Wikstroemia indica
Wikstroemia indica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Wikstroemia indica is a versatile plant known for its significant pharmacological activities, including antifungal, antimalarial, and antimitotic properties. Scientific studies have identified key chemical constituents within the plant, such as (+)-Nortrachelogenin, Daphnoretin, Daphnoretin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside, and (+)-Arctigenin. Researchers frequently utilize the root and stem to develop therapeutic preparations, including acetone extracts and MeOH extracts of powdered roots. Various solvent-based approaches, such as ether extracts and the ethyl acetate extract of the root, are employed to isolate these bioactive compounds. These medicinal properties suggest potential applications in treating complex conditions ranging from arthritis and whooping cough to cancer.
- Synonyms
- Xylosma Cochine · Daphne Indica Subsp. Linearifolia · 25 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Thymelaeaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Wikstroemia indica is a versatile botanical species known by a diverse array of regional and descriptive names. In many English-speaking contexts, it is affectionately referred to as the Bootlace Plant. It is also frequently identified as Indian Wikstroemia or simply as the tiebush. Within certain linguistic traditions, it carries the specific name liao ge wang. Furthermore, the plant is recognized in Japan by its local designation, インドガンピ.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Wikstroemia indica is a botanical species that has historically been associated with a variety of different taxonomic names. Throughout various scientific classifications, it has been identified by the synonym Capura purpurata. The plant is also frequently linked to the name Daphne cannabina in older literature. Furthermore, the species shares close nomenclature ties with Daphne indica and its specific variant, Daphne indica alba. Finally, its complex taxonomic history includes recognition as the subspecies Daphne indica subsp. linearifolia.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Wikstroemia indica is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological group, it belongs to the class Equisetopsida. This species is classified under the order Malvales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. Furthermore, it is a primary representative of the genus Wikstroemia. Finally, its taxonomic identity is solidified by its placement within the family Thymelaeaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Thymelaeaceae |
| Genus | Wikstroemia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Wikstroemia indica exhibits a broad geographical range that spans across diverse ecological regions. In the African region, this species is notably found throughout the Western Indian Ocean, including specific locations such as Mauritius and Rodrigues. Its presence extends significantly into Asia-Temperate zones, where it is well-established within China. Within China, the plant can be identified in various locales, ranging from the South-Central and Southeast provinces to the island of Hainan. This wide distribution highlights the adaptability of the species across both island ecosystems and continental landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Wikstroemia indica is a self-supporting shrub that establishes a sturdy presence in its natural habitat. This plant typically exhibits a versatile growth form, allowing it to adapt to various environmental conditions. In terms of scale, it reaches a maximum height of approximately 3 meters. However, individual specimens can be quite modest, with minimum heights ranging from 0.5 meters to 0.975 meters. This variation in stature highlights the plant's flexible development patterns.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Wikstroemia indica serves as a rich source of bioactive compounds with diverse medicinal potential. Research into the plant's roots has revealed significant antifungal properties, specifically through the isolation of compounds like daphnoretin and wikstrol that deform mycelia. Additionally, the species demonstrates antimitotic activity by inhibiting microtubule polymerization in vitro. The plant also exhibits potent antimalarial effects, particularly through biflavonoids such as sikokianin B and C which target resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. These various biological activities underscore the therapeutic importance of Wikstroemia indica in pharmacological studies.
Compounds
Wikstroemia indica is a plant species characterized by a diverse profile of complex chemical constituents. Scientific investigations have identified several key compounds within the plant, including the lignan daphnoretin and its derivative, daphnoretin-7-O-beta-D-glucoside. Furthermore, research has confirmed the presence of the phytosterol beta-sitosterol and the fatty alcohol 1-octadecanol throughout various extracts. The plant's chemical makeup also includes 7-methoxycoumarin, which was isolated alongside other notable sesquiterpenes and lignans. These findings highlight the rich phytochemical variety found in the roots, stem bark, and rinds of this species.
Conditions
Wikstroemia indica serves as a medicinal resource used in the treatment of arthritis and whooping cough. This plant also demonstrates significant anticancer properties through its various bioactive compounds. Research into its root extracts has confirmed its effective antifungal capabilities against certain mycelia. Furthermore, the species is recognized for its ability to induce Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) early antigen (EA) expression. These diverse pharmacological activities highlight the extensive therapeutic potential of the plant.
Preparations
Wikstroemia indica is prepared as an ethyl acetate extract of the root to study its ability to inhibit nitric oxide production and isolate various lignans and sesquiterpenes. This plant is also processed as ether extracts to investigate the induction of Epstein-Barr viral early antigen expression. Research involving the MeOH extract of powdered roots has facilitated the isolation of new guaian-type sesquiterpenes and several known compounds. Furthermore, Wikstroemia indica is prepared as acetone extracts to identify specific chemical constituents like aloe-emodin and kaempferol. Finally, dichloromethane extracts of the plant are utilized alongside other solvents to isolate and purify its diverse chemical components.
Parts used
Wikstroemia indica is a versatile medicinal plant that yields various bioactive compounds from different anatomical structures. Research into its roots has revealed the presence of guaian-type sesquiterpenes and biflavonoids, which demonstrate potent inhibitory effects against malaria parasites. Furthermore, studies on root extracts have also investigated the plant's complex role in promoting certain pathological changes in animal models. The stem of the plant is equally significant, as its rind serves as a source for several newly isolated chemical constituents like physcion and quercitin. Additionally, the stem bark has been found to contain unique compounds, including new dicoumarins and previously unrecorded sterols.