Tagetes erecta
Tagetes erecta · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Tagetes erecta is a versatile plant species utilized extensively for its diverse therapeutic properties, including antioxidant, analgesic, antibacterial, and antimalarial activities. The biological potency of its flowers, roots, and leaves is driven by key chemical constituents such as 2,3-dihydro-benzofuran, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-3-cyclohexen-1-one, benzenacetic acid, and chlorophyll B. Researchers often study these compounds through various preparations, ranging from crude extracts and methanol extracts to specialized fractions and essential oils. Scientific investigations have highlighted its effectiveness in addressing conditions such as aging, antiparasitic needs, and the management of Aspergillus flavus. Through these multifaceted chemical profiles, the plant serves as a significant subject in the study of natural medicinal agents.
- Synonyms
- Tagetes Heterocarpha · Tagetes Patula · 6 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Flower · Root
Classification
Common Names
Tagetes erecta is a versatile plant known by a wide array of regional and linguistic names across the globe. In many English-speaking regions, it is most frequently referred to as the African marigold or the American marigold. Those speaking Afrikaans may recognize this vibrant species as the Afrikanertjie. In Central Europe, the plant is often called the Aksamitka wzniesiona in Polish or the Aufrechte Samtblume in German. These diverse monikers reflect the widespread popularity and cultural integration of this striking flower.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Tagetes erecta is a diverse species that is frequently identified through various botanical synonyms. Within scientific literature, you may encounter this plant referred to as Tagetes corymbosa or Tagetes elongata. It is also recognized under the names Tagetes heterocarpha and Tagetes patula depending on the specific classification used. Furthermore, certain cultivated varieties are categorized under the synonym Tagetes erecta f. pleniflora. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for accurate plant identification and research.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Tagetes erecta is a vibrant botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Asterales, showcasing its complex evolutionary lineage. As a member of the genus Tagetes, it exhibits unique characteristics shared by its close relatives. Finally, this species is a prominent representative of the diverse family Asteraceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Tagetes |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Tagetes erecta exhibits a broad and diverse geographic distribution across the African continent. Its presence can be found throughout the Macaronesia region, specifically spanning the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, and Madeira. In Northeast Tropical Africa, the species is well-established in territories such as Chad and Djibouti. This wide-ranging habitat suggests the plant is highly adaptable to various tropical and island environments. Such a vast range underscores the botanical significance of this species within the African landscape.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Tagetes erecta is a self-supporting herb that adds vibrant structure to any garden setting. This resilient plant exhibits a versatile growth form that allows it to flourish in various environments. Depending on its specific conditions, the height of the specimen can vary significantly. While some individuals may only reach a minimum of 0.1 m or 0.55 m, others can grow much larger. Ultimately, the plant can reach a maximum height of approximately 1.5 m.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Tagetes erecta serves as a highly versatile medicinal plant with a diverse range of biological activities. Research indicates that its extracts possess potent antioxidant properties, even demonstrating superior scavenging capabilities compared to Vitamin C in certain assays. The plant also exhibits significant antibacterial and antimicrobial effects, effectively inhibiting various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Furthermore, specific compounds isolated from the plant have shown remarkable antimalarial potential against Plasmodium falciparum. Beyond these uses, the species is also recognized for its analgesic properties, making it a promising candidate for the development of natural therapeutic products.
Compounds
Tagetes erecta is a chemically complex plant that possesses a diverse range of bioactive compounds. Research into its essential oils has revealed a significant presence of cyclic monoterpenoids, specifically 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-3-cyclohexen-1-one and D-limonene. Furthermore, hydroalcoholic extracts of the plant have been found to contain benzenacetic acid, contributing to its noted cytotoxic properties. The plant's nutritional and pigment profiles are also characterized by the presence of essential components such as chlorophyll b and carotenoids. Together, these various chemical constituents highlight the significant phytochemical potential of this economically important species.
Conditions
Tagetes erecta possesses significant antioxidant activity that can be enhanced through the application of exogenous benzyladenine. The essential oils derived from marigold, a common name for this plant, demonstrate the ability to completely inhibit mycotoxigenic fungi such as Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, and A. ochraceus at concentrations of 2000 ppm or less. Furthermore, effluents from the marigold flower processing industry show potent antifungal properties against various pathogens, including Alternaria alternata. These diverse biological activities highlight the plant's potential as both a functional food ingredient and a natural antimicrobial agent. Through these various mechanisms, the plant effectively manages oxidative stress and fungal growth.
Preparations
Tagetes erecta is prepared as fractions to study its inhibitory activities against enzymes like hyaluronidase and elastase. The plant is also prepared as essential oils, which can be chemically distinguished using mass spectrometry. Researchers have utilized Tagetes erecta prepared as a methanol extract to identify bioactive compounds like syringic acid and β-amyrin. Additionally, the plant is prepared as crude extracts that demonstrate inhibitory abilities against various bacterial strains. Finally, Tagetes erecta is prepared as hydroalcoholic extracts from flowers and leaves to evaluate its cytotoxic and antitumor effects on lung carcinoma cells.
Parts used
Tagetes erecta is a versatile medicinal plant that contains various bioactive components distributed throughout its different structures. Research indicates that the flowers of the plant are particularly valuable, as they contain polyphenolic compounds and exhibit significant cytotoxic effects against lung and breast cancer cell lines. Additionally, the leaves serve as another important part of the plant used in the preparation of hydroalcoholic extracts. While some studies focus on these aerial parts, the biological importance of the plant extends to its root system as well. Together, these various components highlight the medicinal potential and complex botanical profile of this species.