Hottonia palustris

Hottonia palustris · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Hottonia palustris, commonly known as water violet, is a distinctive aquatic perennial found in various wetland habitats. Scientific investigations into this species have focused on evaluating its chemical profile through various extraction methods. Researchers have specifically utilized chloroform extracts, labeled as HP7 and HP8, to isolate key bioactive components. Additionally, studies have employed methanol (HP1) and petroleum (HP6) preparations to further analyze its phytochemical diversity. These diverse extraction techniques aim to uncover the therapeutic potential hidden within the plant's unique composition.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Androsace Aquatica · Breviglandium Palustre · 1 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Primulaceae
Distribution
Asia-Tropical
Plant Parts
Not available

Classification

Common Names

Hottonia palustris is a unique aquatic plant that is recognized by a diverse array of regional and common names. In various European contexts, it is known as Almindelig vandrøllike or Békaliliom. It also carries the descriptive titles of Erba scopina and Europäische Wasserfeder in different linguistic traditions. Among English speakers, the plant is most frequently referred to by its charming common name, Featherfoil. These various names reflect the widespread botanical interest in this delicate species across different landscapes.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Hottonia palustris is a fascinating aquatic plant that has been classified under several different names throughout botanical history. One recognized synonym for this species is Androsace aquatica, reflecting its unique place in taxonomic studies. It has also been identified in scientific literature as Breviglandium palustre. Furthermore, the plant encompasses specific variations, such as the variety known as Hottonia palustris var. rosea. Understanding these various synonyms is essential for researchers tracking the diverse lineage of this species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Hottonia palustris is a unique aquatic species that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is a member of the order Ericales, showcasing its specialized evolutionary path. It further finds its place within the diverse family Primulaceae. Finally, this distinctive organism is defined by its singular membership in the genus Hottonia.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Ericales
Family Primulaceae
Genus Hottonia

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Hottonia palustris exhibits a broad and varied distribution that spans across several key geographical regions. In Asia, this species can be found throughout the temperate zones, ranging from the vast landscapes of Siberia and Krasnoyarsk to the regions of Western Asia, including Türkiye. Its presence extends significantly into Europe, where it is well-established throughout the Baltic States. The plant also flourishes across Eastern Europe, specifically within Belarus and Central European Russia. This wide-reaching range highlights the adaptability of the species across diverse temperate environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Hottonia palustris is a distinctive forb characterized by its unique growth form. As a self-supporting plant, it maintains its structure within its natural aquatic habitat. The species typically reaches a modest height, generally ranging between 0.2 m and 0.6 m. Depending on environmental conditions, many specimens often settle into a more consistent height of at least 0.4 m. This compact stature allows it to thrive effectively within its specific ecological niche.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Compounds

Hottonia palustris serves as a rich source of various bioactive compounds isolated from its aerial parts. Research has identified several specific phytochemicals within the plant, including 5-hydroxyflavone and 5-hydroxy-2'-methoxyflavone. Additionally, the plant contains the known compound zapotin, which was analyzed alongside several newly discovered polymethoxyflavones. These substances were studied for their ability to exert cytotoxic effects on oral squamous carcinoma cell lines. Ultimately, the presence of these specific compounds suggests that Hottonia palustris holds significant potential for future experimental pharmacotherapy.

Conditions

Hottonia palustris contains novel polymethoxyflavones that demonstrate significant biological activity against the oral squamous carcinoma (SCC-25) cell line. Research indicates that various extracts and isolated compounds from the aerial parts of this plant exhibit potent cytotoxic effects on these specific cancer cells. Furthermore, these substances effectively induce DNA biosynthesis-inhibitory activity within the SCC-25 cell line during a 48-hour treatment period. Specific compounds and extracts, such as compound 1, compound 7, and several methanol and chloroform extracts, were identified as key drivers of this inhibition. These findings suggest that the chemical constituents of Hottonia palustris hold promise for the experimental pharmacotherapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Preparations

Hottonia palustris is prepared as methanol (HP1) and petroleum (HP6) extracts for quantitative analysis. The plant is also processed into two distinct chloroform extracts, identified as HP7 and HP8. These various extraction methods allow for the isolation and study of specific compounds from the aerial parts of the species. Researchers utilized these different preparations, including the chloroform and methanol versions, to investigate biological activity against carcinoma cell lines. Consequently, the chemical profile of Hottonia palustris is evaluated through these specific methanol, petroleum, and chloroform-based preparations.

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