Tropaeolum majus
Tropaeolum majus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Tropaeolum majus is a versatile plant known for containing bioactive compounds such as benzeneacetic acid, benzyl glucosinolate, and benzyl isothiocyanate. Various plant parts, including the leaf, flower, and fruit, are utilized to create potent aqueous and ethanolic extracts. These preparations have demonstrated significant biological activities, specifically exhibiting antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antitumor properties. Research suggests these extracts may play a role in managing conditions like urinary tract infections and asthma, while also influencing the cell cycle. Furthermore, studying this species provides valuable insights into how the plant responds to environmental factors like salt stress.
- Synonyms
- Trophaeum Scheunerianum · Cardamindum Majus · 29 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Tropaeolaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf · Flower
Classification
Common Names
Tropaeolum majus is a versatile plant known by a wide array of regional names across different cultures. In certain areas, it is frequently referred to as Capan Cornicyll or Copa Cornicyll. It is also widely recognized under the common labels of Capuchina sudamericana and Capuchinha. Furthermore, many people identify this species simply as Caputxina. Regardless of the specific name used, this vibrant plant remains a beloved fixture in many gardens.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Tropaeolum majus is a versatile plant recognized by several different botanical names within various taxonomic classifications. It is frequently identified by the synonym Cardamindum majus in older horticultural texts. Researchers and gardeners may also encounter it listed as Tropaeolum atrosanguineum or Tropaeolum chaixianum. Furthermore, the species is sometimes referred to as Tropaeolum compactum depending on its specific growth habit. Finally, the name Tropaeolum hortense serves as another valid synonym used to describe this colorful flowering plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Tropaeolum majus belongs to the diverse kingdom Plantae, representing a unique branch of the natural world. Within this vast kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the order Brassicales. It further finds its specific place within the family Tropaeolaceae. At a more precise taxonomic level, it is a member of the genus Tropaeolum. These nested relationships highlight the complex biological lineage of this distinctive plant.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Tropaeolaceae |
| Genus | Tropaeolum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Tropaeolum majus exhibits a widespread distribution that spans across several key regions of Africa and the Macaronesia archipelago. Within these territories, the species can be found thriving in the Azores, the Canary Islands, and Madeira. Its presence further extends to the Cape Verde islands, highlighting its adaptability to various island environments. Additionally, the plant reaches into the remote reaches of the Middle Atlantic Ocean, specifically inhabiting Ascension. This broad geographical range underscores the significant ecological footprint of the species across these Atlantic landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Tropaeolum majus is a versatile herb characterized by its self-supporting growth form. This plant displays a remarkable range in stature, with individuals measuring as little as 0.1 m in height. While some specimens remain quite small, others can reach a maximum height of 2 m. Many healthy plants in optimal conditions frequently attain a more substantial height of at least 1.83 m. Such diverse physical dimensions allow this species to adapt to various garden spaces.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Tropaeolum majus exhibits a diverse range of therapeutic activities that highlight its significant medicinal potential. Research indicates that the plant possesses strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective against various microbial pathogens. Additionally, its extracts demonstrate notable antioxidant capabilities, which contribute to overall cellular health. The plant also shows significant anticancer and antitumor activities, particularly through compounds like benzyl isothiocyanate that target various tumor cell lines. These combined biological effects suggest that Tropaeolum majus could serve as a vital resource for developing new treatments for infectious diseases and cancer.
Compounds
Tropaeolum majus is a medicinal plant characterized by a diverse profile of bioactive phytochemicals. Analysis of its leaf extracts through GC-MS reveals that benzeneacetic acid serves as a dominant constituent within the plant. Furthermore, the species is known to produce significant amounts of benzyl glucosinolate in its cultured cells. Through the process of enzymatic hydrolysis, this glucosinolate is converted into benzyl isothiocyanate, a natural product with notable biological activity. Together, these specific chemical relationships highlight the plant's significant therapeutic potential in antioxidant and anticancer research.
Conditions
Tropaeolum majus exhibits diverse therapeutic and protective properties, such as the ability to treat urinary tract infections through bioactive components like phylloxanthobilins. The plant's natural product, benzyl isothiocyanate, has demonstrated cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines, including 41-M. While studies on ADJ/PC6 plasmacytoma subcutaneous tumors in mice showed toxicity at specific doses without mass reduction, the compound's overall growth inhibitory properties remain a subject of interest. Additionally, extracts of the plant have demonstrated significant antithrombin activity in chromogenic bioassays. Finally, the plant's physiological resilience can be managed, as applications of spermine or proline help treat the negative impacts of salt stress on its growth and gas exchange.
Preparations
Tropaeolum majus is prepared as leaf extracts to facilitate the eco-friendly biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. These plant materials are further prepared as aqueous and ethanolic extracts to analyze their phytochemical composition and antioxidant activities. Specifically, the plant is prepared as an aqueous extract to evaluate its inhibitory effects on various cell lines. It is also prepared as an ethanol extract for testing its anticancer properties. Additionally, Tropaeolum majus is prepared as flower extracts to examine the toxic potential and biological effects of its chemical compounds.
Parts used
Tropaeolum majus is a versatile plant that is widely utilized for ornamental, medicinal, and food purposes. Various parts of the organism, including the leaves, flowers, and fruits, contribute to its significant value in phytomedicine. The leaves are particularly noted for their ability to be used in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and for containing bioactive compounds like phylloxanthobilins. Additionally, the flowers and fruits are integral components of the plant's overall structure and utility. Together, these botanical parts make the species a subject of great interest in both therapeutic research and agricultural studies.