Alternanthera philoxeroides
Alternanthera philoxeroides, commonly known as pigweed or alligator weed, is a resilient perennial herb found in wetlands globally. While often viewed as an invasive species, it possesses significant ethnobotanical value. Historically, various cultures have utilized its leaves and stems for their purported medicinal properties and nutritional benefits.
- Scientific name: Alternanthera philoxeroides
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed in the order Caryophyllales and the family Amaranthaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus name, Alternanthera.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Amaranthaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Alternanthera | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning several continents and distinct regions. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is documented within the countries of France and Spain. Its range extends further into Southeastern Europe, specifically within the territory of Italy. Moving toward the Indian Ocean, the species can also be found on the island of Mauritius. Finally, its distribution reaches East Asia, where it is located in South-Central China.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
Chemicals
Alternanthera philoxeroides has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 24-methylenecycloartanol, 3beta-hydroxystigmast-5-en-7-one, alpha-spinasterol, beta-sitosterol, catechin.
- Total chemicals
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 24-methylenecycloartanol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3beta-hydroxystigmast-5-en-7-one | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alpha-spinasterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| beta-sitosterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cycloeucalenol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oleanoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phaeophytin a | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Alternanthera philoxeroides has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticoagulant, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Alternanthera philoxeroides has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include photosensitization.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| photosensitization | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |