Vaccinium vitis-idaea
Vaccinium vitis-idaea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Vaccinium vitis-idaea is a notable plant species primarily valued for the medicinal potential found within its fruit. Scientific studies focusing on its extracts, particularly water extracts, have highlighted significant antidiabetic and antioxidant activities. The plant contains essential chemical compounds such as arbutin, polyphenols, and quercetin, which contribute to its therapeutic profile. These bioactive substances function as 11B-HSD inhibitors and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors, offering protection against various physiological challenges. Consequently, these preparations show promise in addressing conditions such as hyperglycemia, diabetic complications, cell aggregation, and the effects of aging.
- Synonyms
- Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea F. Minus · Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea F. Pyricarpum · 23 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Distribution
- Northern America
- Plant Parts
- Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Vaccinium vitis-idaea is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of common names across different languages and regions. In certain areas, it is frequently referred to as randeira rubia or arando-vermelho. Spanish speakers often identify this species as arándano rojo, highlighting its widespread cultural recognition. It is also known by the simpler names bol and boronica in specific local contexts. This variety of nomenclature reflects the plant's broad geographical distribution and its importance to various communities.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Vaccinium vitis-idaea is a taxonomically complex species that has been classified under various names throughout botanical history. It is widely recognized as a synonym for Myrtillus exigua in several scientific contexts. Furthermore, the plant has been linked to the designation Rhodococcum hybridum within certain older records. Other taxonomic variations include its identification as Rhodococcum minus and Rhodococcum vitis-idaea. Finally, the name Vaccinium hybridum also serves as a recognized synonym for this versatile species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Vaccinium vitis-idaea is a remarkable species that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further resides in the order Ericales, which helps define its specific botanical lineage. This plant is a proud member of the genus Vaccinium, showcasing its unique evolutionary traits. Finally, it finds its botanical home within the diverse family Ericaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Ericaceae |
| Genus | Vaccinium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Vaccinium vitis-idaea exhibits a remarkably wide geographical range that spans from frigid southern reaches to vast temperate regions. This hardy species can be found in the extreme environments of Antarctica, the Subantarctic Islands, and South Georgia. Moving into the northern hemisphere, its presence is well-established across various parts of Asia-Temperate. Specifically, it thrives within the Caucasus and Transcaucasus regions, extending its reach into the heart of Central Asia through Kazakhstan. Furthermore, the plant maintains a significant distribution within North-Central China, highlighting its adaptability across diverse climates.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Vaccinium vitis-idaea is a hardy plant characterized by its distinct shrub growth form. As a self-supporting species, it maintains its structure without the need for external support. The plant typically exhibits a modest stature, with a maximum height reaching approximately 0.4 meters. Depending on its environment, its size can vary significantly, sometimes measuring as little as 0.02 meters. More specifically, the minimum height observed in many specimens is often around 0.16 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Vaccinium vitis-idaea demonstrates significant therapeutic potential through its diverse biological activities. Research indicates that the plant possesses potent antidiabetic properties, primarily driven by quercetin and its glycosides which stimulate glucose uptake via the AMPK pathway. Furthermore, the species exhibits strong antioxidant activity, which has been shown to protect against liver injury and oxidative stress in animal models. The presence of compounds like arbutin contributes to this effect by providing effective scavenging of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. Together, these findings highlight the plant's importance as a source of bioactive constituents for managing metabolic and oxidative health.
Compounds
Vaccinium vitis-idaea is a medicinal plant recognized for its diverse array of bioactive chemical constituents. Research indicates that this species contains arbutin, a compound that serves as a potent antioxidant with significant radical scavenging abilities. Furthermore, the plant is characterized by a high level of polyphenols, which contribute to its ability to modulate bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics. The berries also contain quercetin and its glycosides, which play a crucial role in stimulating glucose uptake through the AMPK pathway. Together, these diverse compounds highlight the significant therapeutic potential of the plant in managing oxidative stress and metabolic diseases.
Conditions
Vaccinium vitis-idaea stimulates the formation of biofilms in Escherichia coli and increases specific biofilm formation (SBF) when used in pretreatment. The plant extract also serves as a potent antioxidant that treats galactosamine (GalN)-induced hepatotoxicity and protects against GalN-induced rat liver toxicity. Furthermore, this species demonstrates therapeutic potential by suppressing the LPS-stimulated inflammatory response. These diverse biological activities highlight the multifaceted medicinal properties of the plant.
Preparations
Vaccinium vitis-idaea is prepared as extracts to study its various medicinal properties and biological activities. Specifically, the plant is prepared as water extracts to investigate its effects on bacterial survival and biofilm formation in Escherichia coli. These studies demonstrate that the plant is prepared as an extract to evaluate its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential in different experimental models. In several research contexts, Vaccinium vitis-idaea is prepared as extracts containing high levels of polyphenols to modulate antibiotic susceptibility. Ultimately, the plant is prepared as an extract to assess its capacity to scavenge radicals and protect against oxidative stress.
Parts used
Vaccinium vitis-idaea, commonly known as the lingonberry, is a plant whose medicinal value is primarily derived from its fruit. Research indicates that extracts from these berries can significantly enhance glucose uptake and improve metabolic markers in models of type 2 diabetes. Specifically, active compounds like quercetin and its glycosides found within the fruit stimulate the AMPK pathway, a mechanism similar to the drug metformin. Beyond metabolic benefits, aqueous extracts of the berries have also demonstrated potential in inducing viral resistance within the immune system. These findings highlight the importance of the lingonberry fruit as a culturally significant and scientifically promising resource for treating metabolic and infectious diseases.