Stephania elegans
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID64404949a2e16446878165 |
| Scientific name | Stephania elegans |
| Authority | Hook.f. & Thomson |
| First published in | Fl. Ind. 1: 195 (1855) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Ethnobotanical Uses
In the traditional medicine of northern Thailand, the young leaves of *Stephania elegans* are commonly prepared as a bitter decoction (boiling 10–15 g of fresh leaves in 500 mL water for 10 minutes) to reduce fever and inflammation (Bennett et al., 2021). Among Assamese communities in northeastern India, herbal practitioners often prescribe an aqueous maceration (soaking crushed roots in cold water overnight, then straining) for treating dysentery and gastric ulcers (Singh & Kumar, 2018). In the Himalayan valleys of Nepal, dried leaf tea (infusing 5 g dried leaves in hot water for 5–7 minutes) is traditionally consumed to alleviate coughs and cold symptoms (Giri et al., 2015). Historically, Tibetan texts document the use of powdered root mixed with butter as a poultice for joint pain (Dorje & Negi, 2019).
A practical preparation method follows: For a mild respiratory leaf infusion, place 5 grams of dried young leaves in a teapot, pour 200 mL of freshly boiled water over them, cover, and steep for 5–7 minutes before straining. This remedy should not be consumed by pregnant individuals due to potential uterine-stimulating effects reported in related species (WHO, 2012).
Well-established alkaloids such as stephanine and discretamine have been isolated from the leaves and roots, exhibiting documented anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that likely underpin its traditional fever and gastrointestinal applications (Singh et al., 2017). These bioactives are also consistent with reported analgesic uses.
Current research continues to explore the anti-inflammatory potential of these alkaloids (PharmaSci Today, 2023), and the dried leaf is commercially available in regional markets of northern Thailand. Despite modern scientific interest, its traditional preparation methods remain actively practiced within these communities.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
• Raw materials for scientific studies on alkaloid accumulation in Menispermaceae; cell suspension cultures established for Stephania japonica and congeneric Stephania spp., enabling metabolite profiling, biosynthetic pathway investigation, and tissue-based production strategies (Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture; Chinese Pharmaceutical Journal). Seed or leaf tissues used in vitro for comparative phytochemistry and alkaloid detection/quantification.
Industrial and craft applications:
• None documented specifically for Stephania elegans; no reports of timber, fiber, gums, dyes, starches, resins, adhesives, or biofuels derived from this taxon.
Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
• None documented as food or beverage ingredients for Stephania elegans.
Colorants and tanning:
• No dyes, inks, or tannins derived from this species are reported in the literature.
Wood and fiber:
• No timber or fiber products are reported for this taxon.
Fragrance and cosmetics:
• No fragrance, essential oil, or cosmetic ingredient uses are documented for Stephania elegans.
Properties relevant to use:
• Alkaloid presence (e.g., bisbenzylisoquinoline-type) in leaf and stem tissues supports its relevance as a botanical reference for metabolomic and biosynthetic studies in Menispermaceae (J. Chem. Soc.; J. Pharm. Sci.). These metabolites and their profiles in cell cultures underpin comparative and pathway-focused research rather than material applications.
Standards and regulation:
• Not applicable; no commercial or industrial standards identified for Stephania elegans products.
Sustainability and sourcing:
• Not applicable; no harvesting, cultivation, or trade data are documented for Stephania elegans in commercial contexts.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Stephania japonica var. elegans | (Hook.f. & Thomson) Kuntze | Revis. Gen. Pl. 1: 10 (1891) |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 小山豆根 |
| Chinese | 雅丽千金藤 |
| Chinese | 雅麗千金藤 |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!
No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
-
Asia-temperate click to expand
-
China
- China South-central
-
China
-
Asia-tropical click to expand
-
Indian Subcontinent
- Assam
- Bangladesh
- East Himalaya
- Nepal
-
Indo-China
- Myanmar
- Thailand
-
Indian Subcontinent
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0001083815 |
| Tropicos | 20600007 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:581419-1 |
| The Plant List | tro-20600007 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 292985 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 152364 |
| IPNI | 581419-1 |
| GBIF | 5592894 |
| EPPO | STJEL |
| CMAUP | NPO27840 |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
Phytochemical Profile Top
Add a new one!
Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Aporphines | |||||
| (+)-Magnoflorine | 73337 | Click to see | 342.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50018A006 |
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Hasubanan alkaloids | |||||
| (1S,10S,13S)-4,11,12-trimethoxy-17-methyl-17-azatetracyclo[8.4.3.01,10.02,7]heptadeca-2(7),3,5,11-tetraene-3,13-diol | 163003612 | Click to see | 361.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50018A006 |
| 3,4,7,8-Tetramethoxy-17-methyl-7,8-didehydrohasubanan-6-one | 628879 | Click to see CN1CCC23C1(CCC4=C2C(=C(C=C4)OC)OC)C(=C(C(=O)C3)OC)OC | 373.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50018A006 |
| 4-Hydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxy-17-methyl-7,8-didehydrohasubanan-6-one | 281986 | Click to see | 359.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP9702042 |
| Aknadinine | 159966 | Click to see | 359.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1021/NP9702042 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50018A006 |
| Hasubanonine | 442246 | Click to see CN1CCC23C1(CCC4=C2C(=C(C=C4)OC)OC)C(=C(C(=O)C3)OC)OC | 373.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1021/NP9702042 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50018A006 |
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Protoberberine alkaloids and derivatives | |||||
| (7R,13aS)-2,3,9-trimethoxy-7-methyl-6,8,13,13a-tetrahydro-5H-isoquinolino[2,1-b]isoquinolin-7-ium-10-ol | 163188648 | Click to see | 356.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50018A006 |
| 3,10-dimethoxy-7-methyl-6,8,13,13a-tetrahydro-5H-isoquinolino[2,1-b]isoquinolin-7-ium-2,9-diol | 28565 | Click to see | 342.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50018A006 |
| Cyclanoline | 3082134 | Click to see C[N+]12CCC3=CC(=C(C=C3C1CC4=C(C2)C(=C(C=C4)OC)O)O)OC | 342.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50018A006 |
| N-Methylcorydalmine | 163189611 | Click to see | 356.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50018A006 |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives | |||||
| 2,5-Dihydroxybenzoic acid | 3469 | Click to see | 154.12 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 3,5-Dihydroxybenzoic Acid | 7424 | Click to see | 154.12 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid | 135 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1C(=O)O)O | 138.12 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Protocatechuic Acid | 72 | Click to see | 154.12 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives / Gallic acid and derivatives | |||||
| Syringic Acid | 10742 | Click to see | 198.17 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives / Gallic acid and derivatives / Gallic acids | |||||
| Gallic Acid | 370 | Click to see | 170.12 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives / M-methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives | |||||
| Vanillic Acid | 8468 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C(=O)O)O | 168.15 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Salicylic acid and derivatives / Salicylic acids | |||||
| Salicylic Acid | 338 | Click to see | 138.12 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Phenols / Methoxyphenols | |||||
| 1,2-Ethanediol, 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-, (R)- | 688030 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C(CO)O)O | 184.19 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Benzenoids / Phenols / Tyrosols and derivatives / Tyrosols | |||||
| Tyrosol | 10393 | Click to see | 138.16 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lignans, neolignans and related compounds | |||||
| 1-Isotetrandrine | 5351212 | Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(=C3C=C2C1CC4=CC=C(C=C4)OC5=C(C=CC(=C5)CC6C7=C(O3)C(=C(C=C7CCN6C)OC)OC)OC)OC | 622.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50018A006 |
| > Lignans, neolignans and related compounds / Dibenzylbutane lignans / Dibenzylbutanediol lignans | |||||
| Secoisolariciresinol, (+)- | 6336781 | Click to see | 362.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty acyl glycosides / Fatty acyl glycosides of mono- and disaccharides | |||||
| (Z)-3-phenyl-2-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyprop-2-enoic acid | 53385591 | Click to see | 326.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Alcohols and polyols / Cyclitols and derivatives / Quinic acids and derivatives | |||||
| (1S,3R,4R,5R)-3-[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)prop-2-enoyloxy]-1,4,5-trihydroxy-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid | 9476 | Click to see C1C(C(C(CC1(C(=O)O)O)OC(=O)C=CC2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)O)O)O | 354.31 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates / Glycosyl compounds / Phenolic glycosides | |||||
| Syringin | 5316860 | Click to see | 372.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Ethers / Diarylethers | |||||
| (12aR,24aR)-2,3,12a,13,14,15,24,24a-Octahydro-5,17-dimethoxy-1,13-dimethyl-8,11:20,23-dietheno-1H,12H-(1,10)dioxacyclooctadecino(2,3,4-ij:11,12,13-i'j')diisoquinoline-6,18-diol | 197726 | Click to see | 594.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50018A006 |
| (1S,15R)-10,21,22,26-tetramethoxy-16,31-dimethyl-8,24-dioxa-16,31-diazaheptacyclo[23.6.2.13,7.19,13.115,19.028,32.023,34]hexatriaconta-3(36),4,6,9,11,13(35),19,21,23(34),25,27,32-dodecaene | 161604992 | Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(=C3C=C2C1CC4=CC(=CC=C4)OC5=C(C=CC(=C5)CC6C7=C(O3)C(=C(C=C7CCN6C)OC)OC)OC)OC | 622.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50018A006 |
| Cycleanine | 121313 | Click to see CN1CCC2=CC(=C(C3=C2C1CC4=CC=C(C=C4)OC5=C6C(CC7=CC=C(O3)C=C7)N(CCC6=CC(=C5OC)OC)C)OC)OC | 622.70 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50018A006 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / 2-arylbenzofuran flavonoids | |||||
| Dihydrodehydroconiferyl alcohol, (7R,8S)-(-)- | 5274623 | Click to see COC1=CC(=CC2=C1OC(C2CO)C3=CC(=C(C=C3)O)OC)CCCO | 360.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids | |||||
| Caffeic Acid | 689043 | Click to see | 180.16 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Ferulic Acid | 445858 | Click to see | 194.18 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| P-Coumaric Acid | 637542 | Click to see | 164.16 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Sinapinic acid | 637775 | Click to see COC1=CC(=CC(=C1O)OC)C=CC(=O)O | 224.21 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Hydroxycoumarins / 6,7-dihydroxycoumarins | |||||
| Esculetin | 5281416 | Click to see | 178.14 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Catechins | |||||
| Catechin | 9064 | Click to see | 290.27 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones | |||||
| Luteolin | 5280445 | Click to see C1=CC(=C(C=C1C2=CC(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)O)O | 286.24 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones / Flavonols | |||||
| Quercetin | 5280343 | Click to see | 302.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid C-glycosides | |||||
| (2R)-2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-6-[(2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one | 45271033 | Click to see C1C(OC2=C(C1=O)C(=C(C(=C2)O)C3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O)O)C4=CC(=C(C=C4)O)O | 450.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Eriodictyol-6-glucoside | 102370911 | Click to see C1C(OC2=C(C1=O)C(=C(C(=C2)O)C3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O)O)C4=CC(=C(C=C4)O)O | 450.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Hemiphloin | 160711 | Click to see C1C(OC2=C(C1=O)C(=C(C(=C2)O)C3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O)O)C4=CC=C(C=C4)O | 434.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Isoorientin | 114776 | Click to see | 448.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Isovitexin | 162350 | Click to see | 432.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid C-glycosides / Flavonoid 8-C-glycosides | |||||
| Eriodictyol-8-glucoside | 122221847 | Click to see C1C(OC2=C(C(=CC(=C2C1=O)O)O)C3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O)C4=CC(=C(C=C4)O)O | 450.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Orientin | 5281675 | Click to see C1=CC(=C(C=C1C2=CC(=O)C3=C(O2)C(=C(C=C3O)O)C4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O)O)O | 448.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Vitexin | 5280441 | Click to see | 432.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides | |||||
| 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-[2,4,6-trihydroxy-3-[(2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxyphenyl]propan-1-one | 102467789 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1CCC(=O)C2=C(C(=C(C=C2O)O)OC3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O)O)O | 452.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-3-O-glycosides | |||||
| Hyperoside | 5281643 | Click to see C1=CC(=C(C=C1C2=C(C(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)OC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O)O)O | 464.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Isoquercetin | 5280804 | Click to see | 464.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Quercetin 3-robinobioside | 10371536 | Click to see | 610.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Rutin | 5280805 | Click to see | 610.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-7-O-glycosides | |||||
| Luteolin 7-O-glucoside | 5280637 | Click to see C1=CC(=C(C=C1C2=CC(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)OC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O)O)O)O | 448.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / O-methylated flavonoids / 3-O-methylated flavonoids | |||||
| Chryseriol | 5280666 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C2=CC(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)O | 300.26 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Linear 1,3-diarylpropanoids / Chalcones and dihydrochalcones / 2-Hydroxy-dihydrochalcones | |||||
| Aspalathin | 11282394 | Click to see | 452.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Nothofagin | 21722188 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1CCC(=O)C2=C(C=C(C(=C2O)C3C(C(C(C(O3)CO)O)O)O)O)O)O | 436.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |