Scutellaria barbata
Scutellaria barbata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Scutellaria barbata is a versatile medicinal plant utilized in various aqueous extracts and whole plant preparations derived from its roots, flowers, and stems. This species is particularly noted for its significant biological activities, including antitumor, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties. Rich in bioactive chemicals such as scutellarin, scutellarein, wogonin, and 6-O-acetylscutehenanine A, it serves as a potent subject for pharmacological study. Research highlights its potential efficacy in addressing serious medical conditions like cancer, prostate cancer, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates promising antiviral capabilities, making it a valuable resource in modern therapeutic investigations.
- Synonyms
- Scutellaria Komarovii · Scutellaria Squamulosa · 5 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root · Flower
Classification
Common Names
Scutellaria barbata is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional and linguistic names. In many English-speaking circles, it is most frequently identified as the barbed skullcap. Moving into different cultural contexts, it is also referred to as ban zhi lian or the Swedish skäggfrossört. Its identity is further expanded in Arabic, where it is recognized as درقة ملتحية or simply درقه (نوع من النباتات). This variety of nomenclature highlights the plant's widespread presence and importance across various global traditions.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Scutellaria barbata is a botanical species known to be associated with several different taxonomic synonyms. Within various scientific records, it is frequently identified under the names Scutellaria adenophylla and Scutellaria cavaleriei. The plant is also linked to Scutellaria komarovii and the specific variety known as Scutellaria minor var. indica. Furthermore, researchers sometimes refer to this specimen as Scutellaria rivularis depending on the classification system used. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Scutellaria barbata is a distinct botanical species that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant further resides in the order Lamiales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family, a group known for many well-known aromatic herbs. Finally, it is categorized under the specific genus Scutellaria, completing its formal scientific identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Scutellaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Scutellaria barbata is a plant species primarily distributed across the temperate regions of Asia. Within China, it can be found extensively throughout both the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its presence extends further into Eastern Asia, where it is established in the diverse landscapes of Japan and Korea. Additionally, the species is commonly documented growing in Taiwan. This widespread geographic range highlights the plant's adaptability to various environments across the East Asian continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Scutellaria barbata is a self-supporting plant that maintains its own structure without the need for external assistance.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Scutellaria barbata is recognized as a significant medicinal plant valued for its diverse therapeutic properties. Research highlights its potent antioxidant and antitumor activities, which contribute to its use in traditional medicine. Specifically, the plant contains bioactive components that exhibit anticancer potential against various human cancer cell lines. Studies have further demonstrated that certain isolated compounds from the species possess notable cytotoxic activities. These diverse biological functions underscore the importance of Scutellaria barbata in ongoing pharmacological investigations.
Compounds
Scutellaria barbata is a widely cultivated medicinal plant recognized for its complex chemical profile and diverse bioactive compounds. It contains several important flavonone compounds, including scutellarein, scutellarin, and wogonin, which contribute to its antioxidant and antitumor activities. The plant is also a significant source of clerodane diterpenoids, a class of compounds that serve as important chemotaxonomic markers for the species. Furthermore, specialized research has identified unique neo-clerodane diterpenoid alkaloids within the plant, such as 6-O-acetylscutehenanine A. Together, these diverse metabolites underpin the therapeutic potential of the plant in various pharmacological applications.
Conditions
Scutellaria barbata exhibits significant anticancer properties through its ability to treat various malignant cell lines. Specifically, the plant has demonstrated effectiveness in treating HONE-1 nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells. It also shows medicinal potential in treating HT29 colorectal carcinoma cells. Furthermore, the plant is capable of treating KB oral epidermoid carcinoma cells. In addition to these specific cytotoxic effects, Scutellaria barbata serves as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Preparations
Scutellaria barbata is prepared as a whole plant to isolate various neo-clerodane diterpenoid alkaloids. This medicinal herb is also prepared as an aqueous extract, which has demonstrated antiproliferative activity across multiple cancer cell lines. Specifically, Scutellaria barbata is prepared as a water extract to validate recommended dosages for treating colon tumors and metastasis. The plant is frequently prepared as SBW, a preparation used in studies to reduce the viability and migration of breast cancer stem cells. Ultimately, Scutellaria barbata is prepared as aqueous extracts like Bezielle to selectively target cancer cell mitochondria.
Parts used
Scutellaria barbata is a highly valued medicinal herb that possesses diverse anatomical components, including the root, stem, and flower. Research into its chemical composition reveals that different plant parts exhibit unique metabolic profiles and seasonal accumulation patterns. For instance, the roots serve as a primary site for specific flavonoids, whereas the aerial parts, such as the stem, contain distinct chemical varieties. Transcriptomic analyses of the flowers and other tissues have further helped scientists understand the complex biosynthesis of bioactive terpenoids within the plant. By studying these specific parts, researchers can better optimize the cultivation and quality control of this important medicinal species.