Tagetes minuta
Tagetes minuta · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (7 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Tagetes minuta is a versatile plant known for utilizing its leaves, flowers, and seeds to produce various therapeutic preparations, including essential oils and aqueous extracts. Rich in bioactive compounds such as dihydrotagetone, flavonoids, and CAR-3-en-2-one, this species exhibits significant pharmacological potential. Research indicates that its extracts possess potent antioxidant, antibacterial, and diuretic activities, proving effective against pathogens like Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates medicinal benefits in managing hyperglycemia and providing spasmolytic and (-)-chronotropic effects. Through diverse preparation methods like acetone and crude organic extracts, Tagetes minuta remains a subject of intense pharmacological interest.
- Synonyms
- Tagetes Bonariensis · Tagetes Glandulifera · 4 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Flower
Classification
Common Names
Tagetes minuta is a versatile plant known by many distinct names across various cultures and languages. In English-speaking regions, it is frequently referred to as the Aztec marigold. Its multilingual identities include the South African Geelgroen afrikaantje and the Danish Hvidgul fløjlsblomst. It also carries the Portuguese name Agulha-do-mato and is known as Gold y De in certain contexts. These diverse common names highlight the global presence and cultural significance of this unique species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Tagetes minuta is a botanical species that has historically been associated with a diverse array of scientific names. Throughout various taxonomic studies, it has been identified under several synonyms, including Tagetes bonariensis and Tagetes glandulifera. Researchers have also documented its connection to Tagetes glandulosa and Tagetes montana in different botanical contexts. Furthermore, the plant is frequently linked to the name Tagetes porophyllum within various herbariums. This complex web of nomenclature highlights the evolving way scientists classify the intricate relationships within the Tagetes genus.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Tagetes minuta belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a diverse group of living organisms. Within this realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Asterales, which connects it to many other notable flowering plants. As a member of the family Asteraceae, it shares structural traits common to the daisy family. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its specific placement within the genus Tagetes.
| 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 minuta exhibits a broad geographical presence across several distinct regions of the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, the species is widely distributed throughout Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Beyond the mainland, its range extends to the Macaronesia island groups. Specifically, populations can be found nestled within the Canary Islands and the Cape Verde archipelago. This diverse distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive in various African environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Tagetes minuta is a self-supporting herb that displays a versatile range of growth habits. Depending on its environmental conditions, the plant can reach a modest height of just 0.1 meters. However, it is also capable of significant expansion, with some specimens growing to a minimum height of 1.85 meters. In optimal settings, the plant can achieve a maximum stature of up to 3 meters. This structural flexibility allows the species to adapt effectively to various landscapes.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Tagetes minuta is a highly versatile medicinal plant recognized for its diverse range of biological activities. Research indicates that its extracts possess significant antioxidant properties, with acetone extracts showing high potency in DPPH assays. The plant also demonstrates strong antibacterial and antimicrobial capabilities, effectively inhibiting various bacterial strains such as S. aureus and E. coli. Furthermore, Tagetes minuta exhibits notable antifungal effects against plant pathogens like Pythium ultimum. Finally, its potential extends to combating tropical parasitic infections through proven antiprotozoal activity against organisms such as Trypanosoma cruzi and T. brucei.
Compounds
Tagetes minuta is a medicinal plant characterized by a complex phytochemical profile that includes significant concentrations of flavonoids. The essential oils derived from its leaves are composed of specific bioactive compounds such as dihydrotagetone and car-3-en-2-one. Furthermore, chemical analysis has identified the presence of glutarylcarnitine and sporovexin C within the plant's various extracts. These diverse constituents contribute to the plant's notable antioxidant and antifungal properties. Consequently, the unique chemical makeup of this species makes it a subject of great interest for oncological and agricultural research.
Conditions
Tagetes minuta demonstrates significant biological activity by treating ABTS through its antioxidant properties. The plant's crude extracts also serve to treat soil pathogens such as Alternaria passiflorae and Aspergillus niger. Furthermore, the essential oil of T. minuta acts as a potential botanical larvicide to treat An. gambiae. Finally, the plant exhibits anti-adherence effects that assist in the treatment of Bacillus sp. Mcn4.
Preparations
Tagetes minuta is prepared as essential oils (EOs) to demonstrate potential larvicidal activity against mosquitoes like Anopheles gambiae. This plant is also prepared as an acetone extract, which has shown significant potency in antioxidant and antifungal assays. Additionally, Tagetes minuta is prepared as aqueous extracts (AE) for the evaluation of in vitro antiviral activities. The species is further prepared as crude organic extracts to inhibit various soil pathogens. Finally, the plant undergoes a process of drying as part of the experimental design for investigating its bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity.
Parts used
Tagetes minuta is a medicinal plant that possesses several distinct parts used for various biological studies, including its leaves, flowers, and seeds. Research into the plant's leaves has revealed significant antimicrobial properties and cytostatic effects against certain human tumor cells. The essential oils extracted from the flowers of this species also demonstrate potent antibacterial and antioxidant activities. Furthermore, the seeds and leaf tissues serve as critical sources for DNA extraction and genetic analysis through polymerase chain reaction methods. By studying these different components, scientists can better understand the complex chemical profile and therapeutic potential of this versatile species.