Tropaeolum majus
Cardamindum majus moench
Tropaeoluum majus, commonly known as nasturtium, is a versatile medicinal plant valued for its potent bioactive compounds. Rich in glucosinolates, it possesses remarkable antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Traditionally used to support respiratory health and immunity, its edible flowers and leaves offer both nutritional benefits and therapeutic potential.
- Scientific name: Tropaeolum majus
- Family: Tropaeolaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Brassicales. Finally, it falls into the family Tropaeolaceae and is identified by the genus Tropaeolum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Brassicales | WCVP |
| Family | Tropaeolaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Tropaeolum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Tropaeolum majus, is recognized by various common names across different Chinese linguistic regions. In Simplified Chinese, used in mainland China and Singapore, it is referred to as 旱金莲 (zh-hans, zh-cn, zh-sg). In Traditional Chinese, as utilized in Hong Kong and Taiwan, the name is written as 旱金蓮 (zh-hant, zh-hk).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 旱金莲 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 旱金蓮 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 旱金蓮 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 旱金莲 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 旱金莲 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 金蓮花 | Wikidata |
| pl | Nasturcja większa | Wikidata |
| ko | 한련 | Wikidata |
| fr | Grande capucine | Wikidata |
| he | כובע הנזיר | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving into Middle Europe, its presence extends into the territory of Belgium. It is also documented to inhabit the areas of Czechia-Slovakia. Finally, its range includes the country of Germany.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as nasturtium, is a versatile herb where almost every component offers therapeutic potential. The vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers are not only edible but are often used to infuse oils or teas, while the large, rounded leaves provide a rich source of vitamins and antioxidants. In various traditional medicinal practices, concentrated leaf extracts are utilized for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the small, rounded fruits can be harvested, completing the botanical profile of this nutrient-dense species.- Total parts
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 10
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf extracts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| herb | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| buds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Tropaeolum majus has 15 reported phytochemicals identified across 16 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include benzyl isothiocyanate, BITC, Benzyl isothiocyanate, alpha-L-Fucosidase, benzyl glucosinolate.
- Total chemicals
- 15
- Scientific sources
- 16
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| benzyl isothiocyanate | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| BITC | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Benzyl isothiocyanate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alpha-L-Fucosidase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| benzyl glucosinolate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| endo-1,4-beta-glucanase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epicatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| glucotropaeolin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Tropaeolum majus has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antifungal, Antioxidant, Diuretic.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Tropaeolum majus has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diuresis, salt stress, Salt Stress, cardiovascular diseases, diuretic effects.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| diuresis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| salt stress | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Salt Stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cardiovascular diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diuretic effects | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastric diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |