(Apocynaceae) Myriopteron extensum (Wight) K.Schum.

Local name(s): 

Medicinal use(s): to treat coughs; as health tonic

Part(s) used: root; fruit

Field Characters: Vince, almost leafless, fruits light green, follicles covered with prominent, deep lengthwise ridges. Latex white. 

Locality: Luang Prabang Province, Park Ou District, Medicinal Biodiversity Preserve above Somsanouk Village.

Habitat: Subtropical monsoon forest on a steep slope, ascending to the base of limestone mountain that rises precipitously to a peak of ca. 1000 m asl. Greater part of the vegetation cover was leafless at time of visit.

Altitude: 430 m asl. 

Collector(s): D.D. Soejarto, K. Sydara, M. Xayvue

Collection number(s): DDS 15471

Collection Date: February 13, 2020

Additional information:  

Voucher specimen is in deposit at the Field Museum (F) Herbarium, Chicago, USA under accession no. 2329987.

Synonyms, images, taxonomic description: 

Plants of the World onlineFlora of China Vol. 16 Page 194GBIF | Global Biodiversity Information FacilitySingapore National Parks: Flora and Fauna Web

Medicinal properties:

Dai Q, Wang Y-H, Zhang H-X, et al. Three new dinormonoterpenoid glucosides from pericarps of Myriopteron extensum. Phytochemistry Letters 2015, volume 12, pages 164-167. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytol.2015.03.018

Joycharat N, Thammanee D, Phrommachan N, et al.  Trimanee, S. ., Poongern, T. ., Sontimuang, C. ., & Limsuwan, S. Physical characteristics, lupinifolin content, and biological activity of the wood of Myriopteron extensum (Wight & Arn.) K. Schum. KKU Science Journal 2017, 45(1), 68–82. https://ph01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/KKUSciJ/article/view/249664   

Koe T. New natural sweeteners found: Wild plants in Yunnan sweeter than sucrose by at least 25 times. https://www.foodnavigator-asia.com/Article/2018/08/13/New-natural-sweeteners-found-Wild-plants-in-Yunnan-sweeter-than-sucrose-by-at-least-25-times/?utm_source=copyright&utm_medium=OnSite&utm_campaign=copyright 

Yang MF, Li YY, Gao XP, et al. Steroidal saponins from Myriopteron extensum and their cytotoxic activity. Planta Med 2004, 70(6):556-60. DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-827157