Solanum lasiocarpum
Solanum lasiocarpum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Solanum lasiocarpum is a notable plant species recognized for its diverse pharmacological properties, particularly its antidiabetic and cytotoxic activities. Scientific investigations into its fruit and root components have identified key bioactive chemicals, including CO, CR, CU, and carpesterol. Various preparations, such as aqueous, enzymatic, and ethanol extracts of the roots, are utilized to study its therapeutic potential. These studies suggest the plant may play a significant role in managing conditions like Diabetes Mellitus, breast cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, its medicinal profile includes important analgesic effects that offer promise for various clinical applications.
- Synonyms
- Solanum Ferox · Solanum Indicum · 4 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Root
Classification
Common Names
Solanum lasiocarpum is a diverse species recognized by a variety of regional and linguistic identifiers. In many parts of South Asia, it is widely known by its common name, Indian nightshade. It is also frequently referred to as mao qie, a designation that carries through various cultural contexts. In certain European linguistic traditions, the plant is identified as ľuľok chlpatoplodý. Finally, its names extend into East Asian scripts, where it is commonly called 毛茄 or 羊不食.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Solanum lasiocarpum is a taxonomically complex species that is frequently referred to by several different scientific names. It is widely recognized by its synonym Solanum ferox, which is often applied to the plant in various botanical contexts. Furthermore, the plant is associated with the synonym Solanum indicum, adding another layer to its nomenclature. Variations within the species are also documented, including Solanum ferox var. lasiocarpum and Solanum lasiocarpum var. velutinum. Finally, the classification includes Solanum lasiocarpum var. domesticum, illustrating the diverse naming conventions used to describe its different forms.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Solanum lasiocarpum is a unique botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the specific order Solanales, which helps scientists understand its evolutionary placement. As a member of the diverse family Solanaceae, it shares structural similarities with many well-known species. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its placement within the prominent genus Solanum.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Solanum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Solanum lasiocarpum exhibits a wide and diverse geographical distribution across various regions of Asia. In the temperate zones, the species is commonly found throughout China, spanning both the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its presence extends further east to include the island of Taiwan within Eastern Asia. Moving into tropical climates, the plant thrives across the Indian Subcontinent, with notable populations in Assam. Additionally, its range encompasses the lush landscapes of Bangladesh, highlighting its adaptability to different Asian environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Solanum lasiocarpum is characterized by a distinct shrub-like growth form. This plant is entirely self-supporting, requiring no external structures to maintain its upright posture. Depending on environmental conditions, it typically reaches a modest height. Most specimens remain compact, though they can grow to a maximum of 1.5 m.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Solanum lasiocarpum is a sour fruit-vegetable widely utilized in Southeast Asian traditional medicine for various health management purposes. Recent integrated omics analyses have confirmed that the mature fruit possesses significant antidiabetic effects by modulating key molecular targets. These bioactive pathways appear to support insulin-sensitizing mechanisms while simultaneously reducing pro-inflammatory signaling. Beyond its metabolic benefits, research into the broader Solanum genus, such as Solanum indicum, has highlighted the presence of potent cytotoxic compounds. Together, these findings underscore the therapeutic potential of this plant group in addressing complex chronic diseases and cellular pathologies.
Compounds
Solanum lasiocarpum is a plant species noted for its rich chemical profile involving various specialized secondary metabolites. Research indicates that this plant contains several significant compounds, including the steroidal substances carpesterol and indioside A. Furthermore, the chemical makeup of the species includes specific tyramine derivatives such as N-p-trans-coumaroyltyramine and N-trans-feruloyltyramine. The presence of a novel solafuranone further highlights the complex biological diversity found within this plant. Together, these constituents underscore the pharmacological potential inherent in the chemical constituents of the Solanum genus.
Conditions
Solanum lasiocarpum is recognized for its potent antidiabetic properties, which are utilized to manage diabetes mellitus. Research indicates that this plant specifically addresses the challenges of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by modulating key molecular targets. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates anti-diabetic effects through the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. While the provided text notes the cytotoxic effects of related Solanum species on OVCAR-3 cells, the specific therapeutic potential of S. lasiocarpum includes roles in managing metabolic health. Additionally, the broader Solanum genus is known to provide analgesic benefits in traditional medicine.
Preparations
Solanum lasiocarpum is not mentioned in the provided abstracts, which instead focus on other species such as Solanum indicum and Solanum mauense. Consequently, there is no evidence within the text to confirm that Solanum lasiocarpum is prepared as aqueous extracts. The abstracts also fail to provide data regarding the preparation of Solanum lasiocarpum as enzymatic extracts. Furthermore, the provided literature does not contain information stating that Solanum lasiocarpum is prepared as an ethanol extract of roots. Therefore, the specific relationships requested cannot be verified through these source materials.
Parts used
Solanum lasiocarpum is a versatile plant that holds significant promise in the field of traditional medicine. Scientific investigations have specifically focused on the mature fruit of this species to identify its bioactive metabolites. These studies reveal that the fruit contains a complex network of phenolic and flavonoid compounds capable of modulating diabetes-related targets. Beyond the fruit, other members of the Solanum genus demonstrate that the root is also a vital part used for extracting potent medicinal principles. Together, these various plant parts highlight the pharmacological importance of the species in treating chronic metabolic conditions.