 Gen info
- Senecio is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family Asteraceae that includes ragworts and groundsels. Variously circumscribed taxonomically, the genus is one of the largest genera of flowering plants. (30)
- Senecio scandens, also known as climbing Senecio, is a climber in the family Asteraceae, native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
- Taxonomy: The traditional transcription of Senecio is artificial, being polyphyletic. Despite the separation of many species into other genera, the genus still contains c. 1,250 species. (30)
 Botany
• Lanot is a smooth vine, with zigzag, grooved or ribbed branches. Leaves are spear-shaped, 7.5 to 10 centimeters long, with pointed tips and entire or toothed margins. Petioles are shaped like the human ear. Heads are about 8 millimeters long, borne in lax, divaricate, rounded corymbs. Involucral bracts are linear-oblong, numbering 10 to 12. Achenes are minute, slender, and 4-angled or 4-ribbed, the ribs being either hairy or smooth.
• Climbing shrubs; stems ridged, zig-zag, glabrous. Leaves 5-10 x 2-4 cm, ovate, hastate at base, acute at apex, serrate, decurrent and auricled at the base of the petiole. Heads 7 x 5 mm, many, in axillary panicle with zig-zag branches; bracts 5 x 1.5 mm, oblong, similar. Female flowers peripheral; corolla 7 mm long, limb 3-lobed, yellow. Bisexual flowers central; corolla 4 mm long, tubular. Achenes ribbed, hairy between the ribs; pappus white, 3-4 mm long. (India Biodiversity Portal)
Distribution
- Native to the Philippines.
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In thickets at an altitude of from 1,300 to 2,200 meters in Ifugao, Bontoc, and Benguet Subprovinces in Luzon.
- Also native to Assam, Cambodia, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, East Himalaya, Hainan, India, Japan, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Qinghai, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam, West Himalaya. (20)
 Constituents
- Phytochemical studies have yielded flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, terpenes, volatile oils, carotenoids, and trace elements.
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Yields unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids, senecionine and seneciphylline.
- Study yielded nine compounds: lupenone, oleanane, beta-sitosterol, daucosterol, adonifoline, p hydroxy benzeneacetic acid, 2-(1,4-dihydroxy-cyclohexanyl) -acetic acid, hyperoside, and linarin.
- Study isolated a new lactone, (E)- seneciolactone, together with nine known compounds. (5)
- Study yielded four alkaloids identified as senkirkine, dehydrosenkirkine, monocrotaline and adonifoline, of which senkirkrine was the main component.
- Roots yielded four compounds: β−sitosterol, pentacosanoic acid , 19α-H lupeone , and sucrose.
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Study of Qianliguang, a traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) herb with Senecio scandens as a major plant source yielded a total of nine toxic and two non-toxic PAs were detected, of which six PAs were characterized viz., neoplatyphylline, senecionine, senecionine N-oxide, seneciphylline, seneciphylline N-oxide and senkirkine. Other PAs were tentatively assigned as jacobine, jacozine N‐oxide (or erucifoline N‐oxide), 7‐tigloylplatynecine, usaramine and an isomer of yamataimine. The estimated total content of toxic PAs in S. scandens was 10.82 µg/g herb. (see study below) (24)
- MSMS study of Senecio scandens yielded 46 volatile compounds. The major compounds were a-pinene (11.93%), n-caproaldehyde (9.02%), and dehydrosabinene (6.22%). (25)
- Study yielded three new alkaloids, seneciobipyrrolidine (1), seneciopiperidine (2) and 4-pyrrolidino- phenyl acetate ethyl esters (3). (26)
Properties
- Plant is regarded as slightly poisonous (emetic).
- Considered depurative, febrifuge, ophthalmic.
- Toxicity concerns. (see study below) (1) (24)
- Studies have suggested hepatotoxic, antibacterial, antioxidative, antitumor, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antipruritic, anti-atopic dermatitis, gut microbiota-modulating properties.
Parts used
Stalks, leaves.
 Uses
Folkloric
- Used in all sorts of epidemics, and in jaundice, malaria, snake or dog bites.
- Decocted with licorice, used as an antifebrile.
- Leaves and stalks used as remedy for eye diseases.
- In China, a folk medicine used in the treatment of bacterial infections, inflammation, arthritis, rheumatic diseases, conjunctivitis, mastitis, vaginitis, and itching.
- In China, Senecio scandens is a major plant source of Qianliguang, a traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) herb use for the treatment of sinusitis.
Studies
• Hepatotoxicity Study: Study reports nine hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, with a content of 6.95 to 7.19 microg/g. The total content of toxic PAs in Qianliguang was determined at 3.48 microg/kg/day, far below the lowest dose to cause hepatotoxicity (15 microg/kg/day). At a human equivalent dose, no significant hepatotoxicity was noted in rats. At 6 g/kg (8x recommended dose), it produced typical PA- induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Appropriate dosage guidelines are suggested for implementation. (1)
• Jacaranone Derivative: Study yielded a new jacaranone derivative, 2-(1,6-dihydroxy-4-oxocyclohex-2-enyl) acetic acid from the whole plants of Senecio scandens var. incisus, together with three known compounds: 2'-(p-hydroxyl-cinnamoyl)-6'-jacaranone-D-glucopyranoside, 2'-caffeoyl-6'-jacaranone-D-glucopyranoside, and kampferol-3-rhamnoside. Cytotoxic activities of the new jacaranone was evaluated against three human tumor cell lines. (6)
• Antioxidative / Free Radical Scavenging Activities: In a study of twelve selected medicinal herbs for antioxidative and radical scavenging activities showed four aqueous extracts - C. chinensis, P suffruticosa, P. vulgaris and Senecio scandens - exhibited the highest potency in inhibiting rat erythrocyte hemolysis and lipid peroxidation in rat kidney and brain homogenates. The four also showed strong radical scavenging activity, but only slight prooxidant effect. (7)
• Antibacterial: Study yielded flavonoid compounds. Results showed an antibacterial activity against E coli possibly through an antibacterial mechanism involving inhibition of DNA, RNA, protein and peptidoglycan synthesis, and its effective ingredient may be flavonol compounds. (4)
• Essential Oil: Study of essential oil from cultivated and wild S. scandens yielded 23 (17 terpenoids, 6 alipathic and aromatic compounds) and 21 compounds (9 terpenoids, 12 alipathic and aromatic compounds) respectively, with 13 common among them. (11)
• Hepatoprotective: Study on carbon tetrachloride-induce liver injury in mice showed inhibition of liver injury and reduction of ALT and AST levels. (12)
• Antioxidant Bioactivity: Study of a methanol extract of whole plant yielded forty-one compounds including two new constituents: senacainin A and 3-methoxyisonicotinic acid. (-)-monoepoxylignanolide, (-)-pinoresinol and (-)-epi-pinoresinol exhibited significant antioxidant bioactivity in the DPPH free radical scavenging assay. (13)
• Flowers / Essential Oil / Antimicrobial and Inflammatory: Study of essential oil of flowers yielded various compounds, including pyrrolizidine alkaloids, sesquiterpenoids, and flavanoids. The extracts and compounds exhibited significant antimicrobial and inflammatory activities. (14)
• Antitumor / Antiviral: Study showed total flavonoids of Senecio scandens showed inhibitory effect on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, human gastric carcinoma cell line, and human breast carcinoma cell line. An inhibitory effect on human Respiratory Syncytial virus detected by cytopathic effect. (15)
• Essential Oil Components of Cultivated and Wild Species: Comparative study of essential oil components of cultivated and wild species differed: 23 compounds and 21 compounds were identified from the cultivated and the wild Senecio scandens respectively, 13 compounds were the same among them. Cultivated-essential oil yielded 17 terpenoids,6 aliphatic and aromatic compounds, while the wild-essential oil yielded 9 terpenoids,12 aliphatic and aromatic compounds. The main components of essential oil from the cultivated Senecio scandens were 11.60% of α-farnesene,13.49% of α-caryophyllene,8.57% of caryophyllene oxide,10.86% of palmitic acid and 9.00% of linoleic acid, while that of essential oil from the wild Senecio scandens were 8.10% of α-farnesene,19.50% of α-caryophyllene,14.22% of caryophyllene oxide,21.45% of palmitic acid and 13.66% of linoleic acid. (16)
• Effects of Selenite and Selenate on the Antioxidant Systems: Selenate and selenite are the most prevalent bioavailable selenium (Se) forms and easily taken up by plants. Study showed selenite induces oxidative stress enhancing ROS production, lipid peroxidation and oxidized forms of ascorbate and glutathione while selenate does not significantly affect the involved pathways. Results suggests the synergistic action of different components to overcome selenium phytotoxicity in Senecio. (17)
• Anti-Tumor: Ethanol extract isolated four new compounds 1-4. The compounds exhibited moderate cytotoxicities against five tumor cell lines. (19)
• Ninety-Day Subchronic Oral Toxicity Study: A 90-day subchronic oral toxicity study was done in Wistar rats at doses of 225, 450, and 900 mg/kbw/d. Results showed no obvious toxicity. Some changes were noted in hematology and coagulation parameters (RDW, platelet count, Mo%, APTT, PT). Other than a slight effect found on rat coagulation and metabolism systems, the herb was safe at all doses tested. However, caution is advised when administering S. scandens at higher doses. (21)
• Anti-Inflammatory / Analgesic: Study evaluated Senecio scandens ethanol extracts for anti-inflammatory effect using rat granulation tissue hyperplasia induced by cotton ball and rat egg white paw edema method and analgesic effects of
by HSC writhing reaction and hot plate test. Results showed obvious anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, with suggestion of peripheral analgesic activity and anti-inflammatory effect that may be related to inhibition of PGE2 synthesis or release from inflammatory tissue. (22)
• Seneciolactone
/ Antibacterial Against Gastrointestinal Pathogens: Study evaluated the antibacterial effect of seneciolactone isolated from a methanolic extract of S. scandens against five bacterial pathogens known to cause GIT diseases. Results showed moderate to potent antibacterial activity against different bacterial strains, with zone of inhibition most potent against Shigella dysenteriae. The antibacterial effect was mediated through destruction of the cell membrane in S. dysenteriae. (23)
• Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids / Tumorigenic: Among the PAs identified, senecionine, seneciphylline, and senkirkine are known tumorigens capable of inducing liver tumors in experimental animals. Two, seneciphylline N-oxide and senecionine N-oxide are probably tumorigenic due to their potential conversion into seneciphylline and senecionine via metabolic reduction in the body. (see constituents above) (24)
• Anti-Tumor Polysaccharides / Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Study evaluated the anti-tumor effect of polysaccharides extracted from the root of S. scandens (PRS) on hepatocellular carcinoma. Results suggest PRS possesses significant anti-tumor activity on H22 cell line in vitro and in vivo probably via mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. (27)
• Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibition / Antidiabetic / Essential Oil / Flowers: One of the treatments for diabetes is associated with α-glucosidase inhibition which helps restore blood glucose to normal range. Study showed the flowers of S. scandens have an irreversible inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase by changing the shape of enzyme molecules. The IC50 of S. scandens flower essential oil was 0.01925 mg/mL indication an α-glucosidase inhibitory activity greater than acarbose. (28)
• Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Enhancement of Alcohol Induced Hepatocytotoxicity: Herbal remedies with PAs can induce liver damage, including hepato-sinusoidal obstruction or veno-occlusive liver disease. Study showed PA up-regulates alcohol induced hepatocytotoxicity by inducing the inflammatory cytokines and enhancing the apoptotic effects of ethanol. Study advises on a concern that interactions between herbal remedies and drugs of misuse should be communicated to consumers. (29)
• Anti-Tumor / Hepatocellular Carcinoma / Polysaccharides / Roots: Study evaluated poly-saccharides extracted from roots for anti-tumor effect on hepatocellular carcinoma. Results showed the root polysaccharides exhibited significant anti-tumor activity on H22 cell line in vitro and in vivo, via a mechanism that may be close related to induction of mitrochondria-mediated apoptosis. (31)
• Effect on Gut Microbiota: The gut microbiota inhabits the animal intestinal tract, and dysbiosis of gut microbiota may cause disease. S. scandens extracts are reported to show strong antimicrobial activity. Study evaluated the effect of ethanol extract of S. scandens on intestinal microbiota. The ethanol extract showed no inhibitory effect on gut microbiota in vivo. Bifidobacteriales and Lactobacillus acidophilus were significantly increased in the high-dose group. Both secretory immunoglobulin A and mucin 2 concentrations increased as the extract dose increased. Low-dose and high-dose extract treatments might regulate different pathways and functions of gut microbiota. Results also highlighted the prevention of bacterial drug resistance in the extract treated group. (32)
• Amelioration of Pruritus / Inhibition of MrgprB2 Receptor: Study evaluated the antipruritic effects of water extract of S. scandens (WSS) using itch behavioral experiments. Oxazoline and compound 48/80 were used to induce mice scratch behavior. The relationship between antipruritic mechanism and MrgprB2 on mast cell was studied using mast cell-deficient Kit (W-sh) "Sash" mice and MrgprB2 mice. WSS could ameliorate the pruritus induced by Oxazolong and compound 48/80, reduce the number of mast cells in mice skin tissue with allergic contact dermatitis, and inhibit calcium influx and voltage-dependent currents induced by activation of MrgprB2 on mast cells. Results showed WSS could ameliorate pruritus by inhibiting MrgprB2 receptor on mast cells. (33)
• Effect on Streptococcus pneumoniae-Evoked Alveolar Epithelial Cell Damage: Study evaluated the effect of an ethanol extract of S. scandens on Streptococcus pneumoniae-evoked alveolar epithelial cell damage. Treatment with extracts did not change survival rate of alveolar epithelial cells, while survival rate of alveolar epithelial cells infected by S. pneumonia was gradually decreased, and the decrease stable at 32 µg/ml. The apoptotic rate and inflammation of infected cells were repressed. Senecio scandens ethanol extract dose dependently reduced SNHG16, but elevated microRNA-542-3p in cells. S. scandens ethanol extract could impair Streptococcus pneumonia-evoked alveolar cell injuries by regulating the SNHG16/microRNA-542-3p axis. (34)
• Molecular Mechanism in Regulating Hepatic Carcinoma: Study evaluated the molecular mechanism of S. scandens in regulating hepatocelular carcinoma through informatics and network pharmacology techniques and methodologies. A total of eight active components, including 2-furancarboxylic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone, chrysanthemaxanthin, chrysanthemic acid, flavoxanthin, hydro-quinone, p-hydroxyacetophenone, and seneciphylline, were identified with 321 targets. Six components were involved in regulating hepatic carcinoma, with 17 common targets. KEGG pathways involved the fatty acid degradation pathway, chemical carcinogenesis pathway, metabolic pathway, retinol pathway, and cytochrome P450 metabolism pathway. Study suggests S. scandens may exert an auxillary anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect by regulating pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. (35)
• Anti-Atopic Dermatitis Via Modulation of Gut Microbiota and MAPK/NF-kB Pathway: Study evaluated polysaccharides extracted from Senecio Scandens (SSP) for efficacy in treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). In vivo testing showed SSP notably improved inflammation in mice, reduced ear swelling, scratching frequency, mast cell infiltration and epidermal thickness, and also lowered levels of associated inflammatory markers, raised the production of skin barrier-associated proteins, and restored gut microbial diversity. SSP diminished the levels of inflammatory factors in human immortal keratinocyte line (HaCaT) and suppressed the MAPK/NF-kB signaling pathway. Results suggest SSP exerts anti-AD effects and regulates the gut-skin axis in mice, with potential for development into an effective AD drug. (36)
• Potential Mechanism in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Inhibition: Study evaluated the molecular targets and pathways through which climbing senecio regulates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Eleven components were identified, along with 520 relevant targets, 300 differentially expressed genes, and 3765 co-expression module genes. Results suggest Climbing senecio may target multiple pathways and genes in the process of regulating HCC and exert potential drug effects through a multi-target mechanism, which provides a new treatment of HCC. (37)
Toxicity
• Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids: Yields unsaturated pyrollizidine alkaloids, senecionine and seneciphylline. The alkaloids are reported to be hepatotoxic to humans causing hepatotoxic veno-occlusive disease. Also, reported to be carcinogenic and mutagenic in animals.
• Adonifoline: HPA (hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids) have always been a threat to both human and livestock health worldwide. Adonifoline has been identified as the main HPA in Senecio scandens. Study of the in vivo metabolism of adonifoline was done to identified metabolites present in bile, urine and feces of rats. Metabolites involved in the metabolic processes and the principle in vivo metabolism pathways were proposed. (8)
• Safety Dilemma: Dose is the Key? Qianliquang (Senecio scandens) is a common Chinese medicinal herb, contained in many over-the-counter remedies. Safety of Qianliguang products were raised because of the presence of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Study showed S. scandens to yield nine hepatotoxic PAs at 6.95-7.19 µg/g. The PAs content of 2.38 µg/kg/day in Qianliguang was considered far below the lowest dose to cause hepatotoxicity (15 µg/kg/day) as suggested by the International Program on Chemical Study.. No significant hepatotoxic effects were observed in rats fed an extract at this human-equivalent dose for 14 days. The study suggests appropriate dosage guidelines to be implemented for the herbal industry. (18)
• Five Hepatotoxic Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids / Tumorigens: In China, Senecio scandens is a major plant source of Qianliguang, a traditional Chinese medicinal (TCM) herb use for the treatment of sinusitis. Study of an aqueous extract yielded hepatotoxic and tumorigenic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). A total of nine toxic and two non-toxic PAs were detected, of which six PAs were characterized viz., neoplatyphylline, senecionine, senecionine N-oxide, seneciphylline, seneciphylline N-oxide and senkirkine. Estimated total content of toxic PAs was 10.82 µg/g herb, significantly higher than the (≤ 1 µg/g herb) recommendation by Belgium and Germany not to be used clinically. Among the PAs identified, senecionine, seneciphylline, and senkirkine are known tumorigens capable of inducing liver tumors in experimental animals. Two, seneciphylline N-oxide and senecionine N-oxide are probably tumorigenic due to their potential conversion into seneciphylline and senecionine via metabolic reduction in the body. (see constituents above) (24)
Availability
- Wild-crafted.
- Extracts, powders, soaps, cosmetics, supplements in the cybermarket.
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