Vitex rotundifolia
Vitex rotundifolia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Vitex rotundifolia is a significant medicinal plant known for its diverse therapeutic activities, including antimalarial, antiplasmodial, antiproliferative, and chemopreventive properties. Various parts of the plant, specifically the leaves and fruits, are utilized in traditional preparations such as Fructus Viticis and Manjingzi. These botanical extracts contain potent bioactive chemicals, including vitexicarpin, luteolin, 3',5-dihydroxy-3,4',6,7-tetramethoxyflavone, and 6',10-di-O-(4-hydroxybenzoyl) aucubin. Scientific studies have explored its efficacy in addressing conditions such as headache, eye pain, and anesthesia, as well as its effects on HL-60 cells. Through the use of fruit extracts, this species continues to be a subject of intense pharmacological interest.
- Synonyms
- Vitex Agnus-Castus Var. Ovata · Vitex Trifolia Var. Ovata · 10 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Vitex rotundifolia is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of names across different cultures and regions. In Hawaii, it is affectionately called Pōhinahina, while English speakers frequently refer to it as the roundleaf chastetree or beach vitex. Its reach extends into traditional medicine, where it is recognized by the name dan ye man jing. Even in other languages, such as Czech, it is identified as drmek okrouhlolistý. This variety of nomenclature highlights the global presence and botanical significance of this coastal species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Vitex rotundifolia is a versatile species known to be associated with several different botanical names. Within taxonomic literature, it is frequently identified by synonyms such as Vitex agnus-castus var. ovata and Vitex ovata. The plant's complex classification also includes the specific variety Vitex ovata var. subtrisecta. Furthermore, it has been referred to in various studies as Vitex repens. Finally, certain white-flowered forms are categorized under the synonym Vitex rotundifolia f. albescens.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Vitex rotundifolia is a remarkable species that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. This plant further resides in the order Lamiales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. It is a distinguished member of the genus Vitex, which defines its primary botanical identity. Ultimately, its taxonomic journey places it firmly within the diverse family Lamiaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Vitex |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Vitex rotundifolia exhibits a broad distribution throughout the Asia-Temperate region, spanning various unique ecological zones. In China, the species is widely established, appearing in the North-Central and Southeast territories as well as the Manchuria region. Its presence extends across Eastern Asia, where it is notably found within the landscapes of Japan. Additionally, the plant can be located in the Kazan-retto area, further demonstrating its adaptability to different environments. This widespread geographic range highlights the plant's significant presence across much of the temperate Asian continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Vitex rotundifolia grows in a robust shrub form, establishing a sturdy presence in its environment. This plant is naturally self-supporting, allowing it to maintain its structural integrity without the need for external assistance.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Vitex rotundifolia is a significant medicinal plant that has demonstrated diverse pharmacological potential through recent scientific investigations. Research into its phytochemical constituents has revealed promising antimalarial and antiplasmodial activities, specifically through the isolation of bioactive diterpenoids. Furthermore, the plant's polymethoxyflavonoids have exhibited notable antiproliferative effects by inducing apoptosis in human myeloid leukemia cells. These findings suggest that certain compounds within the species can effectively inhibit cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Ultimately, the unique properties of Vitex rotundifolia highlight its potential utility as a source for future chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents.
Compounds
Vitex rotundifolia is a salt marsh halophyte that serves as a rich source of various bioactive chemical constituents. Scientific analysis has revealed that this plant contains several important flavonoids, including artemetin, vitexicarpin, luteolin, and casticin. These compounds have demonstrated significant therapeutic potential, particularly through their antiproliferative activities against various human cancer cell lines. Beyond its medicinal properties, the plant also produces unique chemical structures such as the cyclopentene dialdehyde known as rotundial. Notably, rotundial has been identified as a potent natural mosquito repellent derived from the plant's leaves.
Conditions
Vitex rotundifolia has long been used in traditional medicine to treat headaches and migraines. Research indicates that its flavonoids, such as vitexicarpin, exhibit antiproliferative effects against AGS cancer cells. The plant also contains rotundial, a compound isolated from its leaves that effectively treats Aedes aegypti by acting as a potent mosquito repellent. Furthermore, certain constituents from the fruit can inhibit B-lymphocyte proliferation, suggesting potential for immunoregulatory applications. Finally, the polymethoxyflavonoids found in the plant demonstrate the ability to treat HL-60 human myeloid leukemia cells by inducing apoptosis.
Preparations
Vitex rotundifolia is prepared as fruits to isolate various diterpenes, including ferruginol, which demonstrates significant antioxidative activity. In the context of traditional Chinese medicine, these fruits are prepared as Fructus Viticis and are officially recorded as Manjingzi in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Research also shows that Vitex rotundifolia is prepared as fruit extract, specifically studied for its ability to induce apoptosis in human colorectal cancer cells. Furthermore, the species is utilized in traditional medicines where it is prepared as Shrub Chaste Tree Fruit. These diverse preparations highlight the plant's significant pharmacological importance and its various roles in both traditional and modern medicine.
Parts used
Vitex rotundifolia is a versatile medicinal plant that contains various bioactive compounds within its different anatomical structures. Research has identified several important diterpenes and the flavonoid vitexicarpin specifically within the fruit of the plant. These fruit-derived components have demonstrated significant antioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit lymphocyte proliferation. Additionally, the leaves of Vitex rotundifolia serve as a source for unique compounds like rotundial, which acts as a natural mosquito repellent. By studying both the fruit and the leaves, scientists continue to uncover the diverse therapeutic potential held by this species.