Viburnum odoratissimum
What's the taxonomical classification of Viburnum odoratissimum?
Viburnum odoratissimum belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, this plant is organized under the order Dipsacales. It is a member of the family Viburnaceae, which places it within the genus Viburnum, and it is specifically identified by its species name, odoratissimum.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Viburnaceae |
| Genus | Viburnum |
| Species | odoratissimum |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Viburnum odoratisimun has evergreen, opposite, ovate leaves that measure between five and twelve centimeters in length and feature serrated margins and a glossy, dark green upper surface. The leaf undersides often display a paler hue and a slightly pubescent texture. During the spring, the plant produces clusters of small, white, five-petaled flowers that emit a strong, sweet fragrance. These blossoms eventually transition into small, fleshy drupes that change from red to black as they mature. The stems are woody and can develop a somewhat rough bark as the shrub reaches maturity.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to a broad range of East Asian countries including China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It typically flourishes in temperate climates found throughout these specific mountainous and coastal regions. Within these habitats, it often occupies forest edges, thickets, and riverbanks where moisture is readily available. Due to its ornamental value, it has been widely introduced to cultivation in many other parts of the world. This human-assisted movement has allowed it to establish itself in gardens and parks across temperate zones globally.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-drained, moist, loamy soil and a location with full sun to partial shade to ensure vigorous growth and prolific flowering.
It thrives best when planted in a spot that provides consistent moisture without allowing the roots to become waterlogged. Regular mulching helps maintain soil humidity and suppresses competing weeds around the base of the shrub. Pruning should be performed after the flowering period to maintain its shape and encourage new wood development.
During periods of extreme heat, supplemental watering is necessary to prevent leaf scorch and maintain overall plant health.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Viburnum odoratissimum is utilized medicinally through the application of its fragrant flowers and its lush green leaves. The flowers are often harvested for their aromatic properties, which can be used in various traditional remedies to calm the senses. Additionally, the leaves are frequently employed in decoctions or topical preparations to address specific health concerns. These plant components contain various bioactive compounds that contribute to their therapeutic potential. By utilizing both the blossoms and the foliage, practitioners can access a diverse range of medicinal benefits.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", the methanolic extract of the leaves and flowers of Viburnum odoratissimum was used for bioassay-directed fractionation. This process resulted in the isolation of 2 new diterpenes, vibsanol A (1) and vibsanol B (2), and 2 new triterpenoids, 6beta-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-3-oxo-27,28-dioic acid (3) and 6alpha-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-3-oxo-27,28-dioic acid (4). Additionally, the study isolated the known terpenoids vibsanins B and E, along with 6alpha-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-3-oxo-28-oic acid. Vibsanol A (1) and compound 3 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against human gastric (NUGC) tumor cells.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- flowers
- leaves
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as sweet viburnum, has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments including inflammation, fever, and digestive issues.
Historically, different parts of the shrub, particularly the leaves and flowers, were prepared as decoctions or poultices for medicinal purposes. In certain regional practices, the plant served as a way to manage respiratory symptoms and skin irritations. Beyond its medicinal applications, the species has long been valued in traditional landscaping for its fragrant blossoms and aesthetic appeal.
These cultural uses demonstrate the deep-rooted connection between the plant and historical folk healing practices.
What are the pharmacological activities of Viburnum odoratissimum?
This plant has antibacterial activity, cytotoxic activity, piscicidal activity, and the ability to inhibit the growth of plants. Researchers have identified that its chemical constituents can effectively combat various bacterial strains. The observed cytotoxicity demonstrates its potential for evaluating cell-killing properties in biological models. Furthermore, the extract exhibits piscicidal activity that can be used to target specific fish species. Finally, its ability to act as an inhibitor of plant growth suggests its potential application in weed control.
According to a study published by "Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica", Viburnum odoratissimum is a folk medicinal plant that can dredge the meridian passage. The plant contains mainly diterpenes, triterpene, flavonoids, sesquiterpene, lignans, and coumarin glycosides. Vibsanin-type diterpenoids serve as characteristic compounds and are categorized into eleven-membered ring, seven-membered ring, and rearrangement-type subtypes. Representative compounds for these three subtypes include vibsanin B, vibsanin C, and neovibsanin A. Viburnum odoratissimum possesses antibacterial, fish piscicidal, and plant growth inhibiting activities, though cytotoxic activity is the main biological activity.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antibacterial activity
- cytotoxic activity
- cytotoxicity
- fish piscicidal activity
- activity of inhibiting the growth of plants
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive terpenoid compounds including vibsanin B, vibsanin C, vibsanin M, vibsanols A, and vibsanols B. These specific medicinal constituents are categorized as vibsanins and vibsanols, which are often studied for their unique chemical structures. Research into these substances focuses on how their molecular configurations interact with biological systems. Scientists examine these compounds to determine if they possess potential anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties. Understanding these chemical components helps clarify the pharmacological value of the Viburnum odoratissimum species.
According to a study published by "Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica", Viburnum odoratissimum is a folk medicinal plant that contains mainly diterpenes, triterpenes, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, lignans, and coumarin glycosides. The characteristic compounds of V. odoratissimum are vibsanin-type diterpenoids, which are divided into eleven-membered ring, seven-membered ring, and rearrangement-type. Vibsanin B, vibsanin C, and neovibsanin A serve as the representative compounds for these three subtypes. This plant exhibits cytotoxic, antibacterial, fish piscicidal, and plant growth inhibiting activities. Cytotoxic activity is identified as the main biological activity.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Vibsanin B
- vibsanin C
- vibsanin M
- vibsanols A
- vibsanols B
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for the treatment and study of gastric cancer, human gastric (NUGC) tumor cells, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Researchers investigate the bioactive compounds within its leaves to determine their potential in inhibiting tumor growth. Studies have specifically demonstrated that extracts from the plant can induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines. These medicinal properties are being closely evaluated to develop new therapeutic strategies against aggressive malignancies. This ongoing scientific exploration aims to harness the plant's natural chemical constituents for advanced oncological applications.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", Viburnum odoratissimum contains five known compounds including 5-epi-vibsanin H, vibsanins C, H, and G, and aldovibsanin B. Four new diterpenes, 5-epi-vibsanin G (1), 18-O-methylvibsanin G (2), vibsanin M (3), and aldovibsanin C (4), were isolated from an acetone extract of the leaves and flowers. Two acetyl derivatives 5 and 6 were also obtained from the naturally occurring diterpenes. These compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against 1 human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (HONE-1) tumor cells and 1 human gastric cancer (NUGC-3) cells.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- gastric cancer
- human gastric (NUGC) tumor cells
- nasopharyngeal carcinoma
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as methanolic extract to harness its bioactive compounds for therapeutic purposes. These extracts are typically derived from the leaves or bark through a controlled soaking process in methanol. Scientists utilize this specific solvent to isolate potent alkaloids and flavonoids that may exhibit antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers study these chemical profiles to determine the plant's potential efficacy in traditional and modern medicine. Proper standardization of the methanolic extract is essential to ensure consistent dosage and safety in clinical applications.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", bioassay-directed fractionation of the methanolic extract of the leaves and flowers of Viburnum odoratissimum resulted in the isolation of several compounds. Two new diterpenes, vibsanol A (1) and vibsanol B (2), were identified along with two new triterpenoids, 6beta-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-3-oxo-27,28-dioic acid (3) and 6alpha-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-3-oxo-27,28-dioic acid (4). The study also isolated the known terpenoids vibsanins B and E, as well as 6alpha-hydroxylup-20(29)-en-3-oxo-28-oic acid. Among these, vibsanol A (1) and compound 3 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against human gastric (NUGC) tumor cells.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- methanolic extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal distress if ingested. Contact with the leaves or stems often triggers contact dermatitis, resulting in redness and itching. Some individuals may experience more severe allergic responses like swelling or hives upon exposure to the foliage. If the berries or parts of the plant are eaten, they can lead to stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting. It is important to handle this species with care to avoid these adverse health effects.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Viburnum odoratissimum?
This plant pairs effectively with aromatic herbs such as lavender, rosemary, and sage to create a cohesive garden texture.
The dense, glossy foliage of the Viburnum odoratissimum provides a structural backdrop that makes the fine leaves of lavender stand out. Rosemary can be planted near the base to offer a contrasting evergreen texture and year-round color. Sage works well in this arrangement by adding silvery tones that complement the deep green of the shrub.
These combinations create a multi-layered sensory experience through diverse scents and leaf shapes.