Narcissus tazetta

Narcissus tazetta · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Narcissus tazetta is a captivating plant species frequently studied for its diverse range of biological activities. Research indicates that its flower extracts and bulb extracts possess significant antioxidant, ACE-inhibitor, and acaricide properties. These preparations are particularly rich in valuable chemicals such as flavonoids and rutin. Scientific investigations have further explored their impact on conditions involving Candida albicans as well as the modulation of IL-2, IL-4, and stem cell factor. Through these various ethanolic flower extracts, the plant demonstrates remarkable potential in medicinal chemistry.

Quick facts
Synonyms
Narcissus Tazetta Subsp. Eutazetta · Jonquilla Tazetta · 2 more
Common names
Not available
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Distribution
Not available
Plant Parts
Flower

Classification

Common Names

Narcissus tazetta is a versatile species known by several distinct names across different cultures and regions. It is most widely recognized by the common names Bunch-flowered Daffodil and Bunch-Flowere Daffodil. In certain linguistic contexts, it is referred to as Cenhinen-Bedr Glystyrog or Cennin-Pedr Clystyrog. Additionally, the plant holds a special status under the name Chinese sacred-lily. These varied designations reflect the diverse ways this beautiful flowering bulb is identified around the world.

Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)

Synonyms

Narcissus tazetta is a versatile species known to be identified by several different botanical synonyms. Within scientific literature, you may encounter it referred to as Hermione tazetta or Jonquilla tazetta. It is also frequently classified under the name Narcissus tazetta subsp. eutazetta to denote specific variations. Furthermore, some historical or regional texts may list the plant as Pancratium tazetta. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for anyone researching the diverse taxonomic relationships of this beautiful flower.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Taxonomy

Narcissus tazetta is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, marking its place among fundamental flowering plants. It further follows the order Asparagales, a group known for its diverse and striking floral structures. This species is a distinguished member of the genus Narcissus, which includes many of the world's most beloved spring bulbs. Ultimately, it resides within the Amaryllidaceae family, a lineage celebrated for its elegant and ornamental characteristics.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Asparagales
Family Amaryllidaceae
Genus Narcissus

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

Geographic Regions

Narcissus tazetta exhibits a broad and diverse distribution across several key regions. This species is widely found throughout Africa, with significant populations spanning the continent. Its reach extends into Macaronesia, specifically inhabiting the lush landscapes of the Azores and the Canary Islands. Within Northern Africa, the plant is well-established in countries such as Algeria, Egypt, and Libya. This widespread presence highlights the plant's adaptability to various Mediterranean and African environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Identification

Morphology

Narcissus tazetta is a self-supporting herb that maintains a compact and sturdy growth form. This plant typically reaches a modest stature, staying well within a manageable range for garden landscapes. Most specimens grow to a height between 0.25 m and 0.55 m. Such consistent dimensions make it an ideal choice for layered floral displays.

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Biological Activities

Narcissus tazetta is a medicinal plant that possesses significant antioxidant properties due to its rich phenolic composition. Recent studies have demonstrated that flower extracts from this species contain high levels of flavonoids and various phenolic compounds, such as rutin and kaempferol glycosides. These components provide strong radical scavenging potential, which helps combat oxidative stress within biological systems. Specifically, the plant's extract has shown a remarkable ability to protect against liver damage induced by cadmium chloride in animal models. Ultimately, these findings highlight the potential of Narcissus tazetta as a natural chemopreventive agent through its potent antioxidant activity.

Compounds

Narcissus tazetta is a versatile medicinal plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family that offers significant therapeutic potential through its unique chemical composition. Research indicates that this species contains the alkaloid galantamine, a valuable compound utilized in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease due to its acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity. Furthermore, the plant's flower extracts are rich in phenolic compounds, including the important flavonoid rutin. These constituents contribute to strong antioxidant properties, which have demonstrated a capacity to protect against oxidative stress and liver toxicity. Consequently, both the galantamine and rutin found within Narcissus tazetta highlight its importance in pharmacological and chemopreventive applications.

Conditions

Narcissus tazetta demonstrates diverse biological activities, including the ability to treat the A431 epidermal cell line through cytotoxic effects. The plant's butanol extract of aerial parts is also effective in treating the fungus Candida albicans. Furthermore, Narcissus tazetta flower extracts provide protective benefits against CdCl2 toxicity in mice. This medicinal plant helps treat CdCl2-induced oxidative stress by utilizing its phenolic compounds as natural antioxidants. Finally, the Narcissus tazetta lectin functions to treat or modulate immune responses by markedly increasing the expression of IFN-gamma in macrophages.

Preparations

Narcissus tazetta is prepared as a bulb extract to be used in specialized mixtures, such as BlendIP, for evaluating skin gene expression and periorbital aging. The plant is also prepared as flower extracts to investigate the antioxidant properties of its phenolic compounds. Specifically, Narcissus tazetta is prepared as an ethanolic flower extract which has been shown to contain high levels of flavonoids. This particular ethanolic extract demonstrates strong radical scavenging activities and provides significant hepatoprotective effects. Through these various forms, the plant serves as a source for studying both dermatological and medicinal applications.

Parts used

Narcissus tazetta is a versatile medicinal plant that is frequently utilized as a potted ornamental or cut flower. Research highlights that the flower of this species contains significant amounts of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. These specific components from the flower extracts demonstrate strong antioxidant and radical scavenging activities. Furthermore, studies indicate that extracts derived from the flower can offer hepatoprotective benefits against chemical-induced toxicity. Beyond liver protection, the flower also exhibits promising immunostimulatory properties that may enhance both cellular and humoral immune responses.