Parastrephia lucida
Parastrephia lucida · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Parastrephia lucida is a botanical species recognized for its significant biological potential, particularly regarding its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Scientific investigations into its chemical profile have identified key bioactive compounds such as apigenin trimethyl ether, cinnamic acid, coumarins, and various flavonoids. These constituents contribute to the plant's ability to combat oxidative stress and may offer therapeutic benefits for conditions like gout. Researchers typically evaluate these medicinal properties using diverse preparations, including aqueous, ethanolic, and hydroalcoholic extracts. Through these varied extraction methods, the plant demonstrates a robust capacity to mitigate cellular damage via its potent antioxidant activity.
- Synonyms
- Polyclados Abietinus · Baccharis Lucida · 15 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Temperate
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Parastrephia lucida is a versatile plant known by a wide array of regional common names. It is frequently referred to as Tola del rio or tola de agua depending on the specific local context. In certain areas, particularly within Chile, it is commonly called tol amarga. The species also carries the distinct names of umatola and unutola in various dialects. These diverse identifiers reflect the plant's deep integration into the linguistic landscape of its habitat.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Parastrephia lucida is a complex botanical subject characterized by several recognized taxonomic synonyms. Within various scientific records, this species has been identified under the names Baccharis lucida and Baccharis phyliciformis. It is also closely associated with the nomenclature of Diplostephium tovarii in certain contexts. Furthermore, the plant is linked to the synonyms Dolichogyne glabra and Dolichogyne rigida. Understanding these overlapping classifications is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Parastrephia lucida belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a specialized branch of the natural world. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Asterales, showcasing its evolutionary connections to diverse flowering plants. This plant is a member of the genus Parastrephia, a group defined by its unique biological characteristics. Finally, its botanical identity is solidified by its placement within the prominent family Asteraceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Parastrephia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Parastrephia lucida is a resilient species found across a diverse range of habitats throughout Southern America. Its distribution spans from the southeastern regions of Brazil to the mountainous landscapes of Bolivia in Western South America. In the southern reaches of the continent, the plant thrives within the northwest of Argentina and the northern territories of Chile. This widespread presence highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various ecological niches across the region. Ultimately, these geographic connections illustrate the significant role the species plays within the South American landscape.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Parastrephia lucida grows in a distinct shrub form that allows it to thrive in its natural environment. As a self-supporting species, it maintains its own structure without the need for external assistance.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Parastrephia lucida is a medicinal plant species native to the Argentinean Puna and northern Chile that exhibits significant biological potential. Scientific investigations have confirmed that this plant possesses strong antioxidant activity, particularly through its high polyphenol content and specific isolated compounds. Beyond its antioxidant properties, studies have also demonstrated that Parastrephia lucida displays effective antimicrobial activity against various bacterial strains. Specifically, its ethanolic extracts have shown the ability to inhibit the growth of multi-resistant bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis. These diverse therapeutic qualities support the traditional use of the species and highlight its promise for development in nutraceuticals and modern medicine.
Compounds
Parastrephia lucida is a medicinal plant native to the Andean highlands that possesses a diverse profile of bioactive secondary metabolites. Detailed chemical analyses have revealed that this species contains several important groups of compounds, including flavonoids and coumarines. Among the specific active constituents identified within its extracts are cinnamic acid and the flavone apigenin. Furthermore, the plant is known to contain apigenin trimethyl ether, which contributes to its complex chemical makeup. These various phytochemical relationships provide scientific support for the traditional use of the plant in treating inflammatory disorders.
Conditions
Parastrephia lucida possesses significant antioxidant activity due to its high content of polyphenols and specific bioactive compounds like 11-p-coumaroyloxyltremetone. This medicinal plant is utilized to reduce oxidative stress and treat antioxidant-related issues through its scavenging capabilities. It also serves as a traditional remedy to alleviate gout and arthritic pain by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes. Furthermore, the plant's ability to inhibit proinflammatory enzymes makes it a candidate for preventing or palliating gastrointestinal and systemic inflammatory diseases. These diverse therapeutic properties highlight its potential use in dietary supplements and nutraceuticals.
Preparations
Parastrephia lucida is prepared as hydroalcoholic extracts to assess their potential as anti-inflammatory agents in the Argentinean Puna. This medicinal species is also prepared as aqueous extracts to evaluate its antimicrobial properties against various bacterial strains. Researchers have utilized Parastrephia lucida prepared as ethanol 20% extracts to develop herbal mixtures for use as antioxidant nutraceuticals. Furthermore, the plant is prepared as ethanolic extracts to study its high polyphenol content and significant antioxidant capacity. Overall, Parastrephia lucida is prepared as various extracts to scientifically validate its traditional uses in treating inflammatory and bacterial conditions.