Nasturtium officinale
Nasturtium officinale · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (7 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Nasturtium officinale is a versatile plant known for its rich chemical profile, which includes essential compounds like flavonoids, glucobrassicin, gluconasturtiin, and nitrogen. Research focusing on the leaf has identified significant therapeutic potential through various preparations, such as ethanolic, hydro-alcoholic, and general extracts. These extracts exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, cardioprotective, 5-HT-inhibitory, and ACE-inhibitory effects. Consequently, the plant shows promise in managing complex physiological conditions such as oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and asthma. Understanding these multifaceted properties highlights the medicinal importance of this species in modern pharmacology.
- Synonyms
- Nasturtium Officinale Var. Precosium · Radicula Officinalis · 36 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Nasturtium officinale is a versatile plant known globally by a variety of distinctive common names. In English-speaking regions, it is most widely recognized as watercress, a staple in many culinary traditions. German speakers often refer to it as Brunnenkresse or Echte Brunnenkresse, highlighting its aquatic nature. The plant also carries regional identities such as Berro and Källkrasse in different linguistic contexts. Finally, it is identified in Scandinavian areas as Tykskulpet brøndkarse, reflecting its diverse international presence.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Nasturtium officinale is a botanical subject that has been identified by a wide array of historical and scientific synonyms. Throughout various taxonomic studies, it has been referred to by names such as Arabis nasturtium and Baeumerta nasturtium. The plant is also closely linked to several nomenclatural variations, including Cardamine aquatica and Cardamine nasturtium-aquaticum. Additionally, the name Cardaminum nasturtium has appeared in older botanical records to describe the same species. Understanding these diverse linguistic relationships is essential for accurately tracking the plant's classification across different eras of research.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Nasturtium officinale belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing the diverse world of living vegetation. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, a group of vascular plants. This species is further organized into the order Brassicales, which connects it to many other notable plants. It is a member of the Brassicaceae family, a lineage well known for its distinct botanical characteristics. Finally, it is formally categorized under the genus Nasturtium, completing its unique scientific identity.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Nasturtium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Nasturtium officinale displays a broad and diverse distribution across several key regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, this plant is notably established within the landscapes of both Kenya and Tanzania. Its presence also extends westward into the Macaronesia archipelago, where it thrives in various island environments. Specifically, populations can be found throughout the Azores and the Canary Islands. Furthermore, the species has successfully colonized the volcanic terrains of Cape Verde, rounding out its significant regional reach.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Nasturtium officinale is a versatile herb characterized by its unique growth form. As a self-supporting plant, it maintains its structure without the need for external climbing aids. Depending on the environmental conditions, its height can vary significantly throughout the growing season. While it may appear as small as 0.1 m or 0.385 m, it typically reaches a more substantial size. Ultimately, this resilient species can achieve a maximum height of approximately 1 m.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Nasturtium officinale, commonly known as watercress, exhibits a diverse range of beneficial pharmacological activities that support various aspects of human health. Research indicates that the plant possesses significant antioxidant potential, which helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in models of asthma and in hemodialysis patients. Beyond these protective effects, studies have identified its anticoagulant potential through its impact on activated partial thromboplastin time. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates notable cardioprotective properties by improving lipid profiles and reducing cholesterol levels in high-fat diet models. Together, these findings provide a scientific foundation for the medicinal application of this versatile species.
Compounds
Nasturtium officinale, commonly known as watercress, is a highly nutritious plant characterized by a complex phytochemical profile. Research indicates that this species contains significant amounts of nitrogen, contributing to its overall nutritional value. Its glucosinolate profile is highlighted by the presence of key compounds such as glucobrassicin and gluconasturtiin. Furthermore, the plant serves as a rich source of polyphenols, specifically containing sinapinic acid and ferulic acid. These diverse chemical constituents underscore the valuable pharmaceutical and cosmetic potential of Nasturtium officinale.
Conditions
Nasturtium officinale functions as a potent antioxidant that treats oxidative stress by reducing markers like malondialdehyde and increasing antioxidant enzyme activity. This plant is also recognized in traditional medicine for its ability to treat hyperglycemia and manage hypertension. Research indicates that its extracts can help reduce the complications associated with high blood sugar. Furthermore, the plant is used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis by reducing lung inflammation. Through these diverse therapeutic actions, Nasturtium officinale provides significant support for various physiological functions.
Preparations
Nasturtium officinale is prepared as an extract for various medicinal applications, including studies on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Researchers have specifically utilized the ethanolic extract of the plant, often referred to as EENO, to evaluate its effects on hemodialysis patients and pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Additionally, the plant is prepared as a hydro-alcoholic extract (or hydroalcoholic extract) to investigate its anti-inflammatory activity in animal models and its antibacterial efficacy against oral pathogens. The study of its hydrophilic extract has also been conducted to determine its preventive effects against renal stone formation. Through these diverse preparation methods, the therapeutic potential of the plant is explored across several different biological contexts.
Parts used
Nasturtium officinale possesses medicinal properties that are concentrated within its leaf components. Research indicates that hydroalcoholic extracts derived from these leaves can significantly influence lipid profiles in subjects consuming high-fat diets. Specifically, administration of the extract has been shown to lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C levels while simultaneously increasing beneficial HDL-C. Furthermore, the use of these leaf extracts helps reduce serum markers of hepatic damage, such as AST and ALT. These findings provide a scientific foundation for the traditional use of the plant as a cardioprotective agent.