Stephania rotunda
Stephania rotunda · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Stephania rotunda is a medicinal plant primarily valued for its bioactive tubers. The roots of this species contain significant chemical constituents, including cepharanthine, dehydrocorydalmine, palmatine, and xylopinine. Various preparations, such as aqueous extracts and dichloromethane extracts, are utilized to harness its diverse pharmacological properties. These components provide essential activities, most notably antiplasmodial and analgesic effects. Consequently, the plant is frequently studied for its potential to treat medical conditions like fever and malaria.
- Synonyms
- Cissampelos Glabra · Stephania Hexandra · 4 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Menispermaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root
Classification
Common Names
Stephania rotunda is a fascinating plant known by a diverse array of common names across different regions and languages. In certain areas, it is referred to as Hamar stefaniya or by the name rohtomukulaköynnös. Its cultural reach extends to East Asia, where it is recognized by the Chinese names 光叶地不容 and 圓葉千金藤. Additionally, it is specifically identified in certain contexts as 西藏地不容. These various nomenclatures highlight the global presence and botanical significance of this unique species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Stephania rotunda is a plant known to be associated with several different botanical names within scientific literature. Due to historical classification shifts, it is frequently identified by the synonym Cissampelos glabra. The species has also been documented under the names Clypea glabra and Clypea rotunda. Furthermore, researchers have linked the plant to the synonym Menispermum roxburghii in various studies. Finally, it is sometimes referred to in botanical records as Stephania glabra.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Stephania rotunda is a unique botanical specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological group, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its taxonomic journey continues through the order Ranunculales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. Furthermore, this plant is a member of the Menispermaceae family, a group known for its distinctive characteristics. Ultimately, it is identified by its specific genus, Stephania, which defines its unique place in the natural world.
| 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 rotunda exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across multiple regions of Asia. In temperate zones, the plant is specifically distributed throughout China and Tibet. Its presence extends significantly into tropical landscapes, particularly within the Indian Subcontinent. This includes widespread occurrences in India, Bangladesh, Assam, and the East Himalaya. Consequently, the species thrives across a varied spectrum of both temperate and tropical Asian environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Stephania rotunda possesses a growth form that distinguishes it from many other species in its genus. Because it is characterized by an obligatory climbing habit, the plant relies on external structures to support its upward movement toward the light.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Stephania rotunda is a significant medicinal plant widely utilized in the traditional folk medicine systems of Southeast Asia. Scientific investigations into its phytochemical composition have identified numerous alkaloids that exhibit a variety of potent pharmacological activities. Most notably, the plant demonstrates significant antiplasmodial activity, making it a promising candidate for the treatment of malaria. Additionally, research highlights its anticancer properties, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic lead in oncology. These findings provide a strong scientific basis for the traditional use of the plant in managing diverse health disorders.
Compounds
Stephania rotunda is a medicinal plant known for its rich profile of bioactive alkaloids. Research utilizing HPLC methods has confirmed that this species contains significant amounts of cepharanthine and xylopinine. In addition to these compounds, the plant is also characterized by the presence of palmatine. Further chemical studies within the genus indicate that related alkaloids such as dehydrocorydalmine and stepharanine are also associated with these botanical structures. Understanding these specific chemical relationships is essential for ensuring the quality control and therapeutic efficacy of the plant.
Conditions
Stephania rotunda exhibits significant medicinal properties, including the ability to treat alloxan-induced diabetic mice through its hypoglycemic effects. Research indicates that derivatives from the Stephania genus can effectively reduce blood glucose levels in these diabetic models. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates strong antiplasmodial activity, making it a potent agent for the treatment of malaria. Its efficacy against resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum supports its traditional use in medicinal practices. These biological activities also align with the historical use of the plant by healers to treat fever.
Preparations
Stephania rotunda is prepared as aqueous extracts which have demonstrated significant antiplasmodial activity. This plant is also prepared as dichloromethane extracts, which were identified as the most active extracts in the study. Both preparation methods show high efficacy against the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain. Additionally, the plant is prepared as tubers, a form common to related species in the Stephania genus used for isolating bioactive compounds. These various preparation methods highlight the diverse medicinal potential found within the different parts of Stephania rotunda.
Parts used
Stephania rotunda is a significant medicinal plant widely utilized in the traditional folk medicine systems of Southeast Asia and India. While various components like stems and leaves are employed, the plant's roots and tubers serve as vital sources of bioactive compounds. Specifically, the roots are a primary source of the alkaloid l-tetrahydropalmatine, which contributes to the plant's diverse therapeutic profile. These chemical constituents are responsible for a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anticancer and antiplasmodial effects. Consequently, studying the specific properties of the Stephania rotunda root offers promising pathways for developing new treatments for malaria and other serious health disorders.