectious diseases in humans.
Compounds
Sambucus williamsii is a medicinal herb that serves as a rich source of several bioactive compounds. Research has identified that this plant contains glochidioboside, a substance that demonstrates significant antifungal activity. Additionally, the species contains lariciresinol, an enterolignan precursor known for its potent therapeutic properties. Both of these constituents work by targeting and disrupting the plasma membranes of pathogenic fungal strains. Consequently, these findings highlight the plant's immense potential for developing novel treatments against fungal infectious diseases.
Conditions
Sambucus williamsii is a folk medicinal plant traditionally utilized for its ability to treat inflammation, rheumatism, and fractures. Research indicates that phytochemicals isolated from its stem bark, such as (+)-medioresinol, contribute to cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Furthermore, specific compounds derived from the plant, including lariciresinol and (+)-pinoresinol, demonstrate potent antifungal properties. These substances work by disrupting the plasma membranes of pathogens like Candida albicans, offering significant therapeutic potential. Ultimately, these findings support the use of Sambucus williamsii derivatives for the treatment of fungal infectious diseases in humans.
Preparations
Parts used
Sambucus williamsii is a folk medicinal plant frequently utilized in various traditional medicine practices. Researchers have identified the phytochemical (+)-Medioresinol within the stem bark of this specific species. This furofuran type lignan has already demonstrated potential for lesishmanicidal activity and the reduction of cardiovascular disease risks. Recent studies have now expanded its profile by uncovering significant antifungal properties against Candida albicans. Specifically, (+)-Medioresinol works by inducing intracellular ROS accumulation and triggering mitochondria-mediated apoptotic cell death.