Polygonum aviculare
Polygonum aviculare · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Polygonum aviculare is a versatile plant species recognized for its diverse range of therapeutic activities, including antioxidant, 11B-HSD-inhibitor, 5-HT-inhibitor, and 5-lipoxygenase-inhibitor properties. Its bioactive profile is characterized by key chemical constituents such as 5,6,7,4'-tetramethoxyflavanone, oleanolic acid, and sitosterol. Research indicates that the plant holds significant potential in managing medical conditions like arthritis, liver fibrosis, rheumatic disease, and wound healing. These medicinal benefits are often studied through various preparation methods, including acetone, hexane, methanol, and n-BuOH extracts. Consequently, this species serves as a critical subject in pharmacological investigations aimed at developing new treatments.
- Synonyms
- Polygonum Aviculare Subsp. Aviculare · Polygonum Aviculare Subsp. Heterophyllum · 87 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Distribution
- Africa
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Polygonum aviculare is a resilient plant known by a diverse array of regional identifiers. Depending on the local dialect, it is frequently referred to as Berw'r Ieir or Berw'r Iâ. Some traditional records also list the common name as Berwr yr Iâr to describe its characteristics. Additionally, the species is recognized by the unique names Canclwm and Clymlys in certain areas. These varying nomenclature patterns reflect the plant's deep-rooted history within different linguistic communities.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Polygonum aviculare is a botanical species known by a diverse array of scientific synonyms. It has been historically documented under the name Avicularia vulgaris in various taxonomic records. Researchers have also referred to the plant as Centinodia avicularis and Centinodia humifusa. Furthermore, the species is linked to the names Centinodium aviculare and Centinodium axillare. These overlapping nomenclatures reflect the complex evolutionary and classification history of this plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Polygonum aviculare is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae that can be found across various ecosystems. Within this vast biological kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It belongs to the diverse order Caryophyllales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. Further narrowing its classification, the plant is a prominent representative of the family Polygonaceae. Ultimately, this resilient species is identified by its placement within the genus Polygonum.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Polygonum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Polygonum aviculare exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans multiple regions across the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, this species can be found thriving within the landscapes of Kenya. Its reach extends to the Northeast Tropical region, where it is established in countries such as Chad. Furthermore, the plant maintains a significant presence in the Macaronesian islands, including the Azores, Madeira, and the Canary Islands. This widespread distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various island and continental environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Polygonum aviculare is characterized by its distinct growth form as a self-supporting herb. This resilient plant displays a significant range in stature depending on its environmental conditions. While some specimens remain quite small at a minimum height of 0.02 m, others can reach a maximum height of 1 m. The variability is notable, with many instances recorded at a height of 0.7185 m. Such diverse dimensions highlight the adaptable nature of this herbaceous species.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Polygonum aviculare stands out as a significant medicinal plant when evaluating natural sources for treating rheumatic diseases. During a systematic screening of fifty different plants, this species demonstrated exceptional antioxidant capacities through both FRAP and TEAC assays. The study revealed that the plant possesses strong free radical scavenging activity and potent oxidant reducing power. This high level of activity is closely linked to its substantial total phenolic content, which serves as a primary driver of its biological benefits. Consequently, Polygonum aviculare is identified as a rich and promising potential source of natural antioxidants for therapeutic use.
Compounds
Polygonum aviculare serves as a rich natural source for various bioactive chemical compounds. Recent investigations into its acetone extracts have led to the successful isolation of several significant substances. Notably, research confirms that this plant contains the known compound oleanolic acid. Furthermore, chemical analysis has also identified the presence of sitosterol within the same specimen. These findings highlight the diverse phytochemical profile found within Polygonum aviculare.
Conditions
Polygonum aviculare is utilized in traditional folk medicine to treat various inflammatory diseases, specifically including arthritis and airway inflammation. In studies involving liver fibrosis, the plant's methanol extract has demonstrated the ability to significantly reduce serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Furthermore, this plant effectively lowers alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in subjects experiencing liver damage. These combined effects highlight the medicinal importance of Polygonum aviculare in managing both systemic inflammation and specific biochemical markers of liver health.
Preparations
Polygonum aviculare is prepared as acetone extracts to isolate compounds such as 6-methoxyplumbagin. This plant is also processed into hexane extracts and n-BuOH extracts, both of which have demonstrated distinctive vasorelaxant activity in studies involving isolated rat aorta. Additionally, the methanol extract of Polygonum aviculare has been shown to exhibit significant antifibrotic effects in rats with induced liver fibrosis. Finally, water extracts of the plant have been identified as active in assays measuring the inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and platelet activating factor-induced exocytosis.