Selaginella convoluta
Selaginella convoluta · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Selaginella convoluta is a botanical species recognized for its diverse range of therapeutic properties in traditional medicine. Research indicates that the ethanolic extract of its roots contains vital bioactive chemicals, including flavonoids, phenols, steroids, and terpenoids. These chemical constituents contribute to the plant's significant activities as an analgesic, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, and diuretic. Due to these pharmacological effects, the plant is frequently utilized to address specific conditions such as amenorrhea and various forms of pain or mood disorders. Consequently, this species serves as a rich source of natural compounds for medicinal development.
- Synonyms
- Pulviniella Convoluta · Lycopodioides Convoluta · 10 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Selaginellaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root
Classification
Common Names
Selaginella convoluta is a versatile plant known by several distinct regional names. Among its most common identities are the descriptive terms Alface-da-serra and Jericó. It is also frequently referred to by locals as Mão-fechada, reflecting its unique physical structure. Additionally, the plant is sometimes called Pé-de-papagaio in certain botanical circles. These diverse names highlight the deep cultural and linguistic connections surrounding this species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Selaginella convoluta is a botanical species known by several different taxonomic names throughout history. Scientific literature frequently references the plant under the synonym Lycopodioides convoluta to denote its classification. It has also been identified in various studies as Lycopodioides orbigniana or Lycopodium convolutum. Furthermore, researchers may encounter this species listed as Lycopodium revolutum in older botanical records. Finally, the name Pulviniella convoluta serves as another recognized synonym within its complex taxonomic relationships.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Selaginella convoluta is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further belongs to the order Selaginellales, which highlights its unique evolutionary lineage. This species is a representative of the genus Selaginella, a group known for its specialized characteristics. Finally, it is nested within the family Selaginellaceae, completing its scientific taxonomic profile.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Lycopodiidae |
| Order | Selaginellales |
| Family | Selaginellaceae |
| Genus | Selaginella |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Selaginella convoluta displays a broad geographical range that spans across both the northern and southern hemispheres. In North America, its presence is noted within Mexico and its southeastern regions. The species also maintains an extensive distribution throughout South America, particularly within the diverse landscapes of Brazil. Within Brazil, it can be found in the Northeast, South, and Southeast territories. Furthermore, its habitat extends into the West-Central regions of the country, highlighting its widespread adaptability.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Selaginella convoluta is characterized by its distinct herb growth form. This resilient plant functions as a self-supporting species, maintaining its structure without the need for external assistance.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Selaginella convoluta, commonly known as "jericó" in northeastern Brazil, is a medicinal plant with a diverse range of traditional uses. According to folk medicine practices, this species exhibits significant antidepressant and aphrodisiac properties. It is also recognized for its diuretic activity and its ability to serve as an effective anti-inflammatory agent. Recent scientific studies have specifically validated its analgesic potential through various pain models in mice. These findings help provide a biological basis for the long-standing traditional applications of the plant.
Compounds
Selaginella convoluta is a medicinal plant from northeastern Brazil known for its diverse phytochemical profile. Preliminary analysis of its ethanolic extract has revealed the presence of phenols, steroids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Furthermore, the plant naturally contains selaginellins, which serve as important chemotaxonomic markers. Recent studies suggest that the accumulation of these specialized metabolites, particularly flavonoids and selaginellins, can be enhanced through elicitation with methyl jasmonate. Such chemical diversity contributes to the plant's significant potential for pharmacological exploration and therapeutic use.
Conditions
Selaginella convoluta responds to elicitation through treatment with both 50 µM and 100 µM MeJA to increase the accumulation of bioactive selaginellins. In pharmacological studies, the plant's ethanolic extract effectively treats acetic acid-induced writhing in mice, demonstrating significant antinociceptive activity. Traditional folk medicine also utilizes the plant to treat amenorrhea. Furthermore, scientific evidence confirms that Selaginella convoluta acts as an effective analgesic agent across various pain models.
Preparations
Selaginella convoluta is prepared as an ethanolic extract to investigate its various medicinal properties. This specific Sc-EtOH extract was utilized in a study to evaluate its potential antinociceptive effects in mice. Researchers applied this prepared extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg to observe its impact on pain models. The resulting ethanolic preparation was found to contain important phytochemicals such as phenols, steroids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Ultimately, the preparation of Selaginella convoluta as an ethanolic extract proved effective as an analgesic agent.
Parts used
Selaginella convoluta is a medicinal plant native to northeastern Brazil that contains valuable specialized metabolites known as selaginellins. Research indicates that these compounds can be significantly influenced by methyl jasmonate treatment, though the effects vary greatly depending on the plant organ. While the shoots show a substantial increase in metabolite accumulation following elicitation, the roots exhibit a different metabolic response. Specifically, most metabolites in the roots tend to decrease in concentration over time when subjected to the same treatment conditions. Understanding these distinct physiological shifts in the roots and shoots is essential for optimizing the production of bioactive compounds for pharmacological use.