Syringa pinnatifolia
What's the taxonomical classification of Syringa pinnatifolia?
Syringa pinnatifolia belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, this plant is further organized into the order Lamiales. It is a member of the family Oleaceae, which places it within the genus Syringa, ultimately reaching its specific designation as the species pinnatifolia.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Oleaceae |
| Genus | Syringa |
| Species | pinnatifolia |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Syringa pinnatifolia has pinnately lobed or deeply incised leaves that are typically arranged in an opposite pattern along its woody stems. The leaf margins are characterized by irregular serrations or lobes that give the foliage a distinctively dissected appearance. These leaves are often lanceolate or elliptical in overall shape, transitioning in size from the base to the tip. The plant also produces clusters of small, tubular flowers that emerge from terminal panicles during its blooming season. Its bark becomes increasingly textured and grayish as the shrub matures into a larger woody structure.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, ranging from southern Arizona and New Mexico through Texas into the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Coahuila. It primarily inhabits arid environments such as rocky slopes, canyons, and desert scrublands. Within these habitats, it is often found in well-drained soils at various elevations. The species thrives in regions characterized by low annual rainfall and high sun exposure. Its distribution is closely tied to the specific climatic conditions of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant thrives in well-draining, fertile soil within USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8 and requires full sun to produce its most abundant blooms.
You should plant it in a location that provides consistent drainage to prevent root rot during heavy rains. Regular pruning in late winter or early spring helps maintain a tidy shape and encourages vigorous new growth. While it is relatively drought-tolerant once established, providing moderate water during extended dry spells will ensure healthy foliage.
This shrub remains a low-maintenance option for gardeners seeking colorful summer displays.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Syringa pinnatifolia utilizes its root, stem, twig, and wood fiber cell wall for various medicinal applications. The roots are often harvested to extract bioactive compounds that act as potent antimicrobial agents. Within the stem and the smaller twigs, concentrated phytochemicals are stored to aid in treating inflammatory conditions. Even the microscopic structure of the wood fiber cell wall contains essential chemical constituents used in traditional remedies. These diverse components work together to provide a wide range of therapeutic benefits.
According to a study published by "BMC plant biology", the peeled woody stems and roots of Syringa pinnatifolia Hemsl. are used in Chinese traditional medicine. In comparing peeled stems with the purple substance visible (SSP) to peeled twigs without the purple substance (TSP), research noted that wood fiber cell walls in SSP were approximately 1.0 μm thicker than those in TSP, with a thickness of approximately 2.7 μm. Analyses detected 104 volatile organic compounds and 870 non-volatile metabolites. Among 76 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs), 62 were up-accumulated in SSP, including 21 differentially accumulated lignans where 18 were accumulated in SSP. Furthermore, 90% of the terpenes identified in the volatile organic compound analysis were sesquiterpene. RNA sequencing of the plant revealed 4,421 upregulated differentially expressed genes and 5,522 downregulated differentially expressed genes in SSP compared with TSP.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- root
- stem
- twig
- wood fiber cell wall
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Syringa pinnatifolia, has been utilized extensively in Mongolian folk medicine to treat various internal ailments and inflammatory conditions. Practitioners in these traditional systems often prepare decoctions from the leaves or bark to address digestive issues and respiratory discomfort. Historical records suggest that the species was valued for its perceived ability to balance bodily energies and reduce swelling. Local healers frequently integrated the plant into complex herbal formulas designed to bolster the immune system during seasonal changes. These long-standing practices demonstrate the deep integration of the species into the regional ethnobotanical heritage.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Syringa pinnatifolia is used in Mongolian folk medicine. It is commonly used as a substitute for the stripped roots and stems of Syringa oblata Lindl. This plant is part of the traditional medicinal practices involving Mongolian and Tibetan folk medicine. While the study focuses on the effects of Syringa oblata Lindl., it notes the substitution relationship with Syringa pinnatifolia.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Mongolian folk medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Syringa pinnatifolia?
This plant has anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-myocardial ischemia, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective pharmacological activities. Its chemical constituents work to prevent programmed cell death, which helps preserve tissue integrity during various disease states. Specifically, the plant demonstrates a capacity to reduce inflammation and protect the heart against ischemic damage. These properties contribute to its overall cardioprotective effects by stabilizing cardiac function under stress. Furthermore, the plant provides neuroprotective benefits that can shield the nervous system from injury.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", the total extract (T) and major fraction (M) of Syringa pinnatifolia Hemsl. (SP) provide cardioprotective effects against myocardial infarction. The major fraction (M) protects against myocardial ischemia by decreasing left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESd) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd). This fraction also prevents decreases in ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) while reducing increased levels of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Furthermore, the major fraction (M) suppresses p53 expression and prevents the activation of the p53-mediated apoptosis pathway in both the myocardium and H9c2 cells. These findings support the clinical use of SP for treating myocardial ischemia.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-apoptotic
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-myocardial ischemia
- cardioprotective
- neuroprotective
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds alashanoids A-H, alashinols A-D, alashinols E, pluviatolide, and isocalamendiol. These specific chemical constituents are often studied for their diverse biological activities and potential therapeutic applications. The presence of these unique secoiridoids and terpenoids distinguishes the chemical profile of the species. Researchers analyze these molecules to understand how they interact with various biological systems. Such detailed chemical characterization is essential for evaluating the plant's pharmacological value.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", fourteen new sesquiterpenoids were isolated from the stems of Syringa pinnatifolia, including alashanoids A-H (1, 2, and 4-9), (+) -2,9-humuladien-6-ol-8-one (3b), and five pairs of enantiomers (1 and 4-7). These compounds represent three skeletons: a rare 2,2,5,9-tetramethylbicyclo[6.3.0]-undecane (1), a humulane-type (2-8), and a caryophyllene-type (9) skeleton. Compounds 6a, 7, and 11 showed protective effects against hypoxia-induced injury to H9c2 cells at a concentration of 40 μM. Additionally, compounds 5-7, 11, and 13 inhibited NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophage cells with IC50 values ranging from 13.6 to 70.6 μM. These specific compounds decreased the TNF-α and IL-6 levels in RAW264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner at 20-80 μM.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- alashanoids A-H
- alashinols A-D
- alashinols E
- isocalamendiol
- pluviatolide
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for the treatment of angina pectoris, cardiopalmus, cardiopulmonary diseases, myocardial infarction, and myocardial ischemia. It acts as a therapeutic agent to manage various cardiovascular ailments by improving heart function. The medicinal properties of the species help stabilize heart rhythms and manage blood flow during acute cardiac events. Doctors and researchers study its components to address the complexities of both chronic and sudden myocardial issues. This botanical application focuses on mitigating the symptoms associated with reduced oxygen supply to the heart muscle.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", the peeled stem of Syringa pinnatifolia is a Mongolian folk medicine used for a long history. This plant is utilized for the treatment of cardiopalmus, angina pectoris, and cardiopulmonary diseases. Contemporary research has shown that it is used for myocardial ischemia related diseases. The review aims to provide reference for full medicinal utilization and clarify biological effective substances for drug development.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- anginina pectoris
- cardiopalmus
- cardiopulmonary diseases
- myocardial infarction
- myocardial ischemia
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Syringa pinnatifolia, which is utilized to create medicinal herbal preparations such as a total extract. This concentrated form captures the complete spectrum of bioactive compounds found within the plant's tissues. Practitioners often use these extracts to harness the diverse phytochemical properties for therapeutic applications. The preparation process ensures that all soluble constituents are preserved for medicinal efficacy. Such standardized preparations allow for more consistent dosing in traditional or modern herbal practices.
According to a study published by "Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology", peeled stems of Syringa pinnatifolia Hemsl. (SP) have been used for hundreds of years in Inner Mongolia, China to treat extra "He-Yi" induced myocardial ischemia. Intragastric pretreatment with the total extract (T) of SP provides a protective effect against myocardial infarction (MI). The major (M) fraction of SP demonstrated an equivalent cardioprotective effect to T, whereas the minor (N) fraction was non-active. Fraction M decreased MI-induced myocardial compensatory expansion by decreasing left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESd) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd) while preventing decreases in ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS). Furthermore, the M fraction decreased increased levels of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) while reducing the expanded infarction size.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- total extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal distress, and potential neurological issues if ingested or handled improperly. Contact with the foliage may lead to contact dermatitis characterized by redness and itching on the skin. When consumed, the plant often triggers nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain due to its chemical composition. Some reports also suggest that higher doses could influence the central nervous system, leading to dizziness or confusion. Caution should always be exercised when working around this species to avoid these adverse reactions.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Syringa pinnatifolia?
This plant Syringa pinnatifolia pairs most effectively with aromatic herbs like lavender, rosemary, and sage to enhance its visual and sensory appeal.
The silvery foliage of the shrub provides a striking textural contrast when planted alongside the fine, needle-like leaves of rosemary. Lavender complements the plant's structure by adding splashes of purple that harmonize with its natural color palette. Sage offers a dense, mounded shape that helps ground the upright growth habit of the syringa.
Combining these specific species creates a low-maintenance garden bed that thrives in similar sunny, well-drained conditions.