Parastrephia quadrangularis
Parastrephia quadrangularis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Parastrephia quadrangularis is a notable plant species recognized for its significant biological potential. Scientific investigations have highlighted its diverse activities, particularly its promising antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These therapeutic effects are largely attributed to its chemical composition, which includes essential fatty acids such as lignoceric, linoleic, linolenic, and oleic acids. Researchers frequently utilize the plant's aerial parts to derive various substances through aqueous extracts and tinctures. Consequently, this species serves as a valuable subject for exploring natural bioactive compounds.
- Synonyms
- Baccharis Quadrangularis · Lepidophyllum Meyenii · 5 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Parastrephia quadrangularis is a remarkable plant that is recognized by a diverse array of regional names. Depending on the local area, it is commonly referred to as Chacha, coba, or pulika. In certain regions, the species is also known by the name t'ola. Specifically within Chile, it carries the distinct designation of tola amarilla. These various identifiers highlight the rich linguistic diversity associated with this single species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Parastrephia quadrangularis is a plant species that has been documented under several different scientific names throughout botanical history. It is widely recognized in literature as a synonym of Baccharis quadrangularis. Furthermore, researchers have frequently referred to this taxon as Dolichogyne lepidophylla. The plant also shares a taxonomic identity with various names within the Lepidophyllum genus, including Lepidophyllum meyenii and Lepidophyllum quadrangulare. Finally, it is also classified under the synonym Lepidophyllum tola, reflecting the complex shifting of its botanical classification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Parastrephia quadrangularis is a unique botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this diverse realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further finds its place within the order Asterales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. This plant is a member of the genus Parastrephia, which defines its distinct morphological characteristics. Finally, it is nested within the extensive Asteraceae family, connecting it to a wide array of related flowering plants.
| 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 quadrangularis is a plant species with a broad distribution spanning across various regions of Southern America. Its presence is notably established throughout the southern reaches of the continent, specifically within the northwest territories of Argentina. The species also thrives in the northern regions of Chile, marking a significant part of its southern South American range. Furthermore, its habitat extends into Western South America, where it can be found growing in Bolivia. These diverse locations highlight the wide geographical footprint this plant maintains across the landscape.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Parastrephia quadrangularis 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 or climbing mechanisms.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Parastrephia quadrangularis, a native plant of the Andean Altiplano, possesses significant therapeutic potential due to its diverse biological activities. Research indicates that species within the Parastrephia genus exhibit notable antimicrobial properties, particularly against various gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis. Furthermore, the plant is recognized for its antioxidant activity, which is closely linked to its rich content of bioactive phenolic compounds. Studies utilizing supercritical fluid extraction have successfully optimized the recovery of these antioxidant-related fractions to support the plant's traditional medicinal uses. Ultimately, these combined antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics highlight the importance of this species in the development of sustainable natural therapies.
Compounds
Parastrephia quadrangularis, a native plant of the Chilean Andean Altiplano, possesses a complex fatty acid profile that contributes to its medicinal properties. Scientific analysis through GC-MS has revealed that the plant contains various polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. In addition to these unsaturated components, the aerial parts of the plant are rich in saturated fatty acids such as palmitic and lignoceric acid. These diverse metabolites are believed to be potentially responsible for the anti-inflammatory and therapeutic effects traditionally associated with the species. Understanding this specific chemical composition is essential for optimizing sustainable extraction methods to recover these valuable bioactive compounds.
Conditions
Parastrephia quadrangularis, commonly known as tola, is a native plant of the Chilean Andean Altiplano that is traditionally utilized for its anti-inflammatory properties. Scientific analysis of its aerial parts through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry has identified specific metabolites that may be responsible for these reported therapeutic effects. Research into the plant's bioactive profile reveals a significant presence of phenolic compounds and antioxidant-related fractions. The identification of various fatty acids, including oleic and linoleic acids, further characterizes the chemical makeup that supports its medicinal use. Utilizing supercritical fluid extraction with ethanol serves as an effective method for recovering these compounds to support the plant's traditional role in treating inflammation.
Preparations
Parastrephia quadrangularis is prepared as aerial parts for the analysis of its fatty acid profile and bioactive compounds. This plant is also processed into aqueous extracts to evaluate its antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, the species is prepared as tinctures to test its efficacy against various bacterial strains. Research indicates that these ethanolic tinctures derived from the aerial parts demonstrate significant antibacterial activity. These diverse preparation methods facilitate the study of the plant's traditional medicinal uses in the Andean Altiplano and Puna regions.