Biologically Active Natural Products of the Genus Callicarpa

Abstract

About 20 species from Callicarpa have reported ethnobotanical and ethnomedical uses, and several members of this genus are well known in the traditional medical systems of China and South Asia. Ethnomedical reports indicate their use in the treatment of hepatitis, rheumatism, fever, headache, indigestion, and other ailments. Several species of Callicarpa have been reported to be used against cancer (e.g., Callicarpa americana root to treat skin cancer and Callicarpa rubella bark to treat tumors of the large intestine). Extracts from about 14 species in this genus have been evaluated for biological activity, including antibacterial, antifungal, anti-insect growth, cytotoxic, and phytotoxic activities. In addition to amino acids, benzenoids, simple carbohydrates, and lipids, numerous diterpenes, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phytosterols, sesquiterpenes, and triterpenes have been detected in or isolated from the genus Callicarpa. The essential oils of Callicarpa americana have recently been reported to have antialgal and phytotoxic activities, and several isolates from this species (and C. japonica) were identified as contributing to the mosquito bite-deterrent activity that was first indicated by folkloric usage. Recent bioassay-guided investigations of C. americana extracts have resulted in the isolation of several active compounds, mainly of the clerodane diterpene structural type.

Allelochemical ethyl 2-methyl acetoacetate (EMA) induces oxidative damage and antioxidant responses in Phaeodactylum tricornutum

“…Kamaya et al [4] reported that the growth of S. capricornutum was strongly inhibited by long chain fatty acids. There are still many related reports that can be referenced [5][6][7]. However, from these reports we have found that more studies are focused on controlling freshwater algal blooms, but not red tide, and the mechanism of allelochemicals inhibition on marine microalgae is still not clear.…”

Callicarpa Species from Central Vietnam: Essential Oil Compositions and Mosquito Larvicidal Activities

“…There are around 140 species of Callicarpa L. distributed in tropical and subtropical locations [1]. The genus has been placed in either the Verbenaceae or the Lamiaceae, but is currently placed in Lamiaceae [2,3]. Members of the genus have been used as fish poisons and in herbal medicine [1,2].…”

“…The genus has been placed in either the Verbenaceae or the Lamiaceae, but is currently placed in Lamiaceae [2,3]. Members of the genus have been used as fish poisons and in herbal medicine [1,2]. In this work, we present the essential oil compositions of several Callicarpa species growing wild in central Vietnam.…”

Beautyberry (Callicarpa arborea) as an Antiparasitic Agent Against Raillietina echinobothrida, an Intestinal Tapeworm

“…is a perennial mediumsized tree belonging to the family Lamiaceae and is found in China, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and South-East Asian region. In India, Bangladesh and Nepal, the bark is used for the treatment of skin diseases, fever, indigestion, 7 and boils. 8,9 In ayurvedic medicine, it is a medication for rheumatism and paralysis.…”