Levisticum officinale
Levisticum officinale · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (10 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Levisticum officinale, commonly known as lovage, is a versatile medicinal plant whose therapeutic potential is derived from its leaves, roots, and fruits. Through various preparations such as essential oils, ethanol extracts, and specialized formulations like Canephron® N, it demonstrates significant antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiproliferative activities. The presence of key chemical compounds, including falcarindiol, linoleic acid, and oleic acid, underpins its ability to combat specific biological challenges. Notably, the plant shows promise in addressing neuroinflammation and fighting Enterobacteriaceae, making it useful for managing urinary tract infections. Furthermore, its natural diuretic properties offer additional medicinal benefits for systemic health maintenance.
- Synonyms
- Hipposelinum Levisticum · Levisticum Caucasicum · 7 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Levisticum officinale is a versatile herb recognized by a diverse array of names across different cultures and languages. It is frequently referred to as Apio de monte or Céleri perpétuel in various Spanish-speaking and French-speaking regions. In German-speaking areas, the plant is commonly known as Garten-Liebstöckel. Culinary enthusiasts may also encounter it under the name Herbe a Maggi due to its savory profile. Finally, it is sometimes called Lavas, showcasing the wide linguistic variety used to identify this aromatic species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Levisticum officinale is a botanical species known by a variety of scientific synonyms in different taxonomic contexts. It is frequently referred to in literature as Angelica levisticum or Angelica paludapifolia. Some botanical records also categorize the plant under the name Hipposelinum levisticum. Further variations include the designations Levisticum caucasicum and Levisticum paludapifolium. Understanding these multiple names is essential for researchers navigating the complex history of this plant's classification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Levisticum officinale is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It belongs to the order Apiales, which connects it to a diverse array of related species. Further narrowing its identity, it is categorized under the family Apiaceae. Finally, it is defined by its specific genus, Levisticum.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Levisticum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Levisticum officinale is a plant primarily distributed throughout the Asia-temperate regions. Its presence is most notable across various parts of China, including the North-Central, Southeast, and Manchuria regions. Additionally, the species can be found growing in the specific landscapes of Inner Mongolia. Beyond East Asia, its natural range extends into Western Asia, specifically within Afghanistan. This broad geographic footprint highlights the plant's adaptability to diverse temperate environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Levisticum officinale is a robust herb characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This plant exhibits significant versatility in stature, with heights typically ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 25 meters. While many specimens may be found at a more modest height of 9.35 meters, its physical presence can vary greatly depending on environmental conditions. Such impressive scale allows it to stand prominently within its natural habitat. Overall, its structural integrity and expansive growth potential make it a notable species in the botanical world.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Levisticum officinale is a versatile medicinal plant recognized for its diverse range of biological activities. Research indicates that its essential oils possess significant antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties, even showing promise against multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Furthermore, the plant exhibits strong antioxidant capabilities that contribute to its neuroprotective effects. It also displays anticholinesterase activity, which plays a crucial role in supporting cognitive functions such as learning and memory. These combined therapeutic attributes highlight its significant potential for both infectious disease control and neurological health.
Compounds
Levisticum officinale is a medicinal plant known to contain a diverse array of bioactive chemical constituents. Research into its extracts has successfully isolated specific compounds such as falcarindiol and neocnidilide. Additionally, the plant is a source of important fatty acids, specifically linoleic acid and oleic acid. These identified components play a significant role in the plant's observed antibacterial and efflux inhibitory properties. Understanding these chemical relationships is essential for developing new therapeutic leads against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Conditions
Levisticum officinale treats neuroinflammation by utilizing its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to improve learning and memory. This medicinal plant also treats urinary tract infections, as demonstrated by its inclusion in effective herbal combinations for both adults and children. Furthermore, Levisticum officinale treats 2-trans-enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA) through the high affinity of its essential oil compounds for this key enzyme. Specifically, it treats 2-trans-enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA) to inhibit cell wall biosynthesis in multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Finally, extracts of Levisticum officinale treat Enterobacteriaceae by displaying significant antibacterial activity and potential efflux inhibitory effects.
Preparations
Levisticum officinale is prepared as essential oil, which has demonstrated antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and antiproliferative effects on head and neck squamous carcinoma cells. This medicinal plant is also prepared as Canephron® N, a phytotherapeutic drug used for the prophylaxis and treatment of various urogenital and gestational diseases. Research also highlights that Levisticum officinale is prepared as dried roots, though these can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from similar species in traditional medicines. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as ethanol extracts to study apoptotic activities against various human leukaemia cell lines. Finally, Levisticum officinale is prepared as an extract that can provide neuroprotective benefits by modulating neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.
Parts used
Levisticum officinale, commonly known as lovage, is a medicinal plant of the Apiaceae family that possesses several bioactive components. Scientific studies have demonstrated that the fruit of the plant contains ethanol extracts capable of inducing apoptotic activity in various human leukaemia cell lines. Additionally, the essential oils derived from its leaves have shown significant antiproliferative potential against head and neck squamous carcinoma cells. Beyond its leaves and fruits, the roots of the species are frequently used in traditional medicine, though they are often difficult to distinguish from similar species during authentication. Consequently, understanding the diverse parts of Levisticum officinale is essential for both therapeutic research and ensuring the quality of herbal preparations.