Smilax corbularia
What's the taxonomical classification of Smilax corbularia?
Smilax corbularia belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta. As a member of the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, it is situated under the order Liliales. This climbing plant is a representative of the family Smilacaceae, falling under the genus Smilax, and is specifically identified by the species name corbularia.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Smilacaceae |
| Genus | Smilax |
| Species | corbularia |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Smilax corbularia has woody, climbing stems equipped with sharp, recurved prickles and trifoliate leaves consisting of three distinct leaflets. The leaflets are typically ovate or elliptical in shape with entire or slightly serrated margins and a smooth, somewhat leathery texture. Small, inconspicuous greenish-white flowers emerge from the leaf axils, eventually developing into small, fleshy red berries. The plant's climbing habit is facilitated by its twining stems which utilize surrounding vegetation for structural support. Its overall morphology is characterized by a dense, scrambling growth pattern common to many woody vines.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the southeastern United States, specifically ranging from eastern Texas through the Gulf Coast states to Florida and northward into the Atlantic coastal plain. It thrives primarily in the warm, humid climates found within the subtropical regions of this territory. Its presence is most common in moist habitats such as riverbanks, swamps, and dense forest understories. Localized populations often concentrate in areas where soil moisture remains consistently high throughout the growing season. This distribution pattern reflects the species' reliance on the specific environmental conditions provided by the southern coastal and inland plains.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Smilax corbularia requires well-drained, organic-rich soil and partial shade to thrive in a humid, temperate environment.
It is a perennial climbing vine that spreads through underground rhizomes, meaning it needs significant space to expand its root system. To ensure healthy growth, gardeners should provide a sturdy trellis or support structure for the stems to ascend. Regular watering is essential to maintain consistent moisture without allowing the soil to become waterlogged.
Once established, the vine is relatively hardy but benefits from occasional mulching to retain soil nutrients.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Smilax corbularia is utilized medicinally through the application of its rhizomes and roots. These underground structures contain bioactive compounds that are often prepared as decoctions or extracts. Practitioners frequently use these specific parts to treat various ailments related to inflammation and digestive issues. The rhizomes are especially valued for their concentrated chemical properties compared to the stems or leaves. By processing these hardy parts, traditional medicine aims to harness the full therapeutic potential of the species.
According to a study published by "Phytochemistry", the rhizomes of Smilax corbularia Kunth. contain 11 specific compounds including (2R,3R)-2″-acetyl astilbin, (2R,3R)-3″-acetyl astilbin, (2R,3R)-4″-acetyl astilbin, (2R,3R)-3″-acetyl engeletin, (2R,3S)-4″-acetyl isoastilbin, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4,9,10-tetrahydro-3,5-dihydroxy-10-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-(2R,3R,10R)-2H,8H-benzo [1,2-b:3,4-b'] dipyran-8-one, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,4,9,10-tetrahydro-3,5-dihydroxy-10-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-(2R,3R,10S)-2H, 8H-benzo [1,2-b:3,4-b'] dipyran-8-one, 3,4-dihydro-7-hydroxy-4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5-[(1E)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethenyl]-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one, 3,4-dihydro-7-hydroxy-4-(3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-5-[(1E)-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) ethenyl]-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one, 3,4-dihydro-7-hydroxy-4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-5-[(1E)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) ethenyl]-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one, and 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-3-phenylcoumarin. Along with these, 34 known compounds were isolated and characterized as 19 flavonoids, 14 catechin derivatives, 6 stilbene derivatives, and 6 miscellaneous substances. Major constituents recognized as flavanonol rhamnosides showed a suppressive effect on estradiol induced cell proliferation at a concentration of 1μM. Flavanonol rhamnoside acetates demonstrated estrogenic activity in MCF-7 and T47D cells at a concentration of 100μM. Additionally, these acetates enhanced the effects of co-treated E2 on T47D cell proliferation at concentrations of more than 0.1μM.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- rhizomes
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Smilax corbularia, has been utilized in various traditional medicinal practices to treat skin ailments and inflammatory conditions.
Indigenous populations historically prepared decoctions from its roots to alleviate swelling and digestive discomfort. The vine was often employed in topical applications to soothe irritations or minor wounds. Beyond its medicinal uses, certain cultures integrated the plant into local folk remedies for its perceived purifying properties.
These historical uses demonstrate the plant's long-standing role in regional herbal traditions.
What are the pharmacological activities of Smilax corbularia?
This plant has anti-HIV-1 integrase, anti-estrogenic, anti-inflammatory, and estrogenic pharmacological activities. The presence of specific phytochemicals allows Smilax corbularia to modulate biological processes related to viral replication and hormonal balance. Its ability to act as both an estrogenic and anti-estrogenic agent suggests a complex role in regulating endocrine functions. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce systemic swelling and pain. These diverse medicinal capabilities highlight its potential for various therapeutic applications in modern pharmacology.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Smilax corbularia exhibits specific pharmacological activities against HIV-1. The ethanolic extract of Smilax corbularia demonstrated anti-HIV-1 IN activity with an IC50 value of 1.9 microg/ml. Additionally, the water extract of Smilax corbularia showed activity with an IC50 value of 5.4 microg/ml. These findings provide a basis for the use of Smilax corbularia in the treatment of AIDS by Thai traditional doctors.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-HIV-1 integrase activity
- anti-estrogenic
- anti-inflammatoy
- estrogenic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds astilbin, engeletin, and quercetin. These specific flavonoids contribute to the diverse pharmacological profile found within the Smilax corbularia species. Researchers often study these bioactive molecules for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The presence of these chemical constituents supports the traditional use of the plant in various herbal remedies. Understanding these individual components helps clarify how the plant interacts with biological systems.
According to a study published by "Asian Pacific journal of allergy and immunology", the ethanolic extract of Smilax corbularia inhibited TNF-alpha and NO production with IC50 values of 61.97 and 83.90 microg/ml respectively. Three flavonols isolated from the extract were engeletin, astilbin, and quercetin. Quercetin showed the highest inhibitory effect on NO production with an IC50 of 11.2 microg/ml (37.1 microM) and on TNF-alpha production with an IC50 of 1.25 microg/ml (4.14 microM). Engeletin and astilbin had no activity on NO or TNF-alpha, though their IC50 for NO was >100 microg/ml. All three flavonols inhibited PGE2 release with IC50 values of 14.4, 19.6, and 19.9 microg/ml (33.2, 43.5, and 65.8 microM) respectively.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- astilbin
- engeletin
- quercetin
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating inflammatory conditions, various inflammatory diseases, breast cancer, and inhibiting HIV-1 integrase and HIV-1 protease activity. Researchers have identified specific bioactive compounds within the plant that demonstrate significant potential in managing systemic inflammation. In oncology studies, the extract has shown promising inhibitory effects against certain breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, its pharmacological properties include the ability to interfere with key enzymes necessary for the HIV-1 life cycle. These multifaceted therapeutic properties make it a subject of interest for developing new antiviral and anticancer treatments.
According to a study published by "Asian Pacific journal of allergy and immunology", Smilax corbularia is a Thai medicinal plant used for treating inflammatory conditions. The ethanolic extract of this plant inhibited TNF-alpha and NO production with IC50 values of 61.97 and 83.90 microg/ml respectively. Isolated quercetin from the extract showed the highest inhibitory effect on NO production with an IC50 of 11.2 microg/ml (37.1 microM) and the highest inhibitory effect on TNF-alpha production with an IC50 of 1.25 microg/ml or 4.14 microM. Three flavonols, including quercetin, engeletin, and astilbin, possessed potent inhibition of PGE2 release with IC50 values of 14.4, 19.6, and 19.9 microg/ml (33.2, 43.5, and 65.8 microM) respectively. These results support the use of the plant by Thai traditional doctors for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- inflammatory conditions
- inflammatory diseases
- breast cancer
- HIV-1 integrase activity
- HIV-1 protease activity
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Smilax corbularia, a species used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as aqueous extracts for treating various ailments. These preparations are typically made by boiling the roots or stems in water to draw out bioactive compounds. Once the infusion is ready, it can be administered to address inflammatory conditions or digestive issues. The aqueous extract method is favored because it is a simple and accessible way to process the plant material. This traditional approach remains a significant part of regional herbal medicine practices.
According to a study published by "Asian Pacific journal of allergy and immunology", Smilax corbularia is a Thai medicinal plant used for treating inflammatory conditions. The ethanolic extract of this plant inhibited TNF-alpha and NO production with IC50 values of 61.97 and 83.90 microg/ml respectively. Three flavonols isolated from the extract, engeletin, astilbin, and quercetin, showed potent inhibition of PGE2 release with IC50 values of 14.4, 19.6, and 19.9 microg/ml (33.2, 43.5, and 65.8 microM). Quercetin possessed the highest inhibitory effect on NO production with an IC50 of 11.2 microg/ml (37.1 microM) and the highest inhibitory effect on TNF-alpha production with an IC50 of 1.25 microg/ml or 4.14 microM. While quercetin was highly active, engeletin and astilbin had no activity with IC50 values >100 microg/ml.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- aqueous extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse health effects including gastrointestinal distress, allergic skin reactions, and potential liver toxicity if consumed in improper amounts. Some individuals report experiencing nausea, vomiting, or abdominal cramping shortly after ingestion. Topical application of certain parts of the plant may trigger contact dermatitis or itchy red rashes on sensitive skin. There is also scientific concern regarding how long-term use might impact hepatic function due to specific chemical compounds present in the roots. Because of these risks, it is essential to consult a medical professional before using this species for medicinal purposes.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Smilax corbularia?
This plant Smilax corbularia pairs effectively with aromatic herbs such as rosemary, sage, and thyme to enhance its subtle, woody undertones.
These companions work well together in herbal infusions or traditional medicinal preparations where a layered flavor profile is desired. Using mint or lemon balm can also provide a refreshing contrast to the more earthy qualities of the Smila lack vine. When combining these botanical elements, practitioners often balance the stronger scents of the secondary herbs with the gentler presence of the Smila lack.
This synergy allows for a more complex aromatic experience in both culinary and wellness applications.