Stephania japonica
Stephania japonica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Stephania japonica is a notable plant species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its diverse therapeutic potential. Researchers have focused on the leaf as a primary source for developing a potent alkaloidal extract. This preparation exhibits a wide range of biological activities, including analgesic, antiaggregant, antiarthritic, and antialopecic properties. Furthermore, the plant shows promise in addressing complex medical challenges such as multidrug resistance. Consequently, studying its chemical profile remains essential for advancing modern pharmacological applications.
- Synonyms
- Cocculus Japonicus
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Menispermaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Stephania japonica is a versatile plant known by a wide array of diverse names across different regions. In various English-speaking circles, it is frequently referred to as ivyweed, snake vine, or tapevine. It also carries the traditional name qian jin teng, which reflects its cultural significance in certain areas. Furthermore, the plant is recognized by its specific local moniker, बाटुलीपाते. These many identities highlight the global presence and widespread recognition of this unique species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Stephania japonica is a botanical species that has been classified under various names throughout scientific history. Due to shifts in taxonomic understanding, it is frequently associated with the synonym Cocculus japonicus. Researchers may also encounter this plant documented as Menispermum japonicum in older literature. These overlapping designations highlight the evolving nature of botanical nomenclature and plant relationships. Understanding these synonyms is essential for anyone studying the diverse lineage of this particular species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Stephania japonica is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this diverse group, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. This plant further belongs to the order Ranunculales, showcasing its unique evolutionary lineage. It is a distinguished member of the genus Stephania, which defines its specific biological identity. Finally, it finds its place within the Menispermaceae family, highlighting its close ties to other related species.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Menispermaceae |
| Genus | Stephania |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Stephania japonica is a plant primarily distributed throughout the temperate regions of Asia. Its presence is widely documented across various parts of China, including the south-central and southeast provinces as well as Hainan Island. Beyond mainland China, this species also thrives within the Eastern Asian landscapes of Japan. Furthermore, its natural range extends into the Korean Peninsula, highlighting its regional significance. Together, these locations define the diverse geographical footprint of this unique botanical species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Stephania japonica is a distinctive herb characterized by its obligatory climbing habit. As it seeks support to ascend, this plant can reach a maximum height of 10 meters. However, its growth typically begins at a minimum height of 1 meter. This climbing structure allows the species to navigate its environment effectively.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Stephania japonica is a popular indoor ornamental and medicinal plant that is widely distributed throughout southern China. This species is particularly favored by researchers due to its significant ability to produce catharanthine. Beyond its chemical properties, the plant serves as a subject of intense study regarding its mitochondrial genome and energy metabolism. Recent investigations have successfully assembled its complete mitochondrial genome to provide insights into its development and environmental adaptation. Such genomic information is considered vital for advancing species identification and the breeding of new medicinal plant varieties.
Conditions
Stephania japonica produces cepharanthine analogs that demonstrate broad-spectrum anti-coronavirus activities, specifically treating the Guangxi pangolin-CoV (GX_P2V) and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Beyond its antiviral properties, the plant's alkaloidal extracts exhibit significant multidrug-resistance-reversing activity. Within this capacity, specific isolated alkaloids like isotrilobine have proven effective in treating doxorubicin resistance in human breast cancer cells. Ultimately, these botanical compounds serve as potent modulators for addressing multidrug-resistance.
Preparations
Stephania japonica is prepared as an alkaloidal extract derived from its vines to study its biological activities. This specific preparation is utilized to demonstrate multidrug-resistance-reversing properties through assays. Within this extract, researchers identified key bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids such as isotrilobine and trilobine. These isolated compounds from the extract show significant potential in reversing doxorubicin resistance in human breast cancer cells. Consequently, the alkaloidal extraction process serves as a vital method for uncovering potent multidrug-resistance modulators.
Parts used
Stephania japonica is a rainforest vine that possesses significant pharmacological potential concentrated within its leaves. Scientific investigations have successfully isolated various hasubanan and morphinane alkaloids from these leaf structures. These specific compounds have demonstrated a notable binding affinity for human delta-opioid receptors. Furthermore, methanolic extracts derived from the leaves exhibit potent antinociceptive activities in both thermal and chemical pain models. Such findings provide a strong scientific basis for the traditional medicinal use of the plant's leaves in treating inflammation and various painful conditions.