Sargentodoxa cuneata

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Sargentodoxa simplicifolia
• Holboellia cuneata

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Ranunculales, it is placed in the family Lardizabalaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Sargentodoxa, specifically as the species Sargentodoxa cunearata.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across various regions of East and Southeast Asia. Within China, it can be found growing in the South-Central and North-Central territories. It is also documented in the Southeast regions of China as well as on the island of Hainan. Beyond Chinese borders, its natural habitat extends into the Indo-China peninsula. Specifically, the species is known to occur naturally within the country of Laos.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Sargentodoxa cunneata is characterized by its growth as a woody shrub or small tree, primarily found in the tropical and subtropical forest understories. Its physiological development is marked by a variable phenology regarding foliage retention, as it can exhibit deciduous, evergreen, or variable patterns of leaf shedding depending on environmental stressors and seasonal shifts. During its growth cycle, the plant focuses on establishing a robust woody structure capable of supporting its medicinal components. Its reproductive phase involves the production of flowers that facilitate pollination, eventually leading to seed development which ensures the dispersal and continuation of the species across its natural habitat. The plant's ability to transition between deciduous and evergreen states allows it to adapt its metabolic activity to fluctuating moisture levels and light availability in its native ecosystem.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Morphology

The morphology of Sargentodoxa cunearata is characterized by its significant growth habit, reaching a plant height with a mean of approximately 7.5 m. It functions as an obligatory climber, relying on external structures for vertical ascent. The structural composition of the plant exhibits variable woodiness, transitioning between woody and non-woody states depending on environmental conditions and developmental stages.

Climber :

obligatory

Plant height mean:

7.5 m

Woodiness :

variable

Physiology

The physiology of Sargentodoxa cuneatas is characterized by its specialized metabolic processes and growth patterns typical of woody shrubs inhabiting subtropical forest environments. Its physiological framework is centered on efficient nutrient uptake and energy conversion to support its structural development and the synthesis of bioactive secondary metabolites. Regarding its interaction with soil chemistry and nutrient cycling, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria, such as Rhizobium, required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into biologically available forms. Consequently, its nitrogen acquisition is entirely dependent on the uptake of nitrates or ammonium present in the soil through its root system. The metabolic activity of the plant is also geared toward the production of specific phytochemicals, which are synthesized through complex enzymatic pathways to serve various defensive and physiological roles within its tissues.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

Reproduction in Sargentodoxa cuneatas is characterized by a biological mechanism where self-fertilization is strictly absent. Instead of relying on internal pollination processes, the plant utilizes cross-pollination to ensure genetic diversity within its population. This reproductive strategy necessitates the involvement of external vectors, such as insects or wind, to transfer pollen from the anthers of one flower to the stigma of a different individual. The presence of this mechanism underscores the species' dependence on environmental interactions to facilitate successful fertilization and the subsequent development of seeds.

Self fertilization :

absent

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Sargentodoxa cuneata has 2 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem, leaf.

Stem

1. International journal of molecular sciences
2. Phytochemistry

Leaf

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Chemicals

Sargentodoxa cuneata has 17 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CHLOROGENIC ACID, protocatechuic acid, (-)-Epicatechin, 3,4-dihydroxy-phenylethanol, Anabasine.

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

protocatechuic acid

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

(-)-Epicatechin

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

3,4-dihydroxy-phenylethanol

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Anabasine

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Anthraquinones

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Cuneataside E

1. Phytochemistry

Flavonoids

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Hydroxycinnamic Acids

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Lignans

1. International journal of molecular sciences

Medicinal Uses

Sargentodoxa cuneata has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include arthritis, rheumatic diseases, rheumatism.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations