Lysimachia arvensis
Lysimachia arvensis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Lysimachia arvensis is a botanical species recognized for its diverse therapeutic potential and rich chemical profile. The plant contains key bioactive compounds, including anagalloside B, flavonoids, flavonols, and methyl linolenate. Through various preparations such as aqueous extracts and ethyl acetate fractions, researchers have identified significant antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. These properties make the herb particularly useful in addressing conditions like skin diseases and managing antidiabetic requirements. Consequently, the plant serves as a valuable natural resource for developing targeted antioxidant and antidiabetic treatments.
- Synonyms
- Anagallis Arabica · Anagallis Arvensis F. Carnea · 23 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Primulaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Lysimachia arvensis is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional and linguistic monikers. In certain locales, it is referred to by the names ayn al qat or ebeila. Among German-speaking communities, the species is frequently identified as Acker-Gauchheil or the variant Ackergauchheil. When translated into English, the plant is most commonly recognized by its poetic name, the Scarlet Pimpernel. These various common names highlight the plant's broad cultural and geographical presence across different regions.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Lysimachia arvensis is a botanical subject characterized by a complex web of synonymous classifications. Throughout various taxonomic studies, this species has been identified under several alternative names, including Anagallis arabica and Anagallis arvensis. The nomenclature further extends to specific variations such as Anagallis arvensis decipiens and the distinct form Anagallis arvensis f. carnea. Additionally, the scientific literature recognizes Anagallis arvensis f. decipiens as another valid synonym for the plant. Navigating these overlapping designations is essential for accurate botanical identification and research.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Lysimachia arvensis is a fascinating specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this biological kingdom, the plant is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further descends through the order Ericales, showcasing its evolutionary connections to a diverse group of species. The plant is a distinguished member of the genus Lysimachia, which helps botanists identify its unique characteristics. Finally, it is nested within the Primulaceae family, solidifying its place in the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Primulaceae |
| Genus | Lysimachia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Lysimachia arvensis exhibits a diverse geographic range that spans several key regions across the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, this species can be found established within the landscapes of both Kenya and Tanzania. Its presence extends further west to the Macaronesia archipelago, where it inhabits the unique environments of the Azores. Additionally, the plant is distributed throughout the Canary Islands and the Cape Verde islands. This wide-reaching pattern highlights the adaptable nature of the species across various island and mainland ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Lysimachia arvensis is a herbaceous plant characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This species exhibits a notable range in size, with heights varying significantly depending on environmental conditions. Typically, the plant can reach a maximum height of 0.5 meters. However, it can also grow as small as 0.02 meters or maintain a more standard stature of around 0.183 meters. These diverse dimensions allow the herb to adapt effectively to its specific habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Lysimachia arvensis, also known as Anagallis arvensis, demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its diverse biological activities. Research indicates that extracts from this plant possess potent antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a valuable source for antimicrobial applications. Furthermore, the plant exhibits strong antidiabetic effects, particularly through its ability to inhibit α-amylase activity. Its ethyl acetate fraction has also been highlighted for showing the highest antioxidant activity among tested samples. These findings suggest that the secondary metabolites of this species could serve as excellent natural products for future drug discovery and encapsulation.
Compounds
Lysimachia arvensis, also known as Anagallis arvensis, is a medicinal plant characterized by a diverse array of bioactive chemical constituents. Research has identified that the plant contains important saponins such as anagalloside B and desglucoanagalloside B, which exhibit strong molluscicidal activity. Furthermore, GC-MS analysis of its methanolic extract has revealed the presence of predominant compounds including guanosine and methyl linolenate. Molecular docking studies have also highlighted the role of neophytadiene as a key component in the plant's complex biological interactions. Collectively, these chemical properties contribute to the plant's notable bioactivity and necessitate careful assessment of its potential toxicological effects.
Conditions
Lysimachia arvensis, also known as Anagallis arvensis, demonstrates significant molluscicidal activity against the schistosome intermediate hosts Biomphalaria glabrata and Oncomelania quadrasi. This plant also serves as a potent antifungal agent, showing high inhibition rates against the dermatophytes Microsporum canis and Trichophyton violaceum. Beyond its use against parasites and fungi, the plant's extracts possess notable antidiabetic potential. Specifically, its butanol fractions exhibited a very high activity of 96.63% against α-amylase. These diverse biological properties highlight the plant's effectiveness in treating various organisms and metabolic conditions.
Preparations
Lysimachia arvensis is prepared as an extract, specifically a methanolic extract, to investigate its phytochemical composition and biological activities. This plant is also prepared as an herb to facilitate the isolation of specific triterpenoid glycosides such as anagallosaponins. While the provided text focuses heavily on Anagallis arvensis for certain fractions, the research context indicates that Lysimachia arvensis is prepared as an aqueous extract and an ethyl acetate fraction to evaluate various therapeutic properties. These different preparation methods allow scientists to analyze the plant's antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic potentials. Consequently, the various forms of Lysimachia arvensis serve as essential tools for discovering bioactive compounds.