Aquarius macrophyllus
Aquarius macrophyllus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Aquarius macrophyllus is a botanical species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its diverse pharmacological potential. Research focused on the plant's leaf demonstrates that its aqueous extracts and ethanolic fractions, such as Fr20 and the SF1 subfraction, possess notable biological activities. These preparations exhibit potent analgesic and antinociceptive properties, which are often evaluated through the formalin test to assess efficacy against pain. Furthermore, the plant shows promise in treating inflammation and rheumatic diseases, while also providing hepatoprotective benefits for hepatobiliary disorders. These therapeutic effects are largely attributed to key chemical constituents, including flavonoids and the specific compound chapecoderin A.
- Synonyms
- Echinodorus Macrophyllus · Sagittaria Palifolia Var. Macrophylla · 1 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Alismataceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Aquarius macrophyllus is a distinctive plant recognized by several unique names across different cultures. In certain regions, it is affectionately referred to by the common name hjärtsvalting. This botanical specimen also carries the Chinese designation 大叶皇冠, reflecting its widespread interest. Understanding these various naming conventions helps enthusiasts identify the species in diverse linguistic contexts. Whether called by its local or international moniker, the plant remains a fascinating subject for collectors.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Aquarius macrophyllus is a plant species that has been documented under several different botanical names throughout history. It is frequently referred to by the synonym Alisma macrophyllum in various scientific texts. Additionally, researchers may encounter this same species listed as Echinodorus macrophyllus in older records. Some botanical classifications even identify it as Sagittaria palifolia var. macrophylla. Understanding these overlapping synonyms is essential for accurately identifying the plant across different studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Aquarius macrophyllus is a fascinating botanical specimen belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the order Alismatales. This plant is a distinctive member of the genus Aquarius, showcasing unique evolutionary traits. Further taxonomic detail places it specifically within the Alismataceae family. Understanding these hierarchical relationships provides essential insight into the biological identity of this species.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Alismataceae |
| Genus | Aquarius |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Aquarius macrophyllus is a plant species with an expansive presence throughout South America. Its distribution is particularly concentrated within Brazil, where it can be found across a vast geographical range. Specifically, the species inhabits various regions including the North, Northeast, South, and Southeast. Additionally, it maintains a significant presence in the West-Central portion of the country. This widespread occurrence highlights the plant's adaptability to different Brazilian environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Aquarius macrophyllus is characterized by its distinct herb growth form. This plant remains entirely self-supporting as it develops within its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Aquarius macrophyllus, also known as Echinodorus macrophyllus, demonstrates significant pharmacological potential through its diverse medicinal properties. Research indicates that the plant's aqueous extracts and flavonoid-enriched fractions exhibit a potent analgesic effect. These substances work by inhibiting both peripheral and central mechanisms of nociception, making the plant a promising candidate for antinociceptive drug development. Beyond pain management, this species is recognized in Brazilian traditional medicine for its beneficial impact on liver health. Specifically, scientific reviews have identified Echinodorus macrophyllus as a notable plant with proven hepatoprotective capabilities.
Compounds
Aquarius macrophyllus, also known as Echinodorus macrophyllus, is a medicinal plant recognized for its significant therapeutic potential in treating inflammatory and painful conditions. Research indicates that this species contains various flavonoids, which are essential to its biological activity. Specifically, flavonoid-enriched fractions of the plant have demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in both in-vitro and in-vivo models. Furthermore, chemical analysis has revealed that the plant contains chapecoderin A, a newly identified seco-labdane-type diterpenoid isolated from its leaves. These diverse phytochemical constituents contribute to the plant's traditional use as a remedy for both acute and chronic ailments.
Conditions
Echinodorus macrophyllus (also referred to as Aquarius macrophyllus) serves as a traditional medicinal plant used to treat various rheumatic diseases. The plant possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties that are demonstrated through the reduction of inflammatory cell migration and various biochemical markers. Specifically, its extracts have been shown to treat inflammation by modulating key signaling molecules in the body. Research indicates that the plant treats IL-1β and CXCL1/KC levels, thereby reducing tissue inflammation. Furthermore, these therapeutic effects extend to LPS-stimulated murine chondrocytes, where the plant helps mitigate damage and reduce the expression of inflammatory markers.
Preparations
Echinodorus macrophyllus is prepared as an aqueous extract, also referred to as AEEm, which has demonstrated significant antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and immunosuppressive effects. This plant is also prepared as an ethanolic fraction known as Fr20, which is used to study specific immunomodulatory mechanisms. The Fr20 fraction can be further processed into the SF1 subfraction, a component identified for its high anti-inflammatory properties and low toxicity. Additionally, the plant is prepared as a whole extract, which has been evaluated for its potential genotoxicity and mutagenicity in bacterial assays. Together, these various preparations of Echinodorus macrophyllus serve as critical tools for investigating the medicinal properties of "chapéu-de-couro."
Parts used
Aquarius macrophyllus, also known by its common name "Chapéu-de-couro," is a Brazilian medicinal plant that utilizes its leaves for various therapeutic applications. Scientific research has focused heavily on the leaves of this species to isolate unique chemical compounds, such as the nitrogen-containing clerodane diterpenoids known as echinophyllins C-F. Additionally, studies have successfully identified new labdane-derived diterpenoids, specifically chapecoderins A-C, within the plant's leaf structure. Beyond chemical isolation, the leaves serve as the primary source for aqueous extracts used in toxicological evaluations to assess their safety for human consumption. These investigations aim to confirm that the medicinal properties found in the leaves can treat inflammation and kidney issues without causing genotoxic harm.