Persicaria lapathifolia
Persicaria lapathifolia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Persicaria lapathifolia is a widely distributed botanical species known for its diverse chemical profile and medicinal potential. Scientific investigations into this plant have specifically identified the presence of the chemical compound Viscoazucine. Researchers frequently utilize the leaf as a primary source for studying its biological activities through various methods. Common study preparations include aqueous ethanolic leaf extract, methanol extract, and more comprehensive whole plant analyses. These diverse leaf extracts serve as essential tools for exploring the complex phytochemical properties inherent to the species.
- Synonyms
- Polygonum Lapathifolium Var. Viridiflorum · Persicaria Tenuiflora Var. Albiflora · 156 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Persicaria lapathifolia is a versatile plant known by a wide array of regional and descriptive common names. In certain areas, it is frequently referred to as Ampfer-Knöterich or Beklierde duizendknoop. Those encountering the species in different linguistic contexts might recognize it as Chilillo blanco. It is also commonly identified by the English name Curlytop Knotweed due to its distinct growth patterns. Finally, many gardeners and naturalists simply call it Dockweed Smartweed to describe its hardy nature.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Persicaria lapathifolia is a plant species characterized by a complex history of botanical nomenclature. Throughout various taxonomic studies, it has been identified by several different scientific names. For instance, it is recognized under the synonyms Dioctis maculatum and Dioctis vernum. The plant is also linked to the names Discolenta lapathifolia and Discolenta scabra within the literature. Additionally, the designation Persicaria bioritsuensis serves as another synonym associated with this particular species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Persicaria lapathifolia is a distinct organism that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant further falls into the order Caryophyllales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. It is a member of the genus Persicaria, which helps define its unique botanical characteristics. Finally, its placement within the family Polygonaceae solidifies its identity among related species.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Persicaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Persicaria lapathifolia exhibits a widespread distribution that spans across several significant regions of the African continent. Its presence is noted throughout Northern Africa, specifically within the borders of Algeria, and extends into Northeast Tropical Africa near Ethiopia. Beyond the mainland, the species can be found in the Macaronesian islands, including the Azores and Madeira. The plant's reach even extends into the remote stretches of the Middle Atlantic Ocean, reaching as far as Ascension. This broad geographic range highlights the remarkable adaptability of the species across diverse island and continental environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Persicaria lapathifolia is a versatile herb characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This plant exhibits a remarkable range in stature, with some individuals measuring as little as 0.03 meters in height. Conversely, larger specimens can reach a minimum threshold of 0.925 meters as they mature. At its most impressive, the plant can achieve a maximum height of up to 3 meters. Such significant variability in size allows it to adapt effectively to diverse environmental conditions.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Persicaria lapathifolia is a species closely related to Polygonum viscosum, which serves as the source for the novel sesquiterpene known as viscoazucine. Through detailed spectroscopic analyses, including UV, MS, and NMR, researchers successfully elucidated the unique structure of this compound. The isolation process also identified a known flavone alongside this newly discovered chemical constituent. Understanding these specific chemical profiles provides valuable insight into the complex secondary metabolites found within this plant group. Such discoveries highlight the importance of studying related taxa to uncover new bioactive molecules.
Conditions
Persicaria lapathifolia possesses significant medicinal properties that allow it to treat acute inflammation. The plant effectively treats carrageenan-induced paw oedema by significantly inhibiting swelling in experimental models. It also demonstrates the ability to treat histamine-induced paw oedema through its anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, the extract is capable of treating zymosan-induced knee joint arthritis. Finally, it serves as a treatment for zymosan-induced knee joint inflammation by reducing inflammatory responses.
Preparations
Persicaria lapathifolia is prepared as an aqueous ethanolic leaf extract to assess its anti-inflammatory effects in various acute inflammation models. This plant is also prepared as a leaf extract to study its ability to inhibit paw oedema and knee joint inflammation. Furthermore, the species is prepared as a methanol extract to isolate specific chemical compounds like flavonol glycosides. Research also indicates that Persicaria lapathifolia is prepared as a whole plant to facilitate the isolation of new sesquiterpenes. These diverse preparation methods allow for the comprehensive investigation of the plant's medicinal properties and chemical constituents.
Parts used
Persicaria lapathifolia is a plant species that contains the leaf as a significant component for potential study. While research on related species like Persicaria lanigera has shown promise, the medicinal value often lies within the specific properties of the leaf extract. For instance, hydroethanolic leaf extracts have demonstrated the ability to modulate acute inflammation in various animal models. These findings suggest that the leaf serves as a critical source of bioactive compounds used to attenuate swelling and joint inflammation. Understanding these plant relationships helps clarify how specific parts of the Persicaria genus contribute to traditional medicinal practices.