Sarcococca coriacea
Sarcococca coriacea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Sarcococca coriacea is a botanical species notable for containing specific bioactive compounds known as sarcovagine D and sarcovagine C. Research indicates that these chemical constituents function under the conditions of cholinesterase inhibitors. Scientists often focus their studies on the plant's leaf and root components to isolate these active substances. Most pharmacological investigations utilize preparations made from the leaves or a concentrated extract of the plant. Understanding these properties offers significant insight into the potential medicinal applications of this species.
- Synonyms
- Sarcococca Brevifolia · Sarcococca Vagans · 12 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Buxaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Root
Classification
Synonyms
Sarcococca coriacea is a botanical subject frequently identified by several different names in scientific literature. Depending on the classification system used, you may encounter it referred to as Buxus cariacea or Pachysandra coriacea. Researchers also recognize synonyms such as Sarcococca brevifolia and Sarcococca pruniformis within various taxonomic studies. Furthermore, the plant is sometimes categorized specifically as Sarcococca pruniformis var. brevifolia. Understanding these shifting nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate identification in horticultural studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Sarcococca coriacea is a distinctive species belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this botanical realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Buxales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. It falls specifically under the family Buxaceae, a group known for its unique structural characteristics. Ultimately, this species is identified by its membership in the genus Sarcococca.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Buxales |
| Family | Buxaceae |
| Genus | Sarcococca |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Sarcococca coriacea exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across multiple regions of Asia. In the temperate zones, this species is primarily found throughout various parts of China, including the South-Central regions. Its presence extends significantly into tropical Asian territories, particularly across the Indian Subcontinent. Within this area, the plant is well-established in India, Nepal, and the Assam region. Furthermore, its distribution reaches into the unique ecological landscapes of the East Himalaya.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Sarcococca coriacea is a self-supporting plant that maintains a sturdy structure as it grows. It typically develops into a compact shrub, making it an ideal addition to many landscapes.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Sarcococca coriacea is a plant species of significant pharmacological interest due to its diverse chemical profile. Research into its leaf composition has successfully identified several important steroidal alkaloids. Specifically, studies have confirmed that Sarcococca coriacea contains the compound known as (-)-vaganine D. Additionally, the plant is noted for containing sarcovagine C, further highlighting its complex alkaloid makeup. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the chemical properties inherent to this specific species.
Conditions
Sarcococca coriacea contains steroidal alkaloids such as (-)-vaganine D and (+)-nepapakistamine A that function as cholinesterase inhibitors. These specific compounds were isolated from the leaves of the plant to demonstrate their chemical properties. While Sarcococca coriacea targets cholinesterase, the related species Sarcococca vagans is utilized in traditional medicine for a different purpose. Specifically, the roots of Sarcococca vagans are employed to treat traumatic injury. These distinct botanical applications highlight the diverse therapeutic potential found within the Sarcococca genus.
Preparations
Sarcococca coriacea is prepared as an extract to facilitate the investigation and characterization of pregnane-type steroidal alkaloids within complex mixtures. This plant is also prepared as leaves, which serve as the source for isolating specific chemical compounds. From these leaves, researchers have successfully isolated new steroidal alkaloids such as (-)-vaganine D and (+)-nepapakistamine A. The structural elucidation of these leaf-derived compounds reveals their potential as cholinesterase inhibitors. Consequently, both the extract and the leaves are essential components for studying the chemical profile of the species.
Parts used
Sarcococca coriacea is a plant species that yields significant chemical interest through its various morphological components. Research has specifically identified that the leaves of this plant serve as a source for unique steroidal alkaloids. These isolated compounds, such as (-)-vaganine D and (+)-nepapakistamine A, have demonstrated potential as cholinesterase inhibitors. Furthermore, the plant's biological profile is characterized by the presence of both leaf and root structures. Understanding these distinct parts is essential for uncovering the full chemical potential of the Sarcococca genus.