Pulicaria undulata
Pulicaria undulata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Pulicaria undulata is a versatile plant known for its diverse range of biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and insect-repellent properties. Scientific studies focusing on its flower have revealed the presence of key chemical constituents such as chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, coumaric acid, and copper. Various preparations, including essential oils, metabolic extracts, and 70% ethanol or water-ethanol extracts, are utilized to harness these therapeutic benefits. Research highlights its significant antioxidant activity and its ability to combat Gram-positive bacteria and prevent DNA fragmentation. Through these various chemical profiles, the plant demonstrates immense potential in both medicinal and protective applications.
- Synonyms
- Francoeuria Undulata · Inula Undulata
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Flower
Classification
Common Names
Pulicaria undulata is a versatile plant recognized by various names across different linguistic landscapes. In Finland, it is locally known by the common name poimukirppuruoho. Moving into Slavic-speaking regions, the species is frequently referred to as Пуликария обыкновенная. Its identity is also preserved in Hebrew as פרעושית מסולסלת, reflecting its presence in diverse botanical studies. Finally, the plant is identified in Arabic as خاع, illustrating its global nomenclature.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Pulicaria undulata is a botanical species that has been identified by several different names throughout taxonomic history. Scientific literature frequently refers to this plant using the synonym Francoeuria undulata. Additionally, researchers have historically classified the specimen under the name Inula undulata. These varying designations reflect the evolving nature of plant nomenclature and classification. Understanding these relationships is essential for anyone studying the diverse lineage of this particular plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Pulicaria undulata is a unique botanical specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast realm, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is a member of the order Asterales, showcasing its evolutionary connections. It further falls into the Asteraceae family, a group known for its diverse floral structures. Finally, this species is identified by its distinct genus, Pulicaria.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Pulicaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Pulicaria undulata is a plant species with an expansive geographical range spanning several key regions. Its distribution encompasses much of Africa and the Macaronesia islands, including the Canary Islands and Cape Verde. Furthermore, the species is notably present within Northeast Tropical Africa. Specific local populations can be identified in countries such as Chad, Djibouti, and Eritrea. This broad connectivity across diverse African landscapes highlights the plant's significant ecological presence.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Pulicaria undulata is a self-supporting herb characterized by its distinct growth form. This plant typically maintains a modest stature, reaching a maximum height of approximately 0.60 meters. Its compact structure makes it a subtle yet resilient addition to its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Pulicaria undulata is a versatile medicinal plant that has demonstrated significant biological potential across various scientific studies. Research highlights its potent antioxidant properties, which are essential for neutralizing free radicals and protecting cells from oxidative stress. The plant also exhibits strong antimicrobial and antibacterial activities, making it effective against a diverse range of pathogenic bacteria. Beyond these therapeutic applications, traditional ethnoveterinary knowledge identifies its utility as an insect repellent. Collectively, these findings underscore the value of the species as a natural source for future pharmaceutical and health-related developments.
Compounds
Pulicaria undulata, commonly known as wild marjoram, serves as a rich source of various bioactive secondary metabolites. HPLC profiling of its flowering parts has identified several key phenolic and flavonoid-related compounds. Among these major components are the flavonoids apigenin and daidzein. The plant also contains significant amounts of organic acids, specifically cinnamic acid and coumaric acid. Furthermore, the chemical analysis confirmed the presence of chlorogenic acid within the extract.
Conditions
Pulicaria undulata demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its diverse biological activities. The plant extract provides strong antimicrobial properties, specifically showing effectiveness against various Gram-positive bacteria. It also functions as a potent antioxidant, as evidenced by its ability to scavenge free radicals. Furthermore, the extract is capable of inducing DNA fragmentation, which contributes to its cytotoxic effects. Finally, Pulicaria undulata exhibits targeted anticancer activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cell-lines.
Preparations
Pulicaria undulata is prepared as 70 % ethanol extracts to analyze volatile chemicals and evaluate antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This plant is also prepared as essential oil (EO) through hydrodistillation to study its chemical composition and phytotoxic activity. Furthermore, Pulicaria undulata is used to derive endophytic actinobacteria, which are then utilized to prepare metabolic extracts for biological control studies. Research also focuses on the water-ethanol extract of the plant to investigate its phytochemical constituents and potent anticancer activities. These various preparation methods demonstrate the diverse medicinal and chemical potential of the species.
Parts used
Pulicaria undulata, commonly referred to as wild marjoram or butterfly bush, is a medicinal plant native to arid desert regions. Researchers have focused their attention on the specific flowering parts of this species to evaluate its diverse bioactive potential. By utilizing a petroleum ether extract from these flowers, studies have identified a rich profile of phenolic and flavonoid-related compounds. These secondary metabolites contribute to significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral activities. Ultimately, the chemical properties found within the plant's flowers suggest that it could serve as a valuable source for new pharmaceutical developments.