Chenopodium album var. album
Chenopodium album var. album · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Chenopodium album var. album is a botanical variety recognized for its unique phytochemical profile. The plant contains specific chemical compounds such as Calenduloside E and Chikusetsusaponin iva. Researchers have explored the medicinal potential of the root to address various health concerns. Specifically, it is studied for its effects on conditions related to the breast, prostate, skin, and thyroid. Understanding these properties offers valuable insights into the plant's therapeutic applications.
- Synonyms
- Vulvaria Albescens · Blitum Viride · 113 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Root
Classification
Synonyms
Chenopodium album var. album is a plant species that is recognized by several different botanical synonyms in scientific literature. Historically, it has been identified under the name Anserina candidans in various taxonomic studies. It is also frequently associated with the names Atriplex viridis and Blitum viride within different classification systems. Furthermore, the plant has been referred to as Botrys albus var. pauper in specific contexts. Finally, the synonym Botrys ferulatus provides another historical perspective on the identity of this complex species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Chenopodium album var. album belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of multicellular organisms. Within this kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida, placing it among the flowering plants. It is further categorized into the order Caryophyllales, a group known for its unique botanical characteristics. The specimen is a member of the genus Chenopodium, which helps botanists identify its specific lineage. Finally, it is nested within the family Amaranthaceae, completing its formal taxonomic profile.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Chenopodium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Chenopodium album var. album exhibits a broad geographical presence across several diverse regions within the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, this variety is notably established within the landscape of Kenya. Its reach extends significantly toward the Atlantic through the Macaronesian islands. Specifically, the plant can be found thriving in the Azores, the Canary Islands, and Madeira. Furthermore, its distribution continues into the archipelago of Cape Verde, showcasing its adaptability to these distinct island environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Biological Activities
Compounds
Chenopodium album var. album serves as a notable representative of the Amaranthaceae family, which is known to be a rich source of oleanolic acid (OA)-type saponins. Within this botanical group, specific compounds such as calenduloside E and chikusetsusaponin IVa have been identified for their biological significance. These saponins exhibit varying degrees of cytotoxic activity when tested against diverse human cancer cell lines, including skin, breast, and prostate panels. Research indicates that the potency of these compounds is heavily influenced by specific structural elements, such as the presence of a sugar moiety and a free carboxyl group. Consequently, the investigation of these particular saponins offers a promising pathway for the development of new anticancer agents.
Conditions
Chenopodium album var. album exhibits potential medicinal properties through its ability to treat breast cancer cells. The plant's compounds also demonstrate effectiveness in treating gastrointestinal cancer cell lines. Furthermore, research indicates that it can be utilized to treat prostate cancer cells. It has also shown efficacy in the treatment of skin-related cancer cells. Finally, the plant provides therapeutic potential for treating thyroid cancer cell lines.
Preparations
Parts used
Chenopodium album var. album belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, a group known for producing biologically active compounds. Within this botanical family, specific members such as Chenopodium strictum serve as vital sources of oleanolic acid (OA)-type saponins. Scientific investigations have successfully isolated these potent saponins, including calenduloside E, directly from the plant's root system. These root-derived compounds demonstrate significant cytotoxic activity against various human cancer cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. Consequently, the chemical structures found within these roots offer a promising avenue for the development of new anticancer agents.