Atriplex nummularia
Atriplex nummularia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Atriplex nummularia, commonly known as Old Man Saltbush, is a versatile shrub characterized by its unique floral structures and prolific seed production. The plant's reproductive success relies heavily on the development of specialized flowers and the subsequent dispersal of its hardy seeds. Scientific interest in this species has grown significantly, particularly regarding the biochemical potential of its various preparations. Researchers have focused extensively on producing diverse extracts to explore the plant's therapeutic properties. Among these, the methanol extract of the seeds has emerged as a subject of intense study due to its concentrated bioactive compounds.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Flower · Seed
Classification
Common Names
Atriplex nummularia is a versatile plant recognized by a wide variety of names across different cultures and languages. In Australia, it is frequently referred to as the Braksoutbos or more commonly as the Old Man Saltbush. It is also known by the descriptive English name bluegreen saltbush, highlighting its distinct foliage. Globally, the species is identified as Didžioji balandūnė and by the Chinese name da yang zhou bin li. These diverse monikers reflect the plant's widespread presence and its significance in various botanical contexts.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Atriplex nummularia is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological group, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. It belongs to the order Caryophyllales, which helps define its evolutionary lineage. This plant is further nested within the family Amaranthaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by its specific genus, Atriplex.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Atriplex |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Atriplex nummularia exhibits a widespread distribution that spans across several key regions of Africa and the surrounding islands. Its presence is noted throughout Northern Africa, specifically within the territories of Algeria and Egypt. The plant also extends its reach into Northeast Tropical Africa, with notable populations found in Djibouti. Beyond the mainland, it thrives in Macaronesia and the Canary Islands. Furthermore, its range reaches into the Middle Atlantic Ocean, including the remote island of St. Helena.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Atriplex nummularia is a resilient shrub that maintains a sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This plant typically reaches a height of at least 1 meter as it matures in its natural habitat. Depending on environmental conditions, its stature can vary significantly, often reaching a minimum of 2.7 meters. For many specimens, the growth can continue until it achieves a maximum height of 3 meters. Such structural diversity allows this species to adapt effectively to its surroundings.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Atriplex nummularia serves as a notable source of specific bioactive compounds found within its seeds. Through the use of high-performance liquid chromatography and methanol extraction, researchers have successfully identified key phytochemicals in the plant. Specifically, the analysis revealed that the species contains the phytoecdysteroid 20-hydroxyecdysone. Additionally, the study confirmed the presence of polypodine B within the seed extracts. These findings highlight the complex chemical profile of Atriplex nummularia regarding its ecdysteroid content.
Conditions
Atriplex nummularia flowers were specifically tested using a modified Agrobacterium tumefaciens Potato Disc Tumor bioassay to evaluate their biological impact. This specialized protocol allowed researchers to detect the specific capacity of the extract to cause tumor promotion. By applying a range of concentrations during the testing process, the study identified the plant's role in this oncogenic activity. The findings contributed to a larger cluster analysis that classified various plant extracts based on their toxicity and antitumor properties. Ultimately, the results highlighted how Atriplex nummularia functions within the context of tumor promotion in this in vivo model.
Preparations
Atriplex nummularia is prepared as extracts for various biological investigations, including studies on tumor promotion. Specifically, extracts from the flowers of this plant were tested using the AtAgrobacterium tumefaciens Potato Disc Tumor bioassay. Furthermore, Atriplex nummularia is prepared as a methanol extract of the seeds to facilitate chemical analysis. This specific seed extraction method allowed for the identification of phytoecdysteroids through high-performance liquid chromatography. These preparation methods serve as the foundation for determining the plant's medicinal and bioactive properties.
Parts used
Atriplex nummularia is a plant species of significant interest due to the diverse bioactive properties found within its different components. Research has demonstrated that the flowers of this plant can be utilized for extracting compounds that exhibit tumor-promoting activities in specific bioassays. Additionally, the seeds of Atriplex nummularia serve as a rich source for the identification of valuable phytoecdysteroids. Through high-performance liquid chromatography, scientists have successfully isolated specific substances like 20-hydroxyecdysone from these seed extracts. Consequently, studying both the flowers and seeds of this plant provides critical insights into its potential medicinal applications.