Eryngium foetidum
What's the taxonomical classification of Eryngium foetidum?
Eryngium foetidum belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida, it is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae. This plant follows the order Apiales and is a prominent member of the family Apiaceae. Taxonomically, it is situated within the genus Eryngium, specifically identified by the species name foetidum.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Eryngium |
| Species | foetidum |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Eryngium foetidum has a robust, perennial structure characterized by large, deeply lobed, glaucous leaves and dense, spherical flower heads supported by stiff, prickly bracts. The plant typically grows in a basal rosette, with its thick, fleshy leaves often exhibiting a bluish-green hue and serrated margins. Each inflorescence consists of a compact cluster of small, inconspicuous flowers surrounded by an array of rigid, spiny bracts that provide a protective layer. The stems are sturdy and upright, often becoming woody at the base as the plant matures. These morphological features allow the species to withstand coastal environments and attract specific pollinators through its distinct architectural form.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, specifically found throughout various parts of West, Central, and East Africa. Its distribution spans across diverse ecological zones, ranging from humid forest margins to more open savanna landscapes. It is frequently encountered in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and various nations within the Congo Basin. The species thrives in warm climates where seasonal rainfall supports its growth patterns. Local populations are often documented in areas with well-drained soils throughout these continental stretches.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Eryngium foetidum requires well-drained, sandy or loamy soil and full sunlight to thrive in tropical or subtropical climates.
It is typically propagated through seeds or by dividing established rootstocks during the growing season. Because it is often used as a medicinal herb, growers must ensure the soil is free from chemical contaminants and pesticides. Regular watering is necessary during the initial establishment phase, but the mature plant is relatively drought-tolerant once its deep root system develops.
Careful monitoring for pests and competition from weeds is essential for maintaining a healthy harvest.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Eryngium foetidum provides medicinal value through its aerial parts, specifically the leaves and the entire shoot system. The leaves are frequently harvested and utilized in traditional remedies to treat various ailments. Additionally, the shoot system serves as a primary component in decoctions meant to address digestive or inflammatory issues. Beyond the above-ground structures, the roots also contain bioactive properties used for therapeutic purposes. These various components work together to make the species a significant resource in ethnobotanical practices.
According to a study published by "Pharmaceutical biology", the defatted aerial parts of Eryngium foetidum are used for numerous medicinal applications, including the treatment of parasitic infections. When tested at 20 μg/mL, the initial methanol extract showed 20% growth inhibition of L. tarentolae, while the n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions showed approximately 40% growth inhibition. From these fractions, compound 1 was isolated and inhibited the growth of L. tarentolae and L. donovani with IC50 values of 14.33 and 7.84 μM, respectively. This same compound showed no cytotoxicity with an IC50 > 50 μM. Compound 2 was found to be inactive in the L. tarentolae assay with an IC50 > 50 μM.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial parts
- leaf
- roots
- shoot system
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Eryngium foetidum is utilized in various traditional healing practices to treat ailments such as skin infections, digestive issues, and inflammation. While it is primarily recognized within African ethnobotanical traditions, it shares functional similarities with plants used in Native American herbal medicine for managing topical wounds and systemic discomfort. Practitioners in these systems often prepare the roots or leaves as decoctions or poultices to deliver medicinal properties directly to the body. Historical accounts suggest that the plant's distinct aroma and chemical makeup made it a valuable component in local folk remedies. These diverse uses highlight the global historical importance of the Eryngium genus in managing human health through natural means.
According to a study published by "Asian Pacific journal of tropical medicine", Eryngium foetidum L. is traditionally used by the natives of Mizoram, one of the north eastern states in India, as folklore medicine. This plant is used for curing skin diseases such as eczema, leg and fingers infection, swelling and wound. A 3 MeV proton beam of proton induced X-ray emission technique was used to detect and characterize the trace elements within the plant. The study revealed that six trace elements, namely, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, V, and Co, were detected in mg/L unit. High and notable concentrations of Fe, Zn, and Mn, along with appreciable amounts of Cu, Co, and V, were found in the plant. These results support the therapeutic usage of Eryngium foetidum L. in traditional practices for curing skin diseases.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Native American Herbal Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Eryngium foetidum?
This plant has significant pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-convulsant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-oxidant properties. Its antioxidant capabilities help neutralize free radicals, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress and subsequent damage. The antibacterial effects demonstrate its potential to inhibit the growth of various pathogenic microorganisms. Furthermore, the plant exhibits anti-inflammatory actions that can reduce swelling and pain in biological tissues. Research also suggests that its anti-apoptotic and anti-convulsant activities may provide neuroprotective benefits in specific medical contexts.
According to a study published by "Fitoterapia", Eryngium foetidum L. is a biennial herb used for various ethnomedicinal treatments including hypertension, asthma, and malaria. Chemical evaluation of the leaves shows the presence of flavonoids, tannins, a saponin, and several triterpenoids, though no alkaloids were reported. Pharmacological studies of the aerial plant parts have demonstrated anthelmintic activity caused by eryngial, which is a significant constituent of the essential oil. These parts also exhibit anti-inflammatory action from phytosterol fractions, anti-convulsant activity, and selective antibacterial activity against Salmonella species and the Erwinia genus. Furthermore, an essential oil fraction rich in eryngial is the subject of a US patent application for its effectiveness against parasitic trypanosomes, nematodes, fungi, and bacteria in humans and other mammals.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- anti-convulsant
- antioxidant
- anthelmintiic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds eryngial, trans-2-dodecenal, kaempferol, polyphenols, and terpenes. These chemical constituents contribute to the plant's diverse pharmacological properties and biological activities. Specifically, the presence of terpenes and polyphenols provides significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. The aldehyde components like eryngial and trans-2-dodecenal are often associated with the plant's unique aroma and antimicrobial effects. Additionally, the flavonoid kaempferol plays a crucial role in its overall therapeutic profile.
According to a study published by "3 Biotech", Eryngium foetidum L. is a perennial herb rich in essential oils that is commonly used for its medicinal properties. The research investigated the effects of exogenous carnitine at a concentration of 100 µM on the plant's essential oil profile. Drought and re-watering conditions were shown to improve the production of eryngial, a compound that increased even further when combined with exogenous carnitine in re-watered plants. Furthermore, hydroquinone was produced only when the plant experienced a combination of re-watering and carnitine application. The study suggests that applying 100 µM of carnitine can be a strategy to induce essential oil compounds with pharmaceutical importance in Eryngium foetidum.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Eryngial
- trans-2-dodecenal
- kaempferol
- polyphenols
- terpenes
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating parasitic infections including Leishmania donovani, Strongyloides stercoralis, parasitic trypanosomes, and various types of worms. Researchers have identified specific bioactive compounds within the plant that target these diverse pathogens. Its medicinal properties are particularly noted for their ability to combat intracellular parasites and intestinal worms. This makes the plant a significant subject of interest in the study of traditional treatments for parasitic diseases.
According to a study published by "Pharmaceuctical biology", Eryngium foetidum L. is a traditional herb used for numerous medicinal applications, including the treatment of parasitic infections in the Neotropics. The initial methanol extract of the plant showed 20% growth inhibition of L. tarentolae when tested at 20 μg/mL. Both the n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions demonstrated approximately 40% growth inhibition at the same 20 μg/mL concentration. One isolated compound, lasidiol p-methoxybenzoate, inhibited the growth of L. tarentolae and L. donovani with IC50 values of 14.33 and 7.84 μM, respectively. This specific compound also showed no cytotoxicity with an IC50 > 50 μM.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- Leishmania donovani
- Leishmania tarentolae
- Strongyloides stercoralis
- parasitic infections
- parasitic trypanosomes
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Eryngium foetidum, which is used to create medicinal preparations including dichloromethane extract, essential oil, various liquid extracts, and minced leaves. The dichloromethane extract is often utilized in scientific research to isolate specific bioactive compounds from the plant tissues. Essential oil derived from the species provides a concentrated aromatic form used for its potent therapeutic properties. Various aqueous or alcoholic extracts serve as traditional remedies for treating different ailments. Additionally, the fresh minced leaves can be applied directly or incorporated into decoctions for immediate medicinal use.
According to a study published by "Parasitology", methanol-water (4:1, v/v) crude extracts (50 mg mL(-1)) of Eryngium foetidum were screened for anthelmintic activity, showing a significant potency (P<0.05) with an LT50 of 18.9 h. The petrol extract of Eryngium foetidum was significantly more effective (P<0.05) with an LT50 of 4.7 h, whereas its methanol-water or dichloromethane extracts effected less than 1% larval mortality after 120 h. The main anthelmintic compound isolated from the petrol extract was identified as trans-2-dodecenal (eryngial). There was a significant difference between the 24 h LD50 values of trans-2-dodecenal (0.461) and ivermectin (2.251), but no difference was found between the 48 h LD50 values of trans-2-dodecenal (0.411) and ivermectin (0.499).
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- dichloromethane extract
- essential oil
- extracts
- minced leaves
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe neurological complications such as convulsions, seizures, paralysis, headaches, and various mental disorders. These serious adverse reactions typically occur when the plant is ingested in improper amounts or prepared incorrectly. The toxins present within the specimen can interfere with the central nervous system, leading to sudden loss of muscle control or involuntary movements. Patients experiencing these symptoms may suffer from intense cranial pain or significant psychological instability. Such drastic health side effects necessitate immediate medical intervention to prevent permanent damage.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Eryngium foetidum L. is traditionally used to treat various central nervous system disorders including paralysis, epilepsy, seizure, convulsion, chronic pain, headache, sleep disturbances, sprain, and mental disorders. The methanol extracts of Eryngium foetidum showed excellent free radical scavenging activities through DPPH and ABTS assay methods. In SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, the plant extract reverses rotenone-induced increases in intracellular ROS and restores reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. These extracts also reinstate rotenone-induced increases in catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities while inhibiting changes in nuclear morphology and DNA condensation. While Eryngium foetidum provides neuroprotective activities through antioxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, MAP2 expression studies show it has lower neuroprotective effects against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells compared to other plants in the study.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- convulsion
- headache
- mental disorders
- paralysis
- seizure
What herbs are paired with Eryngium foetidum?
This plant Eryngium foelidum pairs best with pungent or aromatic herbs like garlic, ginger, and various chili peppers to balance its naturally intense, musky odor.
These strong seasonings work effectively to complement the herb's savory undertones when used in traditional African stews and meat dishes. Adding citrusy elements like lemongrass or coriander can also provide a bright contrast to the plant's heavy scent. Many cooks find that combining it with onions creates a well-rounded base for savory broths.
These specific combinations ensure the plant's unique flavor profile enhances rather than overwhelms the meal.