Suaeda vermiculata
Suaeda vermiculata · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Suaeda vermiculata is a medicinal plant that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its diverse therapeutic activities, including antioxidant, cytotoxic, and hepatoprotective properties. Research focusing on various preparations, such as aqueous, ethanolic, and aqueous-ethanolic extracts, has revealed the presence of vital bioactive chemicals like quercetin, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, and pheophytin a. These phytochemicals contribute to the plant's potential in managing complex health conditions such as inflammation, jaundice, and various liver diseases. Furthermore, studies on MCF-7 cells have highlighted its significant cytotoxic potential against specific cancer cell lines. Consequently, the SV extract serves as a promising natural candidate for developing future pharmacological interventions.
- Synonyms
- Salsola Forskahlii · Chenopodium Alexandrinum · 10 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Suaeda vermiculata is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional and linguistic identifiers. In many parts of the world, it is commonly referred to as the Arabian Jointed Glasswort or simply as Seablite. Within German-speaking contexts, it is recognized by the name Weiche Sode, a term that also appears in various forms across different records. Spanish speakers may identify the species as Matomoro brusquillo, showcasing its wide geographical reach. Finally, it is also known locally by the name matokilokki, adding to its rich tapestry of common names.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Suaeda vermiculata is a botanical species known to be associated with several different scientific names. Within various taxonomic records, it is recognized by the synonym Chenopodium alexandrinum. The plant has also been identified in literature as Lerchia obtusifolia and Lerchia vermiculata. Furthermore, its classification includes the synonyms Salsola annularis and Salsola forskahlii. These varying designations highlight the complex historical naming conventions surrounding this particular plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Suaeda vermiculata is a unique botanical specimen belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological kingdom, it is specifically classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Caryophyllales, reflecting its evolutionary lineage. As a member of the Amaranthaceae family, it shares characteristics with a diverse group of related species. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within the genus Suaeda.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Suaeda |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Suaeda vermiculata exhibits a diverse geographical distribution that spans several key regions across the globe. Its presence is widely documented throughout Africa and the Macaronesia islands, including the Canary Islands. The species also reaches the remote stretches of the Middle Atlantic Ocean, specifically around St. Helena. Within the African continent, it is particularly prevalent in Northeast Tropical Africa, where it thrives in locations such as Chad, Djibouti, and Eritrea. This wide-ranging habitat demonstrates the plant's ability to adapt to various environments across these distinct territories.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Suaeda vermiculata is a distinctive shrub characterized by its robust, self-supporting growth form. This resilient plant typically reaches a modest stature, often maintaining a height between 0.4 m and 0.6 m. However, certain specimens can demonstrate significant variability in their development. In some environments, the plant may reach an impressive maximum height of up to 1.3 m. This range of dimensions highlights the adaptable nature of the species across different habitats.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Suaeda vermiculata is a halophyte plant that possesses a diverse range of significant biological activities. Research into its chemical constituents, such as pheophytin A, has demonstrated that the plant exhibits potent antioxidant properties capable of rivaling ascorbic acid. Furthermore, studies have identified a noteworthy cytotoxic effect when investigating the plant's impact on specific cell lines. The plant also provides vital hepatoprotective benefits, which has validated its traditional use by Bedouins for managing liver disorders. Ultimately, the extracts and isolated compounds from this species work together to mitigate oxidative stress and protect against toxicity.
Compounds
Suaeda vermiculata is an edible halophytic plant that serves as a rich source of various bioactive compounds. Scientific analysis has confirmed that this plant contains Pheophytin a, which contributes to its notable antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. Furthermore, the plant is characterized by the presence of the flavonoid quercetin, a constituent known for its significant biological benefits. Research also identifies the presence of Isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside and Quercetin 3-O-rutinoside within its chemical profile. Together, these diverse components support the traditional use of the herb in managing various health conditions.
Conditions
Suaeda vermiculata is a traditional plant used by desert nomads and Bedouins to treat jaundice and manage various liver disorders. Research demonstrates that the plant effectively treats hepatotoxicity, specifically mitigating liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and paracetamol in animal models. The plant also exhibits significant cytotoxic activity against HepG2 and HepG-2/ADR (doxorubicin-resistant cells) liver cell carcinoma cell lines. By inhibiting specific molecular pathways, it shows promise in treating these cancer cell lines and protecting against hepatocellular carcinoma. Ultimately, these diverse biological activities confirm the plant's established role as a potent hepatoprotective agent.
Preparations
Suaeda vermiculata is prepared as aqueous extracts and ethanol extracts to evaluate its antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in rat models. The plant is also processed as an aqueous-ethanolic extract to investigate its potential for hepatoprotection and antioxidant activity against paracetamol-induced toxicity. Research further utilizes the aqueous-ethanolic extract to mitigate CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity and evaluate cytotoxicity in HepG-2 cell lines. Additionally, the plant is referred to as SV extract when studying its involvement in the PI3K/HIF-1α/c-MYC/iNOS pathway to combat hepatocellular carcinoma. These various preparation methods, including aqueous-ethanolic extracts, allow scientists to explore the diverse medicinal properties of the species.