Silene viridiflora

Silene viridiflora · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Silene viridiflora is a plant species that has garnered scientific interest due to its unique chemical profile. Research involving methanol extracts of this species has revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds. Specifically, the plant contains ecdysteroids such as 2-deoxy-20-hydroxyecdysone and 26-hydroxyecdysone, alongside flavonoids like schaftoside. These constituents contribute to the complex chemical composition identified in laboratory studies. Most notably, these extracted chemicals have demonstrated significant cytotoxic activities.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Otites Viridiflorus
Common names
Not available
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Distribution
Not available
Plant Parts
Not available

Classification

Common Names

Silene viridiflora is a distinctive plant known by various names across different languages and regions. In German-speaking areas, it is commonly referred to as Grünblütiges Leimkraut, while French speakers call it Silène à fleurs vertes. The species also holds the name silenka zelenokvetá or silenka zelenokvětá in Czech and Slovak contexts. In other linguistic variations, it is identified as zelenocvetna lepnica. These diverse common names reflect the botanical's widespread presence and cultural recognition throughout Europe.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Silene viridiflora is a distinctive plant species that is often identified in botanical literature through various taxonomic designations. One significant historical name for this plant is Otites viridiflorus, which serves as its formal synonym. This nomenclatural connection can sometimes cause confusion for researchers navigating older biological databases. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for ensuring accurate species identification in field studies. Consequently, recognizing both terms allows botanists to maintain consistency when documenting the plant's natural habitat.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Silene viridiflora is a unique botanical specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further descends through the order Caryophyllales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. This species is a distinguished member of the genus Silene, which characterizes its morphological traits. Finally, it finds its place within the diverse family Caryophyllaceae.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Caryophyllales
Family Caryophyllaceae
Genus Silene

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Silene viridiflora exhibits a wide and diverse geographical range that spans across several continents and climatic zones. In the temperate regions of Asia, this species is commonly found throughout Western Asia, including Lebanon, Syria, and Türkiye. Its presence extends into the tropical reaches of the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the West Himalaya. Moving toward Europe, the plant can be located in Eastern Europe around Krym as well as across Middle Europe in the Czechia-Slovakia region. This broad distribution highlights the remarkable adaptability of the species to varying environmental conditions.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Silene viridiflora is a self-supporting herb that thrives in its natural habitat. This plant typically maintains a compact growth form, reaching a minimum height of 0.5 meters. As it matures, it can extend upward to a maximum height of 1.2 meters. These dimensions contribute to its distinct presence within its ecological niche.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Silene viridiflora has demonstrated significant biological potential through recent comprehensive metabolite profiling and chemical characterization. Researchers identified 71 distinct compounds within the plant, including various flavonoids, triterpene glycosides, and ecdysteroids. During screening processes, the methanol extract and several specific metabolites exhibited notable cytotoxic activity against triple-negative breast cancer cells. Specifically, the compound 2-deoxy-20-hydroxyecdysone was found to possess potent submicromolar inhibitory effects in cell-based assays. These findings suggest that understanding the structural relationships of these metabolites is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.

Compounds

Silene viridiflora serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive metabolites, according to recent comprehensive profiling. The plant is notably characterized by the presence of various flavonoids, which are among its most common constituent compounds. Within its chemical makeup, specific ecdysteroids such as 26-hydroxyecdysone have been identified as key markers for assessing quality. Furthermore, the plant contains the compound schaftoside, contributing to its complex metabolic profile. Research also highlights the presence of 2-Deoxy-20-hydroxyecdysone, a metabolite that has shown significant potential in cytotoxic studies.

Conditions

Silene viridiflora contains specific metabolites that demonstrate significant potential in treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Researchers utilized methanol extracts and various identified compounds to screen for cytotoxic activities against this aggressive form of cancer. Through these assays, the metabolite 2-deoxy-20-hydroxyecdysone was identified as a highly potent agent with submicromolar IC50 values. The study further revealed that the presence of a hydroxyl group at the C-2 position of the steroid core can actually reduce the compound's cytotoxicity. These findings highlight how specific chemical structures within the plant can be leveraged to inhibit cancer cell proliferation.

Preparations

Silene viridiflora is prepared as a methanol extract to facilitate comprehensive metabolite profiling and biological screening. This specific extract was utilized in studies to identify 71 distinct compounds, including flavonoids, triterpene glycosides, and ecdysteroids. Researchers employed this methanol preparation to investigate cytotoxic and Wnt pathway-inhibiting activities against triple-negative breast cancer cells. Through the analysis of this extract, the compound 2-deoxy-20-hydroxyecdysone was identified for its potent submicromolar inhibitory effects. Consequently, the methanol extraction process proved essential for uncovering the structural relationships that govern the plant's medicinal potential.

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