Selaginella tamariscina
Selaginella tamariscina · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Selaginella tamariscina is a unique botanical species that has gained significant scientific interest due to its diverse therapeutic potential. Research indicates that various preparations, including ethanol extracts (STE) and EtOAC extracts, possess potent antibacterial and anticancer properties. These botanical extracts contain bioactive chemicals such as Amentoflavone, Cryptomerin B, Hinokiflavone, and Isocryptomerin. Studies suggest these compounds may combat cancer and lung cancer by inducing autophagic cell death. Consequently, this plant serves as a promising subject for developing new antimetastatic and antitumor treatments.
- Synonyms
- Stachygynandrum Tamariscinum · Lycopodioides Tamariscina · 9 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Selaginellaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Selaginella tamariscina is a unique plant that is recognized by many different names across various cultures and languages. In certain regions, it is affectionately known by the common name eglūninė selaginelė. It also carries the Japanese designations of iwa-hiba and iwa-matsu, reflecting its traditional importance. In other parts of the world, enthusiasts may refer to it as juan bai. Finally, it is widely identified in English-speaking botanical circles as little-club-moss.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Selaginella tamariscina is a botanical species that has been identified through several different scientific names throughout history. It is formally recognized by the synonym Lycopodioides tamariscina, reflecting its complex taxonomic lineage. Researchers have also cataloged the plant under the names Lycopodium tamariscinum and Pulviniella tamariscina in various studies. Furthermore, its classification includes the synonyms Selaginella convolvens and the specific form Selaginella involvens f. major. Understanding these diverse nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate identification in botanical research.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Selaginella tamariscina is a distinctive species that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its specific lineage continues through the order Selaginellales, which helps define its evolutionary path. The plant is a member of the family Selaginellaceae, showcasing its unique botanical characteristics. Ultimately, it finds its taxonomic home within the diverse genus Selaginella.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Lycopodiidae |
| Order | Selaginellales |
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Genus | Selaginella |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Selaginella tamariscina is a distinctive plant species primarily found throughout the temperate regions of Asia. Its geographic range is most notably concentrated within various provinces of China, where it thrives in diverse environments. Specifically, the species can be located in North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast China. In addition to these mainland areas, its distribution extends to the island of Hainan and the northern region of Manchuria. This wide-reaching presence across different Chinese territories highlights the plant's adaptability to varying regional climates.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Selaginella tamariscina is a delicate herb that grows in a self-supporting manner. This small plant maintains a very compact profile, reaching a maximum height of only 0.1 meters. Its diminutive stature makes it a unique feature within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Selaginella tamariscina is a traditional medicinal herb that demonstrates a diverse range of therapeutic activities. Research indicates that its phytochemicals, such as amentoflavone, possess significant antibacterial properties and can work synergistically with conventional antibiotics. The plant also exhibits potent anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis in leukemia cells through specific caspase-mediated pathways. Furthermore, extracts from this species have shown antimetastatic potential by inhibiting the invasion and motility of lung cancer cells. Ultimately, these combined antitumor activities highlight the plant's promise as a candidate for advanced pharmacological treatments.
Compounds
Selaginella tamariscina is a medicinal resurrection plant characterized by a diverse profile of bioactive phytochemicals. It contains several important biflavonoids, including amentoflavone, hinokiflavone, isocryptomerin, and cryptomerin B. Research indicates that amentoflavone offers significant therapeutic potential, ranging from anti-photoaging and antibacterial properties to vasorelaxant effects. Additionally, the plant contains selaginellin, which, along with its associated biflavonoids, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B to stimulate glucose uptake. Together, these various compounds highlight the extensive pharmacological versatility of Selaginella tamariscina in modern drug development.
Conditions
Selaginella tamariscina possesses significant therapeutic potential, most notably through its ability to treat various forms of cancer. The plant's bioactive compounds, such as amentoflavone and specific polyphenols, work to inhibit tumor growth and suppress cancer metastasis by targeting enzymes like AKR1B10 and MMP-9. Beyond oncology, extracts of the plant exhibit distinctive vasorelaxant activity by inducing the relaxation of vascular smooth muscle through nitric oxide-cGMP signaling. At a cellular level, its water-extracted fractions can treat oxidative stress by normalizing CAT activities and inducing G1 arrest in the cell cycle. These combined properties highlight the plant's diverse medicinal utility in treating complex biological processes.
Preparations
Selaginella tamariscina is prepared as an extract to study its diverse medicinal properties, including its role in treating cancer and neurotoxicity. It is also prepared as ethanol extract (STE), which has been shown to inhibit glutamate-induced autophagic cell death and promote neuroprotection. In various pharmacological screenings, the plant is prepared as EtOAC extracts to demonstrate distinctive vasorelaxant activity. Researchers further utilize Selaginella tamariscina as an ethyl acetate-soluble extract to isolate bioactive biflavonoids like amentoflavone. Additionally, the plant is prepared as botanical extracts to evaluate its estrogenic activities in animal models.