Stenochlaena palustris
Stenochlaena palustris · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Stenochlaena palustris is a notable plant species that has gained scientific interest due to its significant biological properties. Research indicates that leaf extracts from this plant exhibit potent antifungal activities, particularly against pathogens like Aspergillus niger. Studies utilizing both methanol extracts and water fractions have demonstrated that these preparations can effectively combat various infections. Furthermore, the plant shows impressive antioxidant activity by managing superoxide levels within biological systems. Consequently, the medicinal potential of Stenochlaena palustris leaves offers promising avenues for developing new therapeutic treatments.
- Synonyms
- Lomariopsis Fraxinifolia · Acrostichum Laurifolium · 9 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Aspleniaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Stenochlaena palustris is a distinctive plant widely recognized by several different names across various regions. In English-speaking contexts, it is most commonly referred to as the Climbing Swamp fern. Its local identity shifts depending on the culture, such as being known as Dây choại in certain areas. Some may also identify this species by its name Lemidi. Additionally, it is referred to as lianica močiarna, reflecting its diverse linguistic connections.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Stenochlaena palustris is a botanical species that has been classified under several different names throughout its taxonomic history. Scientific literature frequently identifies this plant using the synonym Acrostichum laurifolium. It is also recognized in various studies as Chrysodium palustre. Furthermore, the plant has been referred to by the names Lomaria haenkeana and Lomaria juglandifolia. Finally, its diverse nomenclature includes the synonym Lomariopsis fraxinifolia, reflecting the complexity of its botanical classification.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Stenochlaena palustris is a fascinating botanical specimen belonging to the vast kingdom Plantae. Within this diverse kingdom, the plant is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further belongs to the order Polypodiales, showcasing its evolutionary connections to other ferns. As a member of the genus Stenochlaena, it possesses distinct morphological characteristics unique to its group. Finally, its taxonomic placement is completed within the family Aspleniaceae, marking its specific biological niche.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Polypodiinae |
| Order | Polypodiales |
| Family | Aspleniaceae |
| Genus | Stenochlaena |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Stenochlaena palustris exhibits a broad geographical range that spans across diverse Asian climates. In the temperate regions of China, this species is commonly found throughout the South-Central and Southeast territories, as well as on Hainan island. Moving into tropical environments, its presence extends significantly into the Indian Subcontinent. Specifically, it flourishes within the lush landscapes of Assam and throughout Bangladesh. This wide distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to both temperate and tropical ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Stenochlaena palustris is a distinctive herb characterized by its obligatory climbing habit. This specialized growth form allows the plant to ascend through its environment, reaching impressive proportions. Depending on the specific conditions, its height can range from a modest 0.4 meters to a significant 5 meters. In some instances, the plant can even achieve a maximum height of 20 meters. This remarkable vertical variability highlights the adaptive nature of its climbing lifestyle.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Stenochlaena palustris shows significant potential as a natural solution to the growing health concerns surrounding synthetic food preservatives. Recent studies have demonstrated that extracts from its leaves possess notable antifungal activity, specifically targeting the foodborne pathogen Aspergillus niger. Through experimental testing, researchers determined that the extract can effectively disrupt the hyphal cell walls of the fungus, causing visible morphological damage. The leaf extract achieved a minimum inhibitory concentration of 50 mg/ml, proving its ability to hinder fungal growth and morphogenesis. Ultimately, this fern species appears to be a promising candidate for developing safe, plant-based preservatives to prevent foodborne microbial outbreaks.
Compounds
Conditions
Stenochlaena palustris demonstrates significant antifungal properties by treating the foodborne pathogen Aspergillus niger through the disruption of its hyphal cell walls. The plant extract also exhibits measurable DPPH scavenging activity, contributing to its overall biological efficacy. Research indicates that it possesses antiamylase activity, although this effect is noted as being relatively weak in certain fractions. Furthermore, the fern displays potent antioxidant activity, which correlates closely with its total phenolic content. Finally, Stenochlaena palustris provides moderate copper chelating activity, rounding out its diverse range of medicinal properties.
Preparations
Stenochlaena palustris is prepared as a leaf extract to evaluate its antifungal activity against the foodborne pathogen Aspergillus niger. This plant is also prepared as a methanol extract (ME) to isolate its most active components. From this methanol extract, the plant is further prepared as a water fraction (WF) to study its specific biological properties. Research indicates that this water fraction serves as a potent α-glucosidase inhibitor and possesses significant antioxidant activity. Consequently, the various preparations of Stenochlaena palustris, including the leaf extract, methanol extract, and water fraction, demonstrate diverse medicinal potential.
Parts used
Stenochlaena palustris possesses a leaf that holds significant potential for use as a natural food preservative. Recent studies have focused on utilizing the extract from this specific plant part to combat foodborne pathogens like Aspergillus niger. By applying the leaf extract, researchers observed a notable disruption in the hyphal cell walls of the fungus, leading to structural damage. The findings indicate that the extract can effectively inhibit fungal growth through specific minimum inhibitory concentrations. Consequently, this fern leaf offers a promising, safe alternative to controversial synthetic preservatives in future food preservation technologies.