Tacca chantrieri
Tacca chantrieri · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Tacca chantrieri is a fascinating plant known for its unique botanical characteristics and potential medicinal properties. Research indicates that the plant contains bioactive chemical compounds, specifically withanolides, which contribute to its biological activity. The rhizome of this species is of particular interest due to its effectiveness in pediculicide activities. When prepared as a shampoo derived from the rhizomes, it serves as a functional application for managing lice. Consequently, studying this plant offers valuable insights into natural pest control and herbal preparations.
- Synonyms
- Clerodendrum Esquirolii · Schizocapsa Breviscapa · 10 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Dioscoreaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Rhizome
Classification
Common Names
Tacca chantrieri is a striking plant widely recognized by its most popular common name, the Black bat flower. In German-speaking regions, it is often referred to as the Fledermausblume or the variation Fleedermausbleamé. Those who speak Spanish frequently identify this exotic species as the Flor murciélago. To be even more specific regarding its dark coloration, it is sometimes called the Flor murciélago negra. Regardless of the name used, this plant remains one of the most visually captivating specimens in the botanical world.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Tacca chantrieri is a botanical subject that has been identified through a variety of historical classifications. Over time, researchers have linked this species to several scientific synonyms, including Clerodendrum esquirolii and Tacca esquirolii. It is also closely associated with the names Schizocapsa breviscapa and Schizocapsa itagakii within various taxonomic records. Furthermore, the plant has been documented under the designation Tacca garrettii in certain botanical contexts. Understanding these overlapping relationships is essential for maintaining accurate documentation of the species' lineage.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Tacca chantrieri is a fascinating specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Dioscoreales, showcasing its unique evolutionary placement. This specific species is a distinguished member of the genus Tacca. Finally, it is categorized within the family Dioscoreaceae, completing its formal botanical profile.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Dioscoreales |
| Family | Dioscoreaceae |
| Genus | Tacca |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Tacca chantrieri is a fascinating species with a broad geographical presence across various Asian regions. It is widely distributed throughout the temperate zones of China, including the South-Central and Southeast provinces. The plant also thrives in the unique environments of Hainan and the high-altitude landscapes of Tibet. Beyond China, its range extends into the tropical climates of the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within Assam. This diverse distribution highlights the plant's remarkable ability to adapt to both temperate and tropical ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Tacca chantrieri is a distinctive herb characterized by its unique growth form. As a self-supporting plant, it maintains its structure without the need for external assistance. This species typically reaches a modest maximum height of only 0.6 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Tacca chantrieri has demonstrated significant pediculicidal activity in recent in vitro studies targeting human head lice. As chemical treatments like malathion face increasing resistance, researchers have turned to native plants to find effective herbal alternatives. During testing, shampoos containing this specific plant were found to be more effective than standard commercial options, achieving a 100% mortality rate in a very short period. While its efficacy was slightly lower than some other tested species, it remains one of the high-potential herbal candidates for treating infestations. This makes Tacca chantrieri a promising component for developing natural pediculicide products for public health use.
Compounds
Conditions
Tacca chantrieri demonstrates significant medicinal potential through its diverse biological activities. Research shows that spirostanol saponins isolated from its rhizomes exhibit cytotoxic activity against HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells. Furthermore, this plant is utilized in Thai folk medicine for the treatment of diabetic patients due to its high antioxidant activity. It also serves as an effective ingredient in herbal shampoos designed to treat human head lice. In comparative studies, Tacca chantrieri showed high pediculicidal potential, contributing to the 100% mortality rate of lice in certain herbal formulations.
Preparations
Tacca chantrieri is prepared as rhizomes to serve as a source for the isolation of novel chemical compounds like taccasterosides A-C. These specific sterol oligoglucosides and other saponin constituents are extracted directly from the plant's rhizomes. Furthermore, Tacca chantrieri is prepared as shampoo to be utilized for its medicinal properties. Research indicates that this herbal shampoo exhibits significant pediculicidal efficacy against human head lice. Specifically, the Tacca chantrieri shampoo demonstrated high potential in treating infestations compared to commercial products.
Parts used
Tacca chantrieri is a plant species of significant pharmacological interest due to the diverse chemical compounds found within its rhizome. Recent scientific studies have successfully isolated several new glycosides from these underground structures, including bisdesmosidic pseudofurostanol and ergostanol varieties. Researchers have also identified various spirostanol saponins in the rhizomes, which have demonstrated notable cytotoxic activity against human leukemia cells. Furthermore, the plant's rhizomes serve as a source for novel C28-sterol oligoglucosides known as taccasterosides A-C. Through extensive spectroscopic analysis, these complex chemical relationships continue to reveal the therapeutic potential held within the plant's parts.