Viburnum odoratissimum
Viburnum odoratissimum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Viburnum odoratissimum is a prominent botanical species known for its significant chemical diversity. Scientific investigations into its leaves and flowers have revealed the presence of valuable compounds such as flavonoids, lignans, and sesquiterpenes. Researchers often utilize specific preparations, including acetone and methanolic extracts, to isolate these bioactive constituents. Among the identified substances is Aldovibsanin B, which highlights the plant's complex phytochemical profile. Understanding these chemical properties is essential for exploring the potential pharmacological applications of this versatile shrub.
- Synonyms
- Microtinus Odoratissimus
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Viburnaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Flower · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Viburnum odoratissimum is a versatile plant recognized by a diverse array of names across different cultures and languages. In English-speaking regions, it is most frequently referred to by its common name, Sweet viburnum. It also carries the moniker Viburno, reflecting its botanical identity in various local contexts. In East Asian traditions, the species is known as Kokulu Kartopu or shan hu shu. Finally, the plant is identified as Калина душистая within Russian-speaking communities, showcasing its global presence.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Viburnum odoratissimum is a lush, evergreen shrub frequently celebrated in ornamental landscaping for its glossy foliage. While most gardeners recognize it by this common name, botanical literature also identifies the species under the synonym Microtinus odoratissimus. This taxonomic overlap can sometimes cause confusion for researchers navigating various plant databases. Understanding these nomenclatural connections is essential for accurately documenting the plant's diverse history and classification. Recognizing both names ensures that horticulturalists can maintain consistency when discussing this fragrant specimen.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Viburnum odoratissimum belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of multicellular organisms. Within this kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Dipsacales, which helps define its specific botanical characteristics. The species is a prominent member of the family Viburnaceae, showcasing its unique evolutionary lineage. Ultimately, it is identified by its specific genus, Viburnum, which places it among many closely related ornamental shrubs.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Viburnaceae |
| Genus | Viburnum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Viburnum odoratissimum is a resilient species primarily distributed throughout the Asia-Temperate region. Within China, its presence is widespread, spanning from the North-Central territories to the South-Central and Southeast provinces. The plant also thrives in the tropical climate of Hainan, showcasing its adaptability to varying environments. Beyond the mainland, it can be found across Eastern Asia, specifically inhabiting the island of Taiwan. This broad geographic range highlights the plant's significant ecological footprint across diverse Asian landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Viburnum odoratissimum is a self-supporting shrub that serves as a sturdy addition to any landscape. This resilient plant reaches a maximum height of 5 meters, providing excellent coverage and structure. Its natural growth form makes it an ideal choice for creating lush, green borders.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Viburnum odoratissimum is a significant folk medicinal plant recognized for its diverse chemical profile and various biological activities. Detailed chemical analyses reveal that the plant contains a rich array of compounds, including flavonoids and lignans. Specifically, research into its leaves and flowers has identified the presence of specialized diterpenes such as 5-epi-vibsanin G, aldovibsanin B, and aldovibsanin C. These vibsanin-type diterpenoids serve as characteristic components that contribute to the plant's medicinal properties. Ultimately, this complex mixture of phytochemicals underlies the plant's notable cytotoxic and antibacterial effects.
Conditions
Viburnum odoratissimum exhibits significant cytotoxic activity, which serves as its primary biological function. This plant also demonstrates effective antibacterial activity and possesses fish piscicidal activity. Furthermore, it shows the ability to inhibit the growth of other plants. Specifically, the plant has been evaluated for its capacity to treat human gastric cancer (NUGC-3) cells.
Preparations
Viburnum odoratissimum is prepared as an acetone extract to facilitate the isolation of vibsane diterpenoids from its leaves and flowers. This specific acetone extraction process yielded five known compounds and four new diterpenes, such as 5-epi-vibsanin G and vibsanin M. Additionally, Viburnum odoratissimum is prepared as a methanolic extract to identify various chemical constituents. The bioassay-directed fractionation of this methanolic extract successfully isolated two new diterpenes and two new triterpenoids. Through these two distinct preparation methods, researchers were able to characterize diverse secondary metabolites from the plant.
Parts used
Viburnum odoratissimum serves as a significant source of various bioactive chemical compounds. Scientific investigations have focused on extracting diverse diterpenoids and triterpenoids from the plant's specific components. Specifically, researchers have successfully isolated these complex substances from both the leaves and the flowers of the species. Through bioassay-directed fractionation, new compounds such as vibsanol A and several vibsane diterpenes were identified within these parts. The study of these botanical elements is particularly vital due to their demonstrated cytotoxicity against certain human cancer cell lines.