Stephania pierrei
Stephania pierrei · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Stephania pierrei is a botanical species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its diverse pharmacological potential. Researchers focusing on its methanol extracts have identified key bioactive compounds, including (-)-Asimilobine-2-O-beta-D-glucoside, (-)-Nordicentrine, and Oxocrebanine. These specific chemicals are central to studying the plant's ability to combat various biological threats. Current investigations highlight its promising activities in both antimalarial and cytotoxic applications. Consequently, the plant is being closely examined for its therapeutic efficacy against conditions such as malaria and cancer.
- Synonyms
- Stephania Erecta
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Menispermaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Stephania pierrei is a unique botanical specimen known by several distinct common names. In certain regions, it is affectionately referred to as 治理千金藤. It is also frequently identified by the name 直立山乌龟 among local enthusiasts. These varied designations highlight the plant's diverse cultural and linguistic connections. Understanding these names helps collectors and researchers navigate the rich tapestry of its identity.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Stephania pierrei is a botanical species that has historically been subject to taxonomic shifts. In many scientific records, this plant is recognized under the synonym Stephania erecta. Understanding these naming conventions is essential for researchers tracking the plant's evolutionary history. Such nomenclature changes often reflect updated insights into the botanical classification of the genus. Consequently, identifying both names ensures accuracy when studying its unique biological characteristics.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Stephania pierrei belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing the diverse world of living vegetation. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Ranunculales, a group that highlights its evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Stephania, it displays unique morphological characteristics common to its close relatives. Finally, this plant is nested within the family Menispermaceae, completing its botanical identity.
| 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 pierrei is a distinctive species primarily distributed throughout the tropical regions of Asia. Its natural habitat spans across the diverse landscapes of Indo-China, where it thrives in specific ecological niches. This plant can be found growing within the borders of Cambodia and Laos, contributing to the local biodiversity of these nations. Additionally, its range extends into the lush environments of Thailand and Vietnam. Together, these locations define the core geographic footprint of this fascinating tropical plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Stephania pierrei is characterized by an obligatory climbing habit, relying on other structures for support as it grows. This specialized vine typically reaches a maximum height of approximately 6 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Stephania pierrei has demonstrated significant biological potential through its notable antimalarial and cytotoxic activities. Research conducted on extracts from the plant's tubers revealed a diverse array of isolated alkaloids, including twenty-one known isoquinoline varieties and two new aporphine alkaloids. The observed cytotoxicity is primarily driven by aporphine alkaloids that contain a 1,2-methylenedioxy group. Conversely, the plant's antimalarial properties are attributed to specific nonquaternary aporphine alkaloids and tetrahydroprotoberberines with phenolic functionality. Although these findings are promising, the isolates currently lack the selectivity levels found in established antimalarial drugs like quinine or artemisinin.
Compounds
Stephania pierrei serves as a rich source of diverse bioactive alkaloids that exhibit significant pharmacological potential. Research has identified that this plant contains bisbenzylisoquinolines, which contribute to its complex chemical profile. Furthermore, the isolation of the aporphine alkaloid nordicentrine highlights the variety of compounds found within its tubers. The plant also contains oxocrebanine, a compound notable for its ability to exert potent anti-inflammatory effects by modulating various signaling pathways. Together, these chemical constituents underscore the medicinal importance of the species in treating inflammatory and other biological conditions.
Conditions
Stephania pierrei exhibits significant biological activity through its ability to treat various health concerns. The plant's extracts demonstrate effective antimalarial properties, specifically targeting Plasmodium falciparum strains D-6 and W-2. Additionally, the species displays potent cytotoxic effects within biological evaluations. Research also validates its potential role in cancer treatment through its identified topoisomerase II poison activity. These combined characteristics highlight the diverse medicinal capabilities of the alkaloids found in Stephania pierrei.
Preparations
Stephania pierrei is prepared as extracts to facilitate the investigation of its diverse biological properties. These specific extracts are utilized to evaluate the plant's potential cytotoxic and antimalarial activities. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as methanol extracts for use in specialized scientific screenings. These methanol extracts are subjected to a yeast cell-based assay to determine their efficacy as topoisomerase II poisons. Such preparation methods allow researchers to validate the traditional medicinal uses of the species in treating cancer.