Portulaca pilosa
Portulaca pilosa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Portulaca pilosa is a versatile botanical species recognized for its significant therapeutic potential in traditional medicine. Scientific studies have highlighted its notable pharmacological properties, specifically demonstrating its capacity for analgesia and diuresis. To harness these biological effects, researchers frequently utilize hydroalcoholic extracts as a primary method of preparation. These concentrated extracts allow for the efficient isolation of active compounds responsible for the plant's medicinal actions. Understanding these specific characteristics provides essential insights into the plant's role in modern pharmacological research.
- Synonyms
- Portulaca Halimoides Var. Brevipilosa · Portulaca Pilosa Subsp. Pilosa · 31 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Portulacaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Portulaca pilosa is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional and traditional names. It is widely recognized by the common English names hairy-pigweed and kiss-me-quick, though it is also frequently called kiss me quick. In different cultural contexts, the species is referred to as mao ma chia xian. Furthermore, the plant carries the Swedish designation skäggportlak. These various monikers highlight the widespread presence and linguistic variety associated with this species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Portulaca pilosa is a plant species recognized by a variety of botanical synonyms in scientific literature. It is often identified interchangeably with Portulaca advena and Portulaca cincta depending on the taxonomic classification used. Furthermore, researchers may refer to this species as Portulaca cyanosperma or Portulaca cyathostyla in different studies. The name Portulaca dubia also serves as another recognized synonym for this particular plant. Understanding these various nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate identification in botanical research.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Portulaca pilosa is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae that thrives in various environments. Within this vast biological kingdom, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its taxonomic journey continues through the order Caryophyllales, showcasing its unique evolutionary connections. As a representative of the family Portulacaceae, it shares many structural traits with its close botanical relatives. Ultimately, this plant belongs to the genus Portulaca, which defines its specific identity in the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Portulacaceae |
| Genus | Portulaca |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Portulaca pilosa exhibits a widespread distribution across the African continent and its surrounding islands. Within East Tropical Africa, the species is notably found throughout Tanzania. Its presence extends into Southern Africa, specifically within the Northern Provinces and Botswana. The plant also inhabits the Western Indian Ocean, reaching the islands of Réunion and Rodrigues. This diverse range highlights the plant's ability to thrive in various regional ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Portulaca pilosa is a distinctive herb characterized by its sturdy, self-supporting growth form. This plant typically maintains a modest stature, reaching a maximum height of only 0.5 meters. While it can technically begin at a height of 0 meters, it most commonly establishes itself at a minimum of 0.1125 meters. Such compact dimensions allow it to thrive effectively within its specific ecological niche. Overall, its physical structure defines its role as a resilient and manageable herbaceous species.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Portulaca pilosa is traditionally utilized in Brazil as a remedy to provide analgesia and antipyresis. In addition to these uses, the plant has been historically applied to induce diuresis. While researchers have investigated these specific properties, recent studies on hydroalcoholic extracts have questioned the plant's diuretic effects. Although the extracts show renal activity by increasing potassium excretion, they do not appear to cause a change in water diuresis. Consequently, the traditional belief regarding its ability to treat through diuresis remains unconfirmed by these specific experimental results.
Preparations
Portulaca pilosa is prepared as hydroalcoholic extracts to investigate its specific physiological impacts. These extracts were utilized in a study to examine the plant's potential effects on renal function. Research conducted on these preparations revealed that the plant influences potassium excretion in rats. Interestingly, the results showed that the hydroalcoholic extracts did not cause changes in water diuresis or sodium excretion. This investigation ultimately provided scientific insight into how the prepared extracts interact with the body's renal processes.