Picria fel-terrae
Picria fel-terrae · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Picria fel-terrae is a botanical specimen recognized for its significant pharmacological potential in traditional medicine. Research indicates that the plant possesses potent anthelmintic activities, making it useful for treating parasitic infections. Specifically, the chemical compound hexanorcucurbitacin F has been identified as a key bioactive constituent within its structure. Studies involving 60% EtOH extracts of the whole plant and ethanol solubilised extracts have also explored its impact on physiological conditions such as hypertension. Consequently, this plant remains a subject of interest for developing new therapeutic agents.
- Synonyms
- Curanga Fel-Terrae · Herpestis Amara · 6 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Linderniaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Picria fel-terrae is a botanical species widely recognized by its common name, horčina žlčová. This plant is a distinctive member of its family, often noted for its unique medicinal properties and bitter characteristics. In various regions, local knowledge has long identified it by this specific vernacular label to aid in its identification. Understanding its common naming conventions is essential for researchers and herbalists studying its traditional uses. Consequently, the relationship between its scientific classification and its local name provides a vital link for botanical study.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Picria fel-terrae is a botanical species known to be associated with several different scientific names. Throughout various taxonomic studies, it has been identified by synonyms such as Curanga amara and Curanga fel-terrae. The plant's classification also encompasses Curanga melissifolia and Curanga torenioides within its complex history. Additionally, some records list the species under the synonym Gratiola amara. Understanding these diverse nomenclature relationships is essential for accurate botanical identification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Picria fel-terrae is a unique botanical specimen that belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this kingdom, the plant is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further descends through the order Lamiales, showcasing its distinct evolutionary lineage. As a member of the Linderniaceae family, it shares structural characteristics with its close relatives. Finally, this species is defined by its placement within the genus Picria.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Linderniaceae |
| Genus | Picria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Picria fel-terrae exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans both temperate and tropical regions of Asia. Within the temperate zones, the species is notably distributed throughout various parts of China, including the South-Central and Southeast territories. Moving into tropical climates, the plant establishes a significant presence across the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, it can be found thriving in the lush environments of Assam, Bangladesh, and the East Himalaya. This broad distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to varying ecological conditions across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Picria fel-terrae is characterized by its distinct growth form as a small herb. This self-supporting plant maintains a modest stature within its natural habitat. Depending on environmental conditions, its height typically reaches a maximum of 0.3 m. However, under certain circumstances, the species can grow to a maximum height of 0.7 m.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Picria fel-terrae has been identified as a plant with significant anthelmintic activity through recent scientific investigation. Traditionally used by healers in Sarawak, Malaysia, to treat gastrointestinal infections, the plant was tested using Caenorhabditis elegans models. The study confirmed that extracts from this species possess potent nematocidal properties against both larval and adult stages of the organism. Notably, P. fel-terrae emerged as one of the most effective extracts among those evaluated in the in vitro screen. These findings highlight the value of combining traditional medicinal knowledge with standardized biological models to discover effective natural treatments.
Compounds
Picria fel-terrae serves as a significant source of unique chemical constituents, as demonstrated by recent phytochemical investigations. Researchers utilized column chromatography on silica gel and MCI to separate and purify compounds from a 60% EtOH extract of the whole plant. Through rigorous spectral analysis, including IR, UV, and NMR data, multiple cucurbitacins were successfully identified. Notably, the study led to the discovery of a new dehydrobryogenin glycoside within the plant's profile. Furthermore, this research marks the first time that hexanorcucurbitacin F has been obtained from Picria fel-terrae.
Conditions
Picria fel-terrae contains cucurbitacin glycosides that act as inhibitors for both the classical and alternative pathways of the complement system. Beyond its immune-modulating properties, this plant is traditionally used by healers to treat gastrointestinal infections. Research involving C. elegans models has confirmed that its extracts possess significant nematocidal activity, supporting its use for such infections. Additionally, ethnobotanical studies in Mizoram highlight its importance in managing cardiovascular health. Specifically, the plant is the most preferred medicinal species for the treatment of hypertension.
Preparations
Picria fel-terrae is prepared as a 60% EtOH extract of the whole plant to facilitate the isolation of chemical constituents like cucurbitacins. This specific preparation allowed researchers to identify a new cucurbitacin alongside the known hexanorcucurbitacin F. Additionally, Picria fel-terrae is prepared as ethanol solubilised plant extracts for use in medicinal screening. These ethanol solubilised extracts were tested against Caenorhabditis elegans to evaluate their potential anthelmintic properties. Ultimately, the extracts from P. fel-terrae were found to be the most effective in demonstrating significant nematocidal activity.