Alternanthera philoxeroides
Alternanthera philoxeroides · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Alternanthera philoxeroides is a plant species that has gained scientific interest due to its diverse range of bioactive chemical compounds. Research indicates that various preparations, such as aqueous and hydrophilic extracts of the herb, contain key constituents like beta-sitosterol, catechin, 24-methylenecycloartanol, and 3beta-hydroxystigmast-5-en-7-one. These chemical profiles contribute to significant biological activities, most notably acting as potent antioxidants. Specifically, these extracts demonstrate the ability to combat oxidative damage and mitigate effects related to photosensitization. Furthermore, the plant has also been investigated for its potential anticoagulant properties in various studies.
- Synonyms
- Achyranthes Paludosa · Telanthera Philoxeroides Var. Linearifolia · 23 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Alternanthera philoxeroides is a plant known by several different regional names that reflect its various identities. It is most frequently referred to by the common name Alligator Weed, though it is also widely called Alligatorkraut. Depending on the linguistic context, you may encounter the variations Alligatorkraut (DE) or the Dutch name Alligatorkruid. In English-speaking regions, the spelling Alligatorweed (EN) is also a common designation used to identify the species. These diverse names all point to the same resilient aquatic plant found across different environments.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Alternanthera philoxeroides is a species characterized by a complex botanical history involving several different taxonomic designations. Throughout various studies, it has been identified by several synonyms, including the names Achyranthes aphylla and Achyranthes paludosa. The plant is also frequently referred to in scientific literature as Achyranthes philoxeroides. Further taxonomic variations link the species to the names Alternanthera aphylla and Alternanthera philoxerina. Understanding these diverse nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate botanical identification and classification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Alternanthera philoxeroides is a unique organism that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological kingdom, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. This plant is further categorized into the order Caryophyllales, which helps botanists understand its evolutionary lineage. It serves as a prominent member of the genus Alternanthera. Finally, its botanical identity is completed by its placement within the family Amaranthaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Alternanthera |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Alternanthera philoxeroides exhibits a broad geographical footprint that spans across multiple continents and diverse climatic zones. In Africa, the species is established within the Western Indian Ocean and the island of Mauritius. Its presence is equally significant throughout temperate Asia, where it is widely distributed across various regions of China. Specifically, it can be found throughout North-Central, South-Central, and Southeast China. Furthermore, the plant's reach extends into Eastern Asia, including documented populations in Japan.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Alternanthera philoxeroides is characterized by its distinct herb growth form. This self-supporting plant maintains a compact presence within its ecosystem. Depending on environmental conditions, it typically reaches a maximum height of 0.33 meters. However, under certain circumstances, it can grow to reach a maximum height of 0.5 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Alternanthera philoxeroides is a tropical herb and edible vegetable that has long been recognized for its medicinal potential. Recent scientific investigations have utilized both in vitro and in vivo approaches to evaluate its therapeutic properties. The research confirms that the methanolic extracts of this plant possess significant antioxidant activity across multiple assay methods. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the plant exhibits notable anticoagulant activities through its impact on PT and aPTT levels. Ultimately, these findings suggest that the plant provides these biological benefits without causing negative effects on organ weight or hematological indices in mouse models.
Compounds
Alternanthera philoxeroides serves as a significant source of various bioactive chemical constituents. Detailed phytochemical analysis has successfully identified several key compounds within the herb, including beta-sitosterol and phaeophytin A. Furthermore, the plant is known to contain specific sterols such as 24-methylenecycloartanol and cycloeucalenol. Research also highlights the presence of 3beta-hydroxystigmast-5-en-7-one among its complex chemical profile. These findings, achieved through advanced chromatography and spectroscopy, provide essential insights into the plant's unique biological makeup.
Conditions
Alternanthera philoxeroides demonstrates significant biological effects by impacting various enzymatic and physiological processes. Research indicates that the plant's aqueous extract can alter the activities of Mg2+-ATPase, LDH, and SDH in Oncomelania snails, though no statistical difference was found for LDH and SDH specifically. Furthermore, the plant exhibits potent antioxidant activity across multiple assay methods, including DPPH and CUPRAC. It also possesses notable anticoagulant activities as measured by PT and aPTT. These combined properties highlight the complex biochemical interactions of the plant in both snail and mouse models.
Preparations
Alternanthera philoxeroides is utilized in various scientific studies through several specific preparations. The plant is prepared as an aqueous extract to investigate its inhibitory effects on the enzymic histochemistry of Oncomelania snails. It is also prepared as a tropical herb and medicinal plant from which various chemical constituents are isolated. Research further involves the plant being prepared as methanolic extracts to assess its antioxidant, anticoagulant, and toxicological properties in mice. Additionally, the plant is prepared as hydrophilic extracts to evaluate its total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity.