Myrica gale
Myrica gale · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Myrica gale is a versatile botanical species known for its significant medicinal properties, particularly its antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. The plant's therapeutic potential is driven by key chemical constituents such as catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, and condensed tannins. Researchers and herbalists primarily utilize the leaves and fruits to derive these beneficial compounds. Various preparations are commonly employed, including the use of dried fruits, fresh leaves, and extracted essential oils. Through these diverse applications, this plant continues to serve as a valuable subject in pharmacological studies.
- Synonyms
- Gale Japonica · Gale Palustris Var. Crenata · 19 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Myricaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Myrica gale is a distinctive plant recognized by many different regional names across various cultures. In English-speaking areas, it is most frequently referred to by the common name Bog-myrtle. This species also carries several linguistic variations, such as Bwrli and Cwrli. In Eastern Europe, it is known by names like Europski molemór. Furthermore, it is identified in Hungarian contexts as Fenyérmirtusz Európai.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Myrica gale is a versatile botanical species that has been identified by various taxonomic names throughout scientific history. It is frequently referred to by its synonyms, including Gale belgica and Gale commune. In different geographical contexts, researchers have also utilized the names Gale japonica and Gale palustris to describe the plant. Furthermore, specific variations such as Gale palustris var. crenata are recognized within its complex nomenclature. Understanding these various synonyms is essential for accurate identification in botanical studies.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Myrica gale belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of multicellular organisms. Within this kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Fagales, which links it to several other significant woody species. Moving down the taxonomic hierarchy, it is a member of the family Myricaceae. Finally, this specific species is nested within the genus Myrica, defining its unique botanical identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Myricaceae |
| Genus | Myrica |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Myrica gale is widely distributed throughout the Asia-temperate regions, finding a significant foothold in Eastern Asia and Japan. Its presence extends deep into the Russian Far East, where it thrives across various rugged landscapes. Specifically, the plant can be found in the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Khabarovsk region. It also inhabits the Kuril Islands, demonstrating its ability to adapt to maritime environments. Finally, its range reaches into Magadan, solidifying its status as a key species within these northern territories.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Myrica gale is a self-supporting plant that typically adopts a shrub-like growth form. This resilient species reaches a modest maximum height of approximately 1.5 meters. Depending on its specific environment, individual plants often maintain a minimum height of 0.6 meters. Some specimens may also reach a slightly different scale, with certain measurements noted at a minimum of 1.5085 meters. Together, these characteristics define the compact and sturdy presence of this shrub in its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Myrica gale, commonly known as sweet gale, has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential through recent in vitro evaluations. Research indicates that its ethanol extract possesses remarkable antioxidant properties, characterized by high total phenolic content and strong scavenging activity. Furthermore, the plant exhibits potent antidiabetic activity by effectively inhibiting enzymes such as α-amylase and α-glucosidase. These inhibitory effects were found to be even more efficient than the standard drug acarbose in certain assays. Ultimately, the polyphenols found in Myrica gale suggest it could play a valuable role in the management of type 2 diabetes.
Compounds
Myrica gale is a plant species known to yield a diverse array of condensed tannins from its aerial parts. Chemical analysis reveals that this plant contains several key flavan-3-ols, including catechin and epicatechin. Furthermore, the species is a significant source of gallocatechin and epigallocatechin. Research also confirms the presence of the highly specific compound epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate within its structure. These various components highlight the complex chemical profile found naturally within the plant.
Conditions
Myrica gale, through its constituent myricitrin, shows significant potential in treating squamous lung carcinoma by inhibiting the enzyme cathepsin-D. Research indicates that myricitrin possesses a strong binding affinity to this enzyme, effectively reducing its activity in both cell-free and cell-based systems. The compound demonstrates direct antiproliferative effects on NCIH-520 cancer cells while remaining safe for healthy cells. Furthermore, it aids in cancer management by prolonging the G2/M phase and increasing the sub-diploid population of these malignant cells. These findings suggest that myricitrin and its analogues serve as promising therapeutic foundations for the prevention of CATD-mediated lung cancer.
Preparations
Myrica gale is prepared as dried fruits to facilitate the extraction of its chemical components. These dried fruits, along with the plant's leaves, serve as the primary sources for isolating essential oils through hydrodistillation. The plant is also prepared as leaves to analyze the specific monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons contained within them. Research shows that while both parts yield oils, the concentration in the fruits is significantly higher than in the leaves. Ultimately, these different parts of Myrica gale are utilized to study its diverse chemotypes and aromatic properties.
Parts used
Myrica gale is an essential oil-bearing plant that exhibits significant chemical variations between its different anatomical structures. Research indicates that the plant contains both fruit and leaf components that serve as distinct sources for essential oil extraction. Studies show that the fruits of the species accumulate a higher concentration of oils compared to the leaves. Specifically, the essential oil content found in the fruits was measured at approximately 4.03%, while the leaves contained up to 19 times less. By analyzing these different parts of the plant, scientists can better understand the diverse chemotypes present within its natural habitats.