Zea mays
Zea mays · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Zea mays, commonly known as maize, serves as a significant botanical subject for investigating diverse pharmacological activities including antimalarial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, and diuretic properties. Research utilizing various plant parts such as the root, stem, and leaf has identified key phytochemicals like chrysoeriol 6-C-beta-boivinopyranosyl-7-O-beta-glucopyranoside, boivinose, and specific compounds 2 and 3. By employing preparations ranging from aqueous and crude extracts to concentrated extracts and bee pollen, scientists can evaluate the plant's impact on conditions like glycation, lipid peroxidation, and interactions with aminophylline. These studies highlight the potential of the plant's chemical constituents in mitigating oxidative stress and managing various physiological imbalances. Consequently, the chemical profile of Zea mays continues to offer promising avenues for medicinal development.
- Synonyms
- Thalysia Mays
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Poaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Root · Stem
Classification
Common Names
Zea mays is a versatile crop recognized by a diverse array of regional names. Depending on the local dialect, this plant is frequently referred to as icú or Aburoo. In other communities, it is commonly known as Agbado, showcasing its widespread cultural importance. The plant also carries the distinct names Anyuɔl and Barelle in various linguistic contexts. These varied appellations highlight the deep-rooted connection between the crop and the many people who cultivate it.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Zea mays is the scientific name most commonly used to identify the essential crop known as maize. Within botanical literature, this plant is also recognized by the synonym Thalysia mays. Understanding these nomenclature variations is crucial for researchers studying its unique genetic profile. While the names differ, they both refer to the same versatile cereal grain used globally. Recognizing these synonymous terms ensures clarity when navigating diverse scientific databases.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Zea mays is a remarkable organism that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological group, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. Its taxonomic journey continues through the order Poales, which defines its structural characteristics. The plant is further categorized into the family Poaceae, a group known for its diverse grasses. Ultimately, it is identified by its specific genus, Zea, marking its unique place in the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Zea |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Zea mays exhibits a diverse geographic distribution across several distinct regions within the African continent. Its presence is noted in East Tropical Africa, specifically within the borders of Tanzania. The plant also extends its reach to the Macaronesia islands, including the Azores and the Canary Islands. Furthermore, its range encompasses parts of Northeast Tropical Africa, stretching through Chad and Djibouti. This wide-reaching pattern highlights the significant adaptability of the species across varied African landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Zea mays is a distinctive herb characterized by its robust and self-supporting growth form. This plant typically reaches a height ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 5 meters. For many varieties, a more specific height threshold begins at approximately 2.13 meters. Such structural characteristics allow the plant to stand upright without the need for external support. Understanding these dimensions is essential for identifying its role within various agricultural landscapes.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Zea mays exhibits a diverse range of biological activities that support its traditional use in various medicinal practices. Research has demonstrated that its husk extracts possess significant antimalarial and antiplasmodial properties, even against chloroquine-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Beyond parasite control, the plant serves as a source of antioxidant protection, which can help mitigate toxicities and oxidative stress. Additionally, specific diterpenoids isolated from its roots have shown notable antiproliferative effects against multiple human cancer cell lines. While some traditional remedies suggest Zea mays has diuretic properties, clinical studies emphasize the need for further investigation to validate these empirical claims.
Compounds
Zea mays serves as the biological source for the identification of unique chemical compounds found within its style. Researchers have successfully isolated a specific flavone C-glycoside known as chrysoeriol 6-C-beta-boivinopyranosyl-7-O-beta-glucopyranoside from this plant. This particular substance is notable for containing the rare sugar boivinose within its molecular structure. Beyond its chemical composition, the compound demonstrates significant glycation inhibitory activity. Such properties suggest that these natural extracts may function similarly to known inhibitors like aminoguanidine.
Conditions
Zea mays offers diverse therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties found in its by-products and root extracts like betaine. The plant's ability to treat diabetes is evidenced by the hypoglycemic effects of corn silk, particularly through flavonoids such as luteolin and chrysoeriol that inhibit the DPP4 protein. Furthermore, Zea mays serves as a source of glycation-inhibitory agents, with specific flavone C-glycosides and aqueous extracts showing promise in managing glycation processes. To address environmental challenges, various treatments can be utilized to help the plant treat and mitigate the effects of drought stress by enhancing its antioxidant defense systems. Together, these pharmacological activities highlight the significant medicinal and agricultural potential of different Zea mays components.
Preparations
Zea mays is prepared as aqueous extracts to evaluate its anthelmintic activity against parasitic infections such as pinworms. This plant also serves as a major floral source for bee pollen, which varies in nutritional and mineral composition depending on its origin. In studies focusing on cornstalks, Zea mays is prepared as a concentrated extract to isolate lignans and flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the plant is prepared as an ethanol husk extract to investigate its significant antimalarial and antiplasmodial potentials. Finally, the crude extract of the husk is utilized to demonstrate medicinal activity against both chloroquine-sensitive and resistant strains of malaria parasites.
Parts used
Zea mays is a globally significant cereal crop that contains various biological parts with immense therapeutic potential. Scientific research highlights that the roots of this plant serve as a rich source of ent-kaurane diterpenoids and amines like zeaamine, which exhibit notable antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities. Additionally, the stems, often referred to as cornstalks, yield important lignans and flavonoids that provide anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits. The leaves also contribute to the diverse chemical profile of the plant, adding to the wide array of natural compounds available for medicinal study. Collectively, these distinct components—the roots, stems, and leaves—demonstrate how different parts of Zea mays can be utilized for advanced pharmacological applications.