Vincetoxicum atratum
Vincetoxicum atratum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Vincetoxicum atratum is a botanical species primarily utilized through its medicinal root and rhizome components. Researchers frequently study its therapeutic potential using various preparations, including organic and aqueous extracts, ethanol extracts, and the ethanol extract of Cynanchum atratum (CAE). The plant possesses diverse pharmacological activities, ranging from diuretic and analgesic properties to functioning as an ACE-inhibitor and Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker. Scientific investigations have highlighted its antioxidant capabilities and its potential effects on A549 cells, particularly in relation to conditions like bronchitis and edema. These biological actions are often linked to the presence of specific chemical constituents such as volatile oil.
- Synonyms
- Antitoxicum Atratum · Alexitoxicon Atratum · 9 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root · Rhizome
Classification
Common Names
Vincetoxicum atratum is a plant recognized by a diverse array of names across various linguistic and cultural landscapes. In Chinese medicinal contexts, it is frequently referred to as bai wei, 白薇, or 牛皮消. Those studying its botanical characteristics in Eastern regions may also encounter it under the name フナバラソウ. Meanwhile, in Slavic-speaking communities, the species is commonly identified as Ластовень черноватый. This variety of nomenclature highlights the plant's significant global presence and its integration into different traditional knowledge systems.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Vincetoxicum atratum is a botanical subject known by several different scientific names across various classifications. It is frequently identified by its synonyms Alexitoxicon atratum and Antitoxicum atratum. Furthermore, the plant is closely linked to the name Cynanchum atratum in many taxonomic records. This species also encompasses specific forms, including Cynanchum atratum f. multinerve and Cynanchum atratum f. viridescens. Understanding these various nomenclatures is essential for accurately identifying the plant in different botanical contexts.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Vincetoxicum atratum is a fascinating biological specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its taxonomic journey continues through the order Gentianales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. As a member of the family Apocynaceae, it shares distinct characteristics with many other milkweeds. Finally, this plant is defined by its placement within the genus Vincetoxicum.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Vincetoxicum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Vincetoxicum atratum is a plant species primarily distributed throughout the Asia-Temperate region. Within this vast territory, it maintains a widespread presence across various provinces of China, including the North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast sectors. Its habitat also extends into the northern reaches of the continent, specifically covering the areas of Inner Mongolia and Manchuria. This diverse range suggests that the species is well-adapted to a variety of regional climates and terrains. Consequently, understanding its distribution helps botanists map its ecological footprint across the diverse landscapes of East Asia.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Vincetoxicum atratum is a distinct herb characterized by its obligatory climbing habit. This plant relies on surrounding structures to support its upward growth through various environments. In terms of stature, its height typically fluctuates between a minimum of 0.2 m and a maximum of 0.8 m. Depending on local conditions, it frequently maintains a more consistent height starting from a minimum of 0.5 m. These physical dimensions and growth patterns define its unique presence within its ecosystem.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Vincetoxicum atratum, also known as Cynanchum atratum, is a medicinal herb that holds a significant place in traditional Eastern Asian medicine. It is widely recognized for its diverse therapeutic properties, serving effectively as an antidote, a diuretic, and an antipyretic. Beyond these traditional uses, modern scientific investigations have highlighted its potent cytotoxic activity, particularly through specific C21 steroids found in its roots. These compounds have demonstrated the ability to induce apoptosis and arrest the cell cycle in various cancer cell lines. Such multifaceted biological activities suggest that the plant remains a promising candidate for the development of new treatments for chronic metabolic and oncological diseases.
Compounds
Conditions
Vincetoxicum atratum, identified in the text as Cynanchum atratum, contains bioactive compounds that demonstrate significant effects against various cancer cell lines. Specifically, certain isolated substances from the plant show cytotoxic activity against 212 cells. The plant's derivatives also exhibit potent effects against A549 cells and HepG2 cells. Furthermore, these compounds are capable of treating HepG2 cell apoptosis by regulating mitochondrial pathways and protein expression. Finally, research highlights the potential of its constituents to treat erythroleukemia by promoting cell differentiation and inducing cell cycle arrest.
Preparations
Vincetoxicum atratum is prepared as CAE to facilitate its use in medicinal studies. This plant is also prepared as the ethanol extract of Cynanchum atratum (CAE) for investigating its anti-fatty liver capacity. Additionally, Vincetoxicum atratum is prepared as ethanol extracts to evaluate efficacy against parasites in fish models. The plant is further prepared as organic and aqueous extracts within the NCI library of traditional Chinese medicinal plant extracts. These various preparation methods allow for the assessment of its therapeutic potential and chemical profiling.
Parts used
Vincetoxicum atratum, also identified in research as Cynanchum atratum, serves as a rich source of various bioactive chemical constituents. Scientific investigations have specifically focused on extracting these compounds from both the root and the rhizome of the plant. Through processes like silica gel chromatography, researchers have successfully isolated diverse substances including steroids, glycosides, and neolignans from these parts. These isolated components, particularly those derived from the roots, have demonstrated significant potential in inducing apoptosis and exhibiting cytotoxic activities against various cancer cell lines. Ultimately, the study of these specific plant parts provides critical insights into the therapeutic possibilities offered by the species.