Laggera alata
What's the taxonomical classification of Laggera alata?
Laggera alata belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is situated in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Following the order Asterales, the plant is a member of the family Asteraceae. Its specific taxonomic identification is completed through the genus Laggera and the species name alata.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Laggera |
| Species | alata |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Laggera alata has woody, perennial stems that support large, ovate to elliptical leaves characterized by prominent venation and an entire margin. The foliage typically presents a deep green color and a somewhat leathery texture. Its inflorescences consist of terminal clusters of tubular flowers that often display vibrant hues such as red, orange, or yellow. These flowers are typically arranged in cymes and are supported by sturdy peduncles. The plant's overall structure is shrubby, allowing it to form dense, bushy clumps in its natural habitat.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the Philippines, where it is primarily found growing in the tropical regions of the archipelago. It typically inhabits lowland areas and thrives in moist, forest environments such as secondary forests or shrublands. Its distribution is restricted to this specific island nation, making it an endemic species. Local populations are often scattered across various provinces depending on the availability of suitable humid habitats. The plant relies on the unique tropical climate and soil conditions characteristic of the Philippine islands to sustain its growth.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Laggera alata, requires well-draining soil and full sun exposure to thrive in tropical or subtropical environments.
It is typically cultivated as a perennial shrub that prefers consistent moisture without becoming waterlogged. Regular pruning helps maintain its bushy shape and encourages the development of its distinctive, colorful flowers. Gardeners should provide organic mulch to help retain soil humidity and suppress weeds around the base.
Once established, the plant is relatively hardy but performs best when protected from harsh frost.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Laggera alatata is utilized medicinally by using the whole plant to treat various ailments. Practitioners often prepare decoctions or infusions from the entire organism to address specific health concerns. The leaves, stems, and roots are all incorporated into traditional remedies to harness their full biological properties. By using the whole plant, healers ensure that all active compounds are available for therapeutic use. This comprehensive approach is a common practice in folk medicine for this particular species.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the whole plant of Laggera alata is frequently utilized to remedy inflammatory diseases including nephritis as a traditional Chinese medicine. Twelve compounds were obtained from Laggera alata, which included four unreported sesquiterpenoids labeled 1-4. Compound 5 exhibited the most significant inhibitory effect on NO production with an IC50 value of 6.034 μM. This specific compound could restrain the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, CCL-2 and CCL-5. The research supported the traditional use of Laggera alata in the treatment of renal diseases.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- whole plant
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant Laggera alata has no documented traditional medicinal or cultural systems recorded in current ethnobotanical databases. Because no specific uses are listed in the provided references, its historical role in human societies remains unknown. Scientific literature focuses primarily on its botanical classification rather than its application in folk practices. Researchers have not yet identified specific rituals or therapeutic treatments associated with this species. Consequently, the historical utility of the plant in indigenous or local traditions cannot be established at this time.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- No traditional systems found in the provided list.
What are the pharmacological activities of Laggera alata?
This plant has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and anti-ferroptosis pharmacological activities that contribute to its therapeutic potential. Its antibacterial properties allow it to inhibit the growth of various harmful microorganisms. The anti-inflammatory effects help reduce swelling and tissue irritation in biological systems. Furthermore, its antipyretic nature makes it effective at lowering elevated body temperatures during fever. Recent studies also highlight its anti-ferroptosis activity, which protects cells from iron-dependent programmed cell death.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the whole plant of Laggera alata is frequently utilized as a traditional Chinese medicine to remedy inflammatory diseases including nephritis. Twelve compounds were obtained from Laggera alata, including four unreported sesquiterpenoids labeled 1-4. Compound 5 exhibited the most significant inhibitory effect on NO production with an IC50 value of 6.034 μM. This compound could restrain the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, CCL-2, and CCL-5. Compound 5 also alleviated renal injury by decreasing serum IL-6, IL-1β, Cr, and BUN levels, while reducing kidney contents of Cys-C and KIM-1. Furthermore, the compound exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-ferroptosis effects via NF-κB and MAPK pathways to ameliorate sepsis-associated acute kidney injury.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-ferroptosis
- anti-inflammatory
- antibacterial
- antipyretic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the medicinal compounds 5β-hydroxycostic acid and various sesquiterpenoids. These chemical constituents are primarily responsible for the biological activities associated with the species. Researchers have identified these specific molecules through rigorous phytochemical screening processes. The presence of these sesquiterpenoids suggests potential therapeutic applications in pharmacology. Furthermore, the unique structure of 5β-hydroxycostic acid distinguishes this plant from other related botanical species.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", twelve compounds were obtained from L. alata, including four unreported sesquitepeneoids labeled 1-4. Compound 5 exhibited the most significant inhibitory effect on NO production with an IC50 value of 6.034 μM. This compound could restrain the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, CCL-2, and CCL-5. Furthermore, compound 5 alleviated renal injury by decreasing serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, Cr, and BUN, while reducing kidney contents of Cys-C and KIM-1. It also regulated kidney levels of MDA, GSH, ferrous iron, GPX4, FTH1, and SLC7A11 by exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-ferroptosis effects via NF-κB and MAPK pathways.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- 5β-hydroxycostic acid
- sesquiterpenoids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating nephritis, various renal diseases, renal inflammation, sepsis-associated acute kidney injury, and systemic inflammation. Its bioactive compounds are studied for their ability to mitigate damage within the kidney tissues. By addressing renal inflammation, the plant helps stabilize kidney function during critical health crises. It is particularly noted for its potential role in managing the complications arising from sepsis-associated acute kidney injury. These properties make it a significant subject in the study of renal diseases and general inflammatory responses.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the whole plant of Laggera alata is frequently utilized as a traditional Chinese medicine to remedy inflammatory diseases including nephritis. Research indicates that its components can ameliorate sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) through anti-inflammatory and anti-ferroptosis effects. Specifically, compound 5 from the plant exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on NO production with an IC50 value of 6.034 μM. This compound was shown to restrain the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors including IL-6, IL-1β, CCL-2, and CCL-5. These findings support the traditional use of Laggera alata in the treatment of renal diseases.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- inflammation
- inflammatory diseases
- nephritis
- renal diseases
- renal inflammation
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Laggera alatata, which is used to create various medicinal herbal preparations including methanol extract for therapeutic purposes. Researchers utilize the methanol extract to isolate bioactive compounds that demonstrate significant pharmacological activities. These preparations are often studied for their potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties in traditional medicine. Specific methods of extraction ensure that the plant's active constituents are concentrated for medicinal use. Such preparations serve as a foundation for understanding the plant's role in treating various ailments.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", the whole plant of Laggera alata is frequently utilized as a traditional Chinese medicine to remedy inflammatory diseases including nephritis. Twelve compounds were obtained from Laggera alata, which included four unreported sesquiterpenoids labeled 1-4. Compound 5 exhibited the most significant inhibitory effect on NO production with an IC50 value of 6.034 μM. This compound could restrain the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1β, CCL-2, and CCL-5. In vivo results demonstrated that compound 5 alleviated renal injury by decreasing serum IL-6, IL-1β, Cr, and BUN levels. This research supports the traditional use of Laggera alata in the treatment of renal diseases.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- methanol extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause adverse health effects such as skin irritation, nausea, and potential toxicity if consumed in large quantities. Contact with the leaves or sap may lead to localized dermatitis or allergic reactions on the skin. Ingestion of the plant parts is known to trigger gastrointestinal distress including stomach upset and vomiting. Because certain compounds in the plant may interfere with internal biological processes, excessive exposure poses a risk to overall wellness. Careful handling and avoidance of consumption are necessary to prevent these negative physiological responses.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Laggera alata?
This plant Laggera alata is most commonly paired with other medicinal herbs such as ginger, lemongrass, and honey to enhance its therapeutic properties in traditional preparations.
When used in decoctions, adding ginger helps to balance the plant's cooling nature and improves digestion. Lemongrass is often included in tea formulations to provide a complementary citrus aroma and additional anti-inflammatory benefits. These combinations are frequently studied to determine how synergistic effects can increase the efficacy of the plant's active compounds.
Such herb pairings are essential in regional folk medicine for treating various ailments more effectively.