Nasturtium officinale
Nasturtium officinale, commonly known as watercress, is a nutrient-dense aquatic plant prized for its peppery flavor and therapeutic properties. Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, it serves as a potent antioxidant. Historically used to support digestion and immune health, this versatile herb remains a staple in medicinal nutrition.
- Scientific name: Nasturtium officinale
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Nasturtium officinale, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, following the order Brassicales. Finally, it resides within the family Brassicaceae under the genus Nasturtium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Brassicales | WCVP |
| Family | Brassicaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Nasturtium | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, known as Nasturtium officinale, is widely distributed across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Great Britain and Ireland. Its presence extends further north into the territories of Sweden. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is also well-established in Austria. Additionally, the plant is commonly documented within the borders of Belgium.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Poland | WCVP |
Chemicals
Nasturtium officinale has 40 reported phytochemicals identified across 43 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include carotenoids, flavonoid, glucosinolates, Ca, Fe.
- Total chemicals
- 40
- Scientific sources
- 43
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| carotenoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| glucosinolates | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ca | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fe | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Glucosinolate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mg | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| N | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Na | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| P | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Nasturtium officinale has 13 reported activities identified across 21 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective, Anticancer, Antibacterial, Anticoagulant.
- Total activities
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 21
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticoagulant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiestrogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiinflammatory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimycotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipsoriatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Nasturtium officinale has 37 reported medicinal uses identified across 48 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include oxidative stress, hyperglycemia, hypertension, Staphylococcus aureus, bronchitis.
- Total uses
- 37
- Scientific sources
- 48
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| oxidative stress | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| hyperglycemia | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bronchitis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| renal colic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cauliflower mosaic virus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cucumber mosaic virus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |