Torilis japonica
Torilis japonica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Torilis japonica is a botanical species recognized for its diverse pharmacological potential, particularly through the use of its fruit. Research indicates that its ethanol extracts and alcoholic extracts possess significant anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. These bioactive properties are largely attributed to specific chemical constituents such as sesquiterpenes and the compound torilin. The plant has shown therapeutic promise in addressing medical conditions ranging from colorectal cancer to infections like dysentery and Eimeria tenella. Furthermore, various preparations of the plant are utilized in traditional contexts to help manage symptoms such as fever.
- Synonyms
- Selinum Anthriscus · Torilis Stricta · 28 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Torilis japonica is a botanical species known by a diverse array of regional and linguistic common names. In German-speaking areas, it is frequently referred to as Artengruppe Gewöhnlicher Klettenkerbel or Gemeiner Klettenkerbel. The plant also carries the name Builinė dygūnė within certain linguistic contexts. Other variations found in various records include the names Eilunberllys and Eilunberllys Unionsyth. These multiple designations highlight the widespread recognition of this plant across different cultures.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Torilis japonica is a botanical subject frequently identified by a diverse array of taxonomic synonyms. In various scientific literatures, the plant is referred to by the name Anthriscus vulgaris. It is also commonly documented under the synonym Caucalis anthriscus. Some classifications further distinguish specific variations, such as Caucalis anthriscus var. flavescens. Finally, researchers may encounter this species listed as either Caucalis aspera or Caucalis coniifolia.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Torilis japonica is a unique botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Apiales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. This plant is a member of the family Apiaceae, a group known for its distinct structural characteristics. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Torilis.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Torilis |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Torilis japonica exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across multiple continents and distinct climatic zones. In the African region, the species is found throughout Macaronesia and the Canary Islands, with specific occurrences noted in Morocco and Northern Africa. Its presence extends into the Asia-Temperate zone, where it thrives within the Caucasus and Transcaucasus regions. Furthermore, the plant has established itself in the North-Central areas of China. This widespread distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various environments across Africa and Asia.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Torilis japonica is a self-supporting herb that establishes itself firmly within its natural habitat. This plant exhibits a versatile growth form, allowing it to adapt to various environmental conditions. Depending on its surroundings, its height can vary significantly, ranging from a minimum of 0.2 m to a maximum of 2 m. More specifically, many specimens are observed to maintain a minimum stature of approximately 0.65 m. This flexible range of development ensures that the species can thrive across diverse ecological niches.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Torilis japonica is a phytochemically significant species within the Apiaceae family that offers a wide range of biological benefits. Research indicates that the plant extracts and their various constituents possess notable anticancer activity. Additionally, the species has demonstrated effective antimicrobial properties, making it a subject of interest for medicinal studies. Its antioxidant capabilities further highlight its potential role in combating oxidative stress within biological systems. These diverse bioactivities suggest that the plant could serve as a valuable source for developing new phytopharmaceutical candidates.
Compounds
Torilis japonica is a phytochemically significant species within the Apiaceae family that is known for its diverse range of therapeutic applications. The plant is characterized by its rich profile of terpene derivatives, most notably containing various sesquiterpenes. Among these bioactive constituents, the fruit serves as a primary source of torilin, a specific guaiane-type sesquiterpene. Recent research highlights the medicinal potential of torilin, particularly its ability to reverse multidrug-resistance in certain cancer cells. These findings suggest that the chemical makeup of the plant holds great promise for the development of new phytopharmaceutical candidates.
Conditions
Torilis japonica demonstrates significant medicinal potential through its ability to treat various pathogens and biological conditions. Research indicates that the plant extract effectively treats Eimeria tenella, contributing to higher survival rates in infected poultry. Its anti-protozoal efficacy is further evidenced by its capacity to treat Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii by inhibiting parasite proliferation. Additionally, Torilis japonica treats HCT116 colon cancer cells by inducing apoptosis through the regulation of specific signaling pathways. Beyond these targeted effects, the plant is also recognized for its ability to treat inflammatory responses due to its diverse anti-inflammatory properties.
Preparations
Torilis japonica is prepared as alcoholic extracts to demonstrate efficacy in reducing the replication of parasites like Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum. This plant is also prepared as an ethanol extract (TJE), which has been shown to inhibit biofilm formation and virulence factors in antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Researchers have further utilized Torilis japonica prepared as an extract to induce apoptosis in HCT116 colon cancer cells through the regulation of specific signaling pathways. Additionally, the plant is prepared as extracts that can improve survival rates in avian models infected with Eimeria tenella. Specific components of the plant are also prepared as fractions via high performance liquid chromatography to better characterize their anti-protozoal activities.
Parts used
Torilis japonica is a phytochemically significant species within the Apiaceae family that holds considerable medicinal potential. The plant's fruit serves as a primary source for various bioactive compounds, most notably the guaiane-type sesquiterpene known as torilin. Historically, these fruits have been utilized in folk medicine to treat a wide range of ailments, including fever, spasms, and chronic diarrhea. Recent scientific investigations have highlighted the fruit's ability to provide compounds that exhibit anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, the isolation of torilin from the fruit has shown remarkable promise in reversing multidrug-resistance within certain cancer cells.