Herniaria cinerea
Herniaria cinerea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Herniaria cinerea is a resilient creeping plant often recognized for its traditional medicinal applications. It is frequently studied for its potential role in managing various kidney diseases and supporting renal health. Specifically, this plant has been utilized in the context of treating nephrolithiasis and the formation of kidney stones. To harness its therapeutic properties, practitioners often prepare an extract or a specialized herbal decoction. These plant decoctions serve as concentrated forms intended to facilitate the management of urinary tract concerns.
- Synonyms
- Paronychia Pusilla · Herniaria Hirsuta Var. Cinerea · 17 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Herniaria cinerea is a plant known by a diverse array of regional names across different languages. In English-speaking areas, it is most commonly referred to as Grey Rupturewort. This botanical identity shifts as one travels through Europe, being called Graues Bruchkraut in Germany and průtržník popelavý in the Czech Republic. Northern cultures also have their own unique identifiers, such as the Swedish names gråknytling and hopeatyräruoho. Finally, in Spanish-speaking regions, this species is recognized by the descriptive name Sueldatripas cenicienta.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Herniaria cinerea is a complex species that encompasses several different botanical classifications. It is widely recognized by its synonym, Herniaria annua, which often leads to overlap in botanical literature. The plant also includes various specialized forms, such as Herniaria annua var. virescens and Herniaria cinerea subsp. euphratica. Furthermore, taxonomic distinctions include the subvariety Herniaria cinerea subvar. laxa. Finally, the classification is rounded out by the recognized synonym Herniaria cinerea var. diandra.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Herniaria cinerea is a distinctive organism belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Caryophyllales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. This plant is a member of the family Caryophyllaceae, which connects it to many other flowering species. Ultimately, it is identified by its scientific genus, Herniaria.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Herniaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Herniaria cinerea is a resilient species with a broad geographical distribution spanning across Africa and the Macaronesian islands. Its presence is notably felt throughout the various archipelagos of the region, including the Canary Islands, Madeira, and the Selvagens. Within the African continent, the plant establishes itself firmly across Northern Africa. Specifically, documented populations can be found in diverse territories such as Algeria and Egypt. This wide range highlights the plant's ability to thrive in multiple distinct Mediterranean and subtropical environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Herniaria cinerea is a self-supporting herb characterized by its compact and low-growing nature. This plant typically maintains a modest stature, reaching a maximum height of only 0.4 meters. Its sturdy growth form allows it to thrive effectively within its natural environment.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Herniaria cinerea, specifically studied in its related species Herniaria hirsuta, demonstrates a significant ability to treat calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis by providing a prophylactic effect against stone formation. Research indicates that the plant effectively treats calcium oxalate stones by reducing the presence of large crystal deposits within the kidneys. Furthermore, the plant extract works to treat calcium oxalate crystal aggregation, which helps in preventing the development of larger, more harmful masses. In vitro studies also suggest that the extract can treat calcium oxalate crystallization by promoting the formation of smaller, less dangerous dihydrate crystals rather than monohydrate crystals. Through these combined mechanisms, the plant serves as a potential therapeutic agent for managing CaOx stones and related crystal growth.
Preparations
Herniaria cinerea is_prepared_as extract, herbal decoction, and plant decoction. These specific preparations are used in various studies to evaluate medicinal properties. The research examines how such forms of the plant impact stone formation and dissolution. Each method of preparation serves to isolate bioactive compounds for therapeutic assessment. Consequently, the plant is processed as an extract, a herbal decoction, or a plant decoction in these experimental contexts.