Coreopsis tinctoria
Coreopsis tinctoria · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Coreopsis tinctoria is a versatile botanical resource containing various plant parts, including the flower, leaf, and root. Rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, marein, carotenoids, and flavanomarein, the plant offers significant therapeutic potential. Scientific studies highlight its diverse activities, ranging from antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties to hypoglycemic effects. When prepared as an extract, flower tea, or a flavonoid-rich AcOEt fraction, it has shown promise in managing hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Furthermore, its ability to combat apoptosis suggests meaningful neuroprotective effects for overall health.
- Synonyms
- Coreopsis Tinctoria F. Atropurpurea · Coreopsis Bicolor · 21 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Flower · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Coreopsis tinctoria is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional and descriptive names. Gardeners may recognize this species as Atkinson's Tickseed or more formally as Atkinson's coreopsis. In certain areas, it is frequently referred to as Columbia Tickseed or Columbia coreopsis. Some enthusiasts also identify it by its vibrant color, calling it Coreopsis gialla. These various common names reflect the plant's widespread popularity across different landscapes.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Coreopsis tinctoria is a botanical species known to be associated with a diverse array of taxonomic synonyms. Within scientific literature, it is frequently identified by the names Bidens atkinsoniana and Bidens tinctoria. The plant's classification also encompasses several entries under the Calliopsis genus, such as Calliopsis atkinsoniana and Calliopsis atropurpurea. Additionally, researchers may encounter it referred to as Calliopsis bicolor depending on the historical context of the study. Understanding these various nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate identification in the field of botany.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Coreopsis tinctoria belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of living organisms. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida, marking its place among the vascular plants. It further falls into the order Asterales, a group known for its distinct floral structures. As a member of the family Asteraceae, it shares characteristics with many common sunflowers and daisies. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its specific genus, Coreopsis, which distinguishes it within its biological lineage.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Coreopsis |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Coreopsis tinctoria displays a remarkably wide natural distribution that spans across multiple continents and diverse climates. In Africa, the species is established within the tropical regions of South Africa, specifically throughout Mozambique. Its reach extends into the temperate zones of Asia, where it thrives across the Caucasus and Transcaucasus regions. The plant is also frequently found throughout Central Asia, populating the landscapes of Kazakhstan and Kirgizstan. This broad geographic range highlights the species' ability to adapt to varying ecological conditions worldwide.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Coreopsis tinctoria is a versatile herb characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This resilient plant typically reaches a maximum height of 1.2 meters in ideal conditions. Depending on the environment, its stature can vary significantly, often starting at a minimum of 0.3 meters. In many instances, the plant settles into a more consistent height range with a minimum of 0.74 meters. This adaptability in size allows it to flourish across diverse landscapes.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Coreopsis tinctoria is a medicinal plant that demonstrates significant pharmacological potential through several diverse biological activities. Research highlights its potent antioxidant properties, particularly through compounds like okanin which help mitigate oxidative damage and skin photoaging. Furthermore, the plant exhibits strong hepatoprotective effects, as evidenced by its ability to reduce liver lesions and inflammation in models of acute injury. It also possesses notable hypoglycemic qualities, with components such as marein playing a role in managing complications related to blood sugar regulation. Collectively, these multifaceted therapeutic benefits underscore the importance of the plant in both traditional and modern medicine.
Compounds
Coreopsis tinctoria is a medicinal plant recognized for its rich concentration of bioactive compounds, including various flavonoids and chlorogenic acid. Among its most significant constituents is marein, a major compound that has demonstrated potent hypoglycemic and neuroprotective properties by activating the AMPK signaling pathway. The plant also contains flavanomarein, which contributes to cytoprotective effects by inhibiting apoptotic pathways in pancreatic cells. Furthermore, the primary bioactive flavonoid okanin has emerged as a promising antioxidant capable of mitigating UVA-induced skin damage through the regulation of SIRT3. Collectively, these diverse chemical relationships highlight the plant's significant pharmacological potential in treating metabolic and oxidative stress-related conditions.
Conditions
Coreopsis tinctoria treats hyperglycemia and insulin resistance by modulating key metabolic pathways and enhancing insulin sensitivity. The plant also serves as an effective antidiabetes agent that can help treat diabetes by regulating glucose homeostasis and hepatic metabolism. Furthermore, Coreopsis tinctoria treats apoptosis by inhibiting specific cell death pathways and protecting pancreatic beta-cells from injury. These diverse therapeutic actions are largely attributed to its bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and oligosaccharides.
Preparations
Coreopsis tinctoria is prepared as an extract to be used as a natural inhibitor of α-Glucosidase and to improve intestinal digestive enzyme activity. Researchers have also utilized a flavonoid-rich AcOEt fraction of the plant to achieve pancreatic function recovery in glucose intolerance models. The flower extraction process can be optimized through methods like the Box-Behnken design to investigate anti-leukemia effects in K562 cells. Additionally, the flowering tops are frequently prepared as a flower tea or a health tea due to the plant's high medicinal and edible value.
Parts used
Coreopsis tinctoria is a versatile medicinal plant that possesses significant health benefits through its various anatomical parts. Research indicates that the flower can be utilized in teas to improve insulin sensitivity and provide hepatoprotective effects against liver injury. The leaves are also highly valuable, as they serve as primary sites for the accumulation of health-promoting flavonoids influenced by nitrogen levels. Additionally, the plant's medicinal properties extend to the roots and stalks, where flavonoid content remains relatively stable. By studying these different components, scientists can better understand how to optimize the plant's nutritional and therapeutic value.