Nasturtium officinale
What's the taxonomical classification of Nasturtium officinale?
Nasturtium officinale belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is situated in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. The plant follows the order Brassicales and is a member of the family Brassicaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Nasturtium and the species officinale.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Nasturtium |
| Species | officinale |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Nasturtium officinale has a creeping, hollow, cylindrical stem that can grow up to several meters long and produces small, white to pale blue flowers. The leaves are alternate and cordate, featuring long petioles and slightly wavy or crenate margins. Its submerged and emergent stems develop adventitious roots at the nodes to facilitate vegetative spreading through aquatic environments. The plant's root system is relatively shallow, consisting of rhizomes that anchor the stems to the muddy substrate. Small, ovate leaves may also appear on the submerged portions of the plant.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, specifically spanning across much of Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. It thrives in wetland environments such as marshes, stream banks, and damp ditches where moisture is abundant. While its primary natural range is centered in these northern latitudes, it has been introduced to various other parts of the world through human activity. The species prefers cool, moist climates and is rarely found in arid or extremely tropical zones. Because it relies on specific hydrological conditions, its distribution is often patchy and tied to local water sources.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Nasturtium officinale, commonly known as watercress, is cultivated by planting seeds in shallow, continuously flowing water or saturated soil that maintains constant moisture.
It thrives in cool, temperate climates where it can access nutrient-rich, alkaline water sources. Growers typically manage the crop by ensuring consistent water levels to prevent the roots from drying out. Frequent harvesting of the tender leaves and stems encourages new, vigorous growth throughout the season.
Proper drainage is avoided in favor of a wetland environment that mimics its natural stream-side habitat.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Nasturtium officinale provides medicinal benefits through its edible and therapeutic flowers, leaves, stems, roots, and seeds. The bright flowers and tender leaves are often consumed fresh to provide a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants. The stems can be used in salads to add a peppery flavor and nutritional value. While less commonly used, the roots and seeds also contain bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's overall healing properties. These various parts together make the watercress a versatile addition to a natural medicinal diet.
According to a study published by "ACS omega", Nasturtium officinale is an important aquatic herb species utilized for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. The plant contains 11 putative carotenoid pathway genes, which consist of 9 full and 2 partial open reading frames. Expression of certain genes like NoPSY, NoPDS, NoZDS-p, NoCrtISO, NoLCYE, NoCHXE-p, and NoCCD was highest in the flower, while NoLCYB, NoCHXB, NoZEP, and NoNCED were highest in the leaves. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed the presence of 7 distinct carotenoid compounds across the organs. The total carotenoid content was highest in the leaves, followed by flowers, seeds, stems, and roots. Among the 7 individual carotenoids, the levels of 6 specific carotenoids were highest in the leaves.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- flower
- leaf
- root
- seed
- stem
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Nasturtium officinale, has been utilized throughout history in various traditional healing practices to treat respiratory ailments, digestive issues, and inflammatory conditions. In Iranian folk medicine, it is frequently employed to address specific ailments such as kidney stones and various infections. Historical records from diverse cultures show that its nutrient-dense leaves were often consumed to bolster the immune system. Many ancient practitioners valued its potent antimicrobial and diuretic properties for maintaining overall bodily wellness. These long-standing traditions highlight the plant's deep-rooted significance in botanical medicine across different regions.
According to a study published by "Journal of ethnopharmacology", Nasturtium officinale is commonly known as watercress and has traditionally been applied in Iranian folk medicine to treat respiratory disorders and diseases like bronchitis and asthma. In a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial, patients were treated with 500 mg NOE capsules twice daily for 4 weeks. This one month of treatment with the hydroalcoholic extract caused a reduction in the levels of MDA, PCO, and NO metabolite markers compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, FRAP levels as an indicator of total antioxidant capacity significantly increased at the end of the treatment period compared to pre-treatment values. These findings demonstrate that NOE may have a therapeutic effect on asthma by improving oxidative stress.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Iranian folk medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Nasturtium officinale?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiviral pharmacological activities derived from its diverse phytochemical profile. The presence of glucosinolates and various phenolic compounds allows the plant to effectively combat various pathogens. These chemical constituents work to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress within biological systems. Furthermore, its ability to inhibit the growth of microbes makes it a significant subject in natural drug research. The plant also demonstrates a capacity to disrupt the replication cycles of certain viruses.
According to a study published by "Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM", Nasturtium officinale possesses a wide range of pharmacological properties, specifically anti-inflammation and antioxidant potentials. In a study involving 44 male Wistar rats, the Nasturtium officinale extract administered at 500 mg/kg remarkably reduced SMA-alpha gene expression compared to the asthma group (p < 0.05). The extract also decreased the expression of IL-1B and TNF-alpha genes, although this result was not statistically significant. Additionally, the administration of the 500 mg/kg extract significantly increased glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels (p < 0.05). Ultimately, the Nasturtium officinale extract attenuated inflammation and alveolar injury in the lungs of OVA-sensitive rats.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammation
- antibacterial
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
- antiviral
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a variety of bioactive medicinal compounds including glucosinolates, glucobrassicin, gluconasnurtiin, and gluconasnurtiin. These primary chemical constituents serve as the foundation for the plant's diverse pharmacological properties. When the plant tissue is damaged, the glucosinolates undergo enzymatic hydrolysis to produce potent isothiocyanates. These isothiocyanates are specifically recognized for their significant health benefits and antioxidant activities. The presence of these diverse molecules contributes to the overall therapeutic potential of Nasturtium officinale.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", Nasturtium officinale contains dominant glucosinolates including glucobrassicin at 493.00 mg/100 g DW at 10 days and gluconasturtiin at 268.04 mg/100 g DW at 20 days. The highest total polyphenol content reached 2690 mg GAE/100 g DW after a 20-day growth period. Within the polyphenols, dominant compounds were sinapinic acid at 114.83 mg/100 g DW at 10 days and ferulic acid at 87.78 mg/100 g DW at 20 days. Extracts from microshoot cultures showed an inhibition of hyperpigmentation of 18.12% and an anti-elastase activity of 79.78%. Additionally, these extracts inhibited bacterial growth with a MIC of 0.625 mg/mL.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- glucobrassicin
- gluconasnurtiin
- isothiocyanates
- gluconasnurtiin
- glucosinolates
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating inflammation, oxidative stress, liver damage, respiratory disorders, and scurvy. Its high concentration of vitamin C makes it a potent remedy for preventing and managing scurvy. The bioactive compounds within the leaves and flowers help neutralize free radicals to reduce oxidative stress in the body. Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties assist in soothing various systemic swellings and respiratory disorders. Regular consumption may also provide protective effects that help mitigate liver damage.
According to a study published by "Pharmaceuticaal biology", Nasturtium officinale has been used in Iranian folk medicine to treat hypertension, hyperglycemia, and renal colic. The plant also possesses reported anticancer, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties. Research investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of oral doses of 250, 500, and 750 mg kg(-1) on animal models. Topical application of 2 and 5 mg/ear was also studied regarding ear edema. The oral extract at 250, 500, and 750 mg kg(-1) significantly inhibited edema 1, 2, 3, and 4 h after challenge, while 500 mg kg(-1) showed activity over 24 h. Additionally, the 5 mg/ear topical dose reduced edema, and acute toxicity tests established an oral LD50 of >5 g kg(-1).
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- inflammation
- oxidative stress
- liver damage
- respiratory disorders
- scurvy
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal preparations including ethanol extracts, hydroalcoholic extracts, essential oils, face emulsions, and herbaceous distillates. Ethanol extracts and hydroalcoholic extracts are commonly prepared to isolate the bioactive compounds and glucosinolates found within the leaves. Essential oils are extracted through distillation processes to capture the plant's aromatic and therapeutic properties. For topical skincare, the plant is often integrated into a face emulsion to utilize its soothing and antioxidant effects. Finally, a herbaceous distillate can be produced to provide a gentle, water-based infusion for various medicinal applications.
According to a study published by "Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology", Nasturtium officinale was one of 17 plants selected from a 2014 clinical cross-sectional study to investigate in vitro anticoagulant potential. This plant showed a greater anticoagulant potential compared to the normal plasma pool, which had a PT of 12.25 and an aPTT of 37.73. Specifically, Nasturtium officinale demonstrated an aPTT of 50.55. Phytochemical evaluation of this species identified the compound isoorientin. These findings regarding the plant's effect on the activated partial thromboplastin time test could serve as a useful indicator for clinical practice.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Ethanol extracts
- Hydroalcoholic Extract
- essential oils
- face emulsion
- herbaceous distillate
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause significant health complications including an anticoagulant effect, hyperglycemia, hypertension, liver diseases, and renal colic. The presence of certain compounds may interfere with blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding for individuals on medication. It can also disrupt glucose metabolism or lead to elevated blood sugar levels in sensitive users. Furthermore, its chemical composition may contribute to high blood pressure or trigger damage to liver functions. Finally, consumption can potentially cause painful spasms in the urinary tract known as renal colic.
According to a study published by "Journal of basic and clinical physiology and pharmacology", Nasturtium officinale demonstrated a significant anticoagulant potential. In the in vitro evaluation, this plant showed an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 50.55 s. This value is higher than the normal plasma pool, which recorded a PT of 12.25 and an aPTT of 37.73. Additionally, the phytochemical evaluation of Nasturtium officinale identified the compound isoorientin. These findings regarding the plant's anticoagulant effect could serve as a useful indicator for potential interactions with drugs like warfarin.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- anticoagulant effect
- hyperglycemia
- hypertension
- liver diseases
- renal colic
What herbs are paired with Nasturtium officinale?
This plant, Nasturtium officinale, pairs most effectively with pungent or creamy herbs like dill, chives, tarragon, and mint.
The peppery, mustard-like bite of watercress provides a sharp contrast to the mildness of basil or the citrus notes of lemon balm. When used in salads, combining it with parsley or cilantro creates a balanced, refreshing profile. Adding savory herbs like thyme or rosemary can help ground the plant's natural piquancy in cooked dishes.
These combinations rely on balancing the watercress's intense heat with complementary aromatic qualities.