Smilax corbularia
Smilax corbularia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Smilax corbularia is a botanical species characterized by its specialized underground rhizome structure. Researchers frequently utilize this specific plant part to investigate its diverse chemical properties and potential therapeutic benefits. Various laboratory methods are employed to isolate bioactive compounds, including the preparation of aqueous extracts and water extracts. Additionally, the plant is often processed through ethanolic (EtOH) extract techniques to yield concentrated ethanolic extracts. These diverse preparations allow for a comprehensive analysis of the plant's medicinal profile and phytochemical composition.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Smilacaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Rhizome
Classification
Common Names
Smilax corbularia is a versatile plant known by various names across different linguistic and cultural contexts. In Thailand, it is commonly referred to by the local name ข้าวเย็นเหนือ. Moving into Chinese nomenclature, the species is identified through several distinct terms. It is recognized as 裏白菝葜 in some regions, while also being called 長葉菝葜 in others. These diverse common names highlight the plant's wide geographical presence and its significance in different botanical traditions.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Smilax corbularia is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this diverse kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Liliales, showcasing its specific evolutionary placement. The species is a prominent member of the genus Smilax, which defines its unique morphological traits. Ultimately, these characteristics place it firmly within the Smilacaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Liliales |
| Family | Smilacaceae |
| Genus | Smilax |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Smilax corbularia displays a broad geographic range that spans both temperate and tropical regions of Asia. Within China, the species is widely distributed across the South-Central and Southeast territories, extending all the way to the island of Hainan. Its presence also reaches into the tropical landscapes of Indo-China, specifically inhabiting parts of Cambodia. Additionally, the plant can be found growing throughout the lush environments of Laos. This diverse distribution highlights the adaptability of the species across varying Asian climates.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Smilax corbularia relies on an obligatory climbing habit to navigate its environment and reach the sunlight necessary for its survival.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Smilax corbularia exhibits significant therapeutic potential, particularly through its use in AIDS treatment as supported by Thai traditional medicine. The plant's ethanolic extract demonstrates specific anti-HIV-1 integrase (IN) activity, providing a biochemical basis for its medicinal application. Furthermore, its isolated compounds show measurable effects on estrogen-responsive human breast cancer cell lines, including MCF-7 and T47D. Specifically, certain constituents like flavanonol rhamnosides act to suppress estradiol induced cell proliferation. These diverse biological activities highlight the plant's multifaceted impact on both viral enzymes and hormone-driven cancer cell growth.
Preparations
Smilax corbularia is prepared as aqueous extracts to evaluate its inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production, TNF-alpha, and PGE2 release. Research also demonstrates that Smilax corbularia is prepared as ethanolic extracts to isolate bioactive compounds like quercetin, engeletin, and astilbin. Furthermore, Smilax corbularia is prepared as an ethanolic (EtOH) extract to test for anti-HIV-1 integrase activity. Studies involving the plant also show that Smilax corbularia is prepared as a water extract for testing against HIV-1 enzymes. These various preparation methods allow for the investigation of the plant's medicinal potential in treating inflammatory diseases and AIDS.
Parts used
Smilax corbularia is a medicinal plant belonging to the Smilacaceae family that possesses significant pharmacological potential. Researchers have focused specifically on the rhizome of this species to isolate a diverse array of bioactive chemical compounds. Through detailed analysis, eleven specific compounds were identified from these rhizomatous structures, including various flavonoids and stilbene derivatives. These isolated substances exhibit unique estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activities when tested against human breast cancer cell lines. Ultimately, the study highlights how the plant's rhizome serves as a vital source for discovering complex molecules like flavanonol rhamnosides.