Tropaeolum tuberosum
Mashua
Tropaeolum tuberosum, commonly known as nasturtium tuber, is a versatile medicinal plant valued for its nutrient-rich edible tubers. Renowned in traditional medicine, it possesses significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This hardy perennial offers a unique combination of culinary utility and therapeutic potential for promoting overall wellness and vitality.
- Scientific name: Tropaeolum tuberosum
- Family: Tropaeolaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Tropaeoluum tuberosum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Brassicales and the family Tropaeolaeaceae. It is further categorized into the genus Tropaeoluum.
| 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 Tropaeoluum tuberosum, is referred to by various common names depending on the language, such as Mashua in English and Knollige Kapuzinerkresse in German. In Czech, it is called lichořeřišnice hlízatá, while in Finnish, it is known as mukulaköynnöskrassi, and in Lithuanian, it is referred to as Gumbinė nasturtė.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Knollige Kapuzinerkresse | Wikidata |
| cs | lichořeřišnice hlíznatá | Wikidata |
| en | Mashua | Wikidata |
| fi | mukulaköynnöskrassi | Wikidata |
| lt | Gumbinė nasturtė | Wikidata |
| nl | Knolcapucien | Wikidata |
| qu | Maswa | Wikidata |
| ru | Настурция клубненосная | Wikidata |
| zh | 塊莖金蓮花 | Wikidata |
| ca | mashua | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several regions of the South American continent. In Western South America, it can be found growing within the territories of Bolivia, Colombia, and Ecuador. Its presence is also well-documented throughout the diverse landscapes of Peru. Moving toward the southern part of the continent, the species extends its reach into Argentina. Specifically, its range encompasses the northwestern regions of Argentina.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Ecuador | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Argentina Northwest | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known as Tropaeolum tuberosum, is highly valued for its edible and medicinal properties, which are primarily concentrated in its underground storage organs. The most significant parts of the plant are the tubers, which develop as fleshy, starchy swellings that store nutrients for the plant's survival. Each individual tuber serves as a vital source of energy, and in many traditional culinary and medicinal practices, the harvested tuber is prepared to harness its specific health benefits.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| tubers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tuber | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Tropaeolum tuberosum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cyanidin 3-glucoside, anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, cyanidin 3-sophoroside, delphinidin 3-glucoside.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cyanidin 3-glucoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anthocyanins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cyanidin 3-rutinoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cyanidin 3-sophoroside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| delphinidin 3-glucoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Tropaeolum tuberosum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Tropaeolum tuberosum has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antibiotic, diuretic, lung diseases, skin diseases, venereal diseases.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antibiotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lung diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| venereal diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |