Bassia indica
Bassia indica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Bassia indica is a noteworthy botanical species recognized for its diverse range of therapeutic activities, particularly its cardioprotective properties. Scientific investigations into its aerial parts, specifically through aqueous methanol extracts, have revealed a rich profile of bioactive chemicals. These include specialized flavonoids such as Kaempferol 3-(2G-glucosylrutinoside), Kaempferol 3-glucoside-7-sophoroside, and Kaempferol 3-rutinoside-7-sophoroside. The plant demonstrates significant potential in addressing various medical conditions, ranging from general infections to more complex parasitic threats. Notably, its medicinal value is highlighted in its ability to combat Trichinella spiralis and the resulting condition of trichinellosis.
- Synonyms
- Kochia Griffithii · Kochia Indica · 2 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Bassia indica is a plant known by many different regional names across the globe. In English-speaking contexts, it is commonly referred to as basia indická, while in Russian, it is identified as Бассия индийская. Its presence is also recognized in Hebrew-speaking communities under the name קוכיה הודית. Furthermore, the species is known in Chinese as 印度地肤. These diverse linguistic labels highlight the wide geographical distribution and cultural recognition of this unique plant.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Bassia indica is a plant species known to be associated with several different botanical names in scientific literature. It is frequently identified by its synonym Bassia joppensis, which reflects historical taxonomic classifications. Researchers may also encounter this species listed under the names Kochia griffithii or Kochia indica. Furthermore, the plant is recognized as Kochia scoparia subsp. indica in certain taxonomic frameworks. Understanding these various synonyms is essential for ensuring accurate identification and communication within the botanical community.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Bassia indica is a unique member of the kingdom Plantae that showcases the diverse complexity of the natural world. This plant belongs to the genus Bassia, a classification that places it within a specific lineage of botanical life. It is further categorized under the order Caryophyllales, which connects it to a wide array of related species. Within this order, it falls into the family Amaranthaceae, highlighting its evolutionary relationship to other amaranthaceous plants. Finally, its biological identity is defined by its placement in the class Equisetopsida, completing its formal taxonomic profile.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Bassia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Bassia indica is a plant species with a broad and diverse distribution across the African continent. Its presence can be traced through Northern Africa, where it thrives in the territories of Algeria, Egypt, and Libya. Moving toward the eastern regions, the species is also well-established within East Tropical Africa, specifically in Kenya. Additionally, its range extends into Northeast Tropical Africa, encompassing the areas of Sudan and South Sudan. This wide geographic spread highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various African environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Bassia indica is a small herb that maintains a self-supporting growth form. This plant typically reaches a modest maximum height of only 0.25 meters. Its compact structure allows it to thrive effectively within its specific ecological niche.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Bassia indica has demonstrated significant cardioprotective potential in recent studies investigating its effects on myocardial injury. By utilizing extracts rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, this medicinal plant helps mitigate the damage caused by myocardial infarction. The research indicates that the plant works by modulating key signaling pathways, specifically inhibiting NF-κB and regulating BCL-2/BAX to reduce inflammation and apoptosis. Furthermore, treatment with B. indica extract has been shown to decrease infarct size and lower essential cardiac biomarkers. Ultimately, these findings suggest that the plant serves as a promising natural agent for preserving cardiac tissue architecture and reducing heart injury.
Compounds
Bassia indica is a medicinal plant traditionally utilized for the treatment of various cardiac disorders. Recent chemical analyses using UHPLC-MS/MS have identified several key metabolites within its extract. Specifically, the plant contains the flavonoid kaempferol 3-glucoside-7-sophoroside. Research also confirms the presence of kaempferol 3-rutinoside-7-sophoroside within its composition. These specific phenolic derivatives may contribute to the plant's significant cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties.
Conditions
Bassia indica demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by treating Trichinellosis through its effective action against the parasite Trichinella spiralis. The plant's extracts exhibit marked antibacterial activity, providing scientific evidence for its use in managing various infections. In studies involving parasitic infection, B. indica also functions to treat the physiological response by depressing the proinflammatory cytokines expressions of TNF-α. These combined properties highlight the plant's multi-faceted role in combating both bacterial and parasitic threats. Through these mechanisms, the plant serves as a natural source for addressing complex biological infections.
Preparations
Bassia indica is prepared as an aerial parts extract for various phytochemical and pharmacological investigations. Specifically, the plant is prepared as an aqueous methanol extract of the aerial parts to facilitate the isolation of bioactive compounds. This specific extraction method allowed for the identification of a novel acylated flavonol tetraglycoside and rare oleanane saponins. Such preparations are essential for characterizing the medicinal potential of the xero-halophyte. Through these extraction processes, researchers can isolate diverse constituents ranging from glycosides to phenolic compounds.