Aerva lanata
What's the taxonomical classification of Aerva lanata?
Aerva lanata belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Moving down the taxonomic hierarchy, it falls under the order Caryophyllales and is a member of the family Amaranthaceae. Finally, the plant is identified by its genus, Aerva, and its specific species name, lanata.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Aerva |
| Species | lanata |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Aerva lanata has an erect, herbaceous structure characterized by slender, cylindrical stems that often reach heights of up to 60 centimeters. The leaves are arranged oppositely along the stem and exhibit an elliptical to lanceolate shape with entire margins. Small, inconspicuous flowers emerge from the leaf axils, typically appearing in a cyme formation. These blossoms are often white or pale in color and possess a delicate texture. The plant is further distinguished by its fine, pubescent surface which provides a soft tactile quality to the foliage.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and parts of China. It is commonly found growing in various habitats ranging from open fields to the edges of forests. The species thrives in warm climates where moisture levels are sufficient to support its growth. Its distribution is often linked to disturbed areas or locations with sandy soil types. Because it favors these specific environmental conditions, it is frequently encountered in rural landscapes across its native range.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Aerva lanata, requires well-drained soil and full sunlight to thrive in warm, semi-arid climates.
It is typically grown from seeds sown directly into the ground during the onset of the rainy season. The species tolerates drought conditions effectively once its deep root system is established in the sandy or loamy earth. Regular weeding is necessary during the early stages of growth to prevent competition for nutrients.
Once mature, the plant produces small white flowers that signify its readiness for harvest or seed collection.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Aerva lanaata is utilized medicinally through its aerial parts, including the flowers, leaves, roots, and seeds. The leaves and flowers are frequently employed in traditional preparations to treat various inflammatory conditions and skin ailments. Extracts derived from the roots are often used for their specific therapeutic properties in topical applications. Additionally, the seeds can be processed to support different healing functions within herbal remedies. Together, these diverse components provide a comprehensive range of medicinal benefits.
According to a study published by "Malaria journal", the whole aerial parts of Aerva lanaata were utilized for medicinal purposes. The ethyl acetate extracts (EAE) of these whole aerial parts demonstrated promising antiplasmodial activity. This activity was specifically measured against Plasmodium falciparum Pf3D7 with an IC50 value of ≤ 20 μg/ml. Such promising extracts also showed good resistance indices of 0.41 - 1.4 against the chloroquine resistant INDO strain of P. falciparum. Additionally, these extracts demonstrated good selectivity indices ranging from 3 to > 22.2 when tested against the HeLa cell line.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial parts
- flower
- leaf
- root
- seeds
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Aerwa lanaata, is utilized across multiple ancient healing traditions including Ayurveda, Mahoran traditional medicine, and Siddha for its diverse therapeutic properties. In the Ayurvedic system, it is often integrated into formulations designed to balance bodily humors and treat various internal ailments. Practitioners of Siddha medicine also employ the plant to address specific physiological imbalances and promote overall wellness. Within Mahoran traditional medicine, the species holds significant cultural and medicinal value for local healing rituals and remedies. These diverse historical applications highlight the plant's long-standing importance in regional ethnobotanical practices.
According to a study published by "Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology", Aerva lanaata is an important medicinal plant widely used in traditional systems of medicine like ayurveda and siddha. The ethanolic extract of the whole plant was administered in five doses of 10 mg/kg body weight. This administration enhanced the total WBC count to 14,238 cells/mm(3), bone marrow cellularity to 22.33 × 10(6) cells/femur, and the number of α-esterase-positive cells to 1276 cells/4000 cells. Furthermore, it resulted in 243.33 PFC/10(6) spleen cells and increased the life span of mice-bearing EAC tumors by 53.47%. The extract was 100% cytotoxic to DLA and EAC cells at a concentration of 500 µg/mL.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ayurveda
- Mahoran traditional medicine
- Siddha
What are the pharmacological activities of Aerva lanata?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antihyperglycemic properties. Its ability to inhibit alpha-glucosidase and exert antihyperglycemic effects suggests a significant role in managing blood glucose levels. The antioxidant capacity of Aerva lanata helps neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress. Furthermore, its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions provide a defense against microbial infections and reduce systemic swelling. These combined medicinal attributes highlight the plant's potential utility in treating various metabolic and inflammatory conditions.
According to a study published by "Oxidaive medicine and cellular longevity", the leaves of Aerva lanaata possess antioxidant properties and can inhibit diabetes-related enzymes. The hydroethanol extract of the Aerva lanaata leaf optimally inhibited alpha-amylase with an IC50 of 2.42 mg/mL. This same hydroethanol extract also inhibited alpha-glucosidase with an IC50 of 0.23 mg/mL. Analysis through a Lineweaver-Burk plot revealed that the mode of inhibition for both enzymes by the hydroethanol extract was uncompetitive. Additionally, the hydroethanol and aqueous extracts displayed the best DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging abilities, respectively.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- antioxidant
- antidiabetic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds Canthin-6-one, beta-Carboline Alkaloids, 10-methoxycanthin-6-one, 10-hydroxycanthin-6-one, and β-sitosterol. These specific chemical constituents are responsible for many of the biological activities observed in Aerva lanata. The presence of various beta-Carboline Alkaloids suggests potential pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, the derivatives 10-methoxycanthin-6-one and 10-hydroxycanthin-6-one contribute to its complex chemical profile. The phytosterol β-sitosterol is also a significant component found within its structure. Together, these bioactive molecules define the therapeutic potential of the species.
According to a study published by "Planta medica", six alkaloids were isolated from the herb of Aerva lanaata. Previously found compounds include Canthin-6-one (1) and beta-carboline-1-propionic acid (5). The study identifies four new alkaloids: 10-methoxy-canthin-6-one (2), 10-hydroxy-canthin-6-one (3), 10-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxycanthin-6-one (4), and 6-methoxy-beta-carboline-1-propionic acid (6). These structures were determined using spectroscopic analysis and chemical transformations.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Canthin-6-one
- beta-Carboline Alkaloids
- 10-methoxycanthin-6-one
- 10-hydroxycanthin-6-one
- β-sitosterol
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating cancer, diabetes mellitus, inflammation, urinary ailments, and infections caused by microbial pathogens. Its bioactive compounds work to suppress cellular abnormalities often associated with oncological processes. The plant also assists in regulating blood glucose levels to manage symptoms of diabetes mellitus. Additionally, its natural properties help reduce systemic inflammation and soothe various urinary ailments. Finally, it provides a defense mechanism against harmful microbial pathogens through its antimicrobial effects.
According to a study published by "Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology", the ethanolic extract of the whole plant Aerva lanaata exhibits immunomodulatory and antitumor activity. Intraperitoneal administration of five doses at 10 mg/kg body weight enhanced the total WBC count to 14,238 cells/mm(3), bone marrow cellularity to 22.33 × 10(6) cells/femur, and the number of α-esterase-positive cells to 1276 cells/4000 cells. The extract was 100% cytotoxic to Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA) and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells at a concentration of 500 µg/mL. Furthermore, the treatment increased the number of plaque-forming cells in the spleen to 243.33 PFC/10(6) spleen cells. Finally, simultaneous administration of five doses of the extract inhibited DLAs-induced solid tumor development and increased the life span of mice bearing EAC tumors by 53.47%.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cancer
- diabetes mellitus
- inflammation
- urinary ailments
- urinary tract infections
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations including a 70% ethanolic aqueous leaf extract and a chloroform fraction. The ethanolic aqueous extract is typically processed to concentrate specific bioactive secondary metabolites for therapeutic use. Researchers often utilize the chloroform fraction to isolate non-polar compounds that may exhibit distinct biological activities. These various preparations undergo rigorous testing to determine their efficacy in treating different ailments. Studying these specific extracts helps scientists understand the chemical diversity present within the plant's leaves.
According to a study published by "Pakistan journal of biological sciences : PJBS", the flowering aerial part of Aerva lanaata L. was tested for in vitro anticancer potential using 5 different human cell lines for lung, leukaemia, prostate, colon, and cervix cancer. The research utilized three specific doses of 10, 30, and 100 microg mL(-1) for both the Aerva lanaata L. Chloroform fraction (ALCF) and the Aerva lanaata L. Ethyl Acetate Fraction (ALEAF). At the maximum concentration of 100 microg mL(-1), ALCF demonstrated a significant % inhibitory effect for leukaemia, lung, and colon cancer compared to the standard drug mitomycin. Additionally, ALEAF showed a significant % inhibitory effect for lung and cervix cancer at the 100 microg mL(-1) concentration relative to the standard drug 5-fluoro Uracil (5-FU). These results provide experimental evidence that the ethyl acetate and chloroform fractions of Aerva lanaata L. could be useful in medical care.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 70% ethanolic aqueous leaf extract
- chloroform fraction
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause significant physiological changes including alterations of creatinine, cellular changes in the brain, decreased cholesterol concentrations, elevated catalase levels, and increased neutrophils. Research indicates that consumption may influence kidney function markers through modified creatinine levels. Neurological impacts are also observed via specific cellular changes within the brain tissue. Additionally, the plant appears to lower cholesterol concentrations while simultaneously driving up catalase levels in the body. Finally, an immune response is triggered that leads to increased neutrophil counts in the blood.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the LD50 of the aqueous extract of Aerva lanaata was 22.62g/kg for oral acute toxicity and 0.432g/kg for intraperitoneal administration. In sub-chronic tests using doses of 40-1000mg/kg over 90 days, the extract caused apparent changes in body weights and significantly (p < 0.05) increased the weights of the lungs, brain, and pancreas in female rats while reducing testes weight in males. Haematological changes included significantly (p < 0.05) increased total leukocytes and reduced platelets in females, while neutrophils significantly (p < 0.05) increased in males. Biochemical impacts included a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of serum alanine transaminase, as well as aspartate transaminase and albumin in both males at 1000mg/kg and females at 200mg/kg. Additionally, the extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced alkaline phosphatase in females at 200mg/kg and reduced sperm count and motility in male rats. Histological examinations revealed mild to moderate cellular changes in the brain, kidney, liver, lungs, spleen, and testes.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- alterations of creatinine
- cellular changes in the brain
- decreased cholesterol concentrations
- elevated catalase levels
- increased neutrophils
What herbs are paired with Aerva lanata?
This plant, Aerva lanaata, is most effectively paired with Tulsi, Ginger, and Turmeric to enhance its therapeutic properties for respiratory and digestive ailments.
Combining the plant with Tulsi creates a potent decoction that helps soothe inflammation in the throat and lungs. Adding fresh ginger to the mixture introduces warming elements that stimulate digestion and aid in the absorption of active compounds. Turmeric serves as a complementary antioxidant that strengthens the overall immune response during treatment.
These herbal combinations are often prepared as warm teas or infused oils to maximize their traditional medicinal benefits.