Groundsel
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| Nomenclature | |
Species name: | Senecio vulgaris |
Author(s): |
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General names: | |
Maltese name: | Kubrita |
Plant Family: |
Asteraceae/ Compositae (Daisy (Sunflower) Family) |
Name Derivation: |
Senecio = from "Senex" meaning old man referring to hairy parts of flowers, stalks and seeds. (Latin) |
Synonyms: | No Main Synonyms |
Remarks: | - |
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| Plant Description | |
Life Cycle: | Annual |
Habitat: | |
Frequency: | Common |
Sources in Malta: | Common but not abundant. Located near Gnien il-Haddiem in Dingli. Also present in pathways and waste land in Girgenti, Qormi and Luqa. |
Plant Height: | 10-30cm. |
Flowering Time: | Dec - Apr |
Poison: | Poisonous like other Senecio species |
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This herbaceous and rather low plant have an erect stem of about 20cm in length with few irregular branches mostly present at the inflorescences part. The stem, leaves and to a larger extent the flower stalks have white, wool-like hairs also referred to as floccose hairs. The stem produces several sessile, alternate leaves. Each leaf have a pinnately lobed or coarse toothed blade and the entire outline is dentate. Leaves possess 2 small auricles at their base clasping the stem and have sparse, fine, long bristles mostly found at the upper and central part. The inflorescence is rather corymb-like with groups of 5-12 individual flowers that have stalks coming from a common point. The stalks are about 15mm long or shorter and are quite flimsy resulting in drooping or pendulous flowers. There is a considerable number of wool-like bristles around the flower stalks which can resemble a tangled cob web. The flowers are rayless and hence consists only of a cylindrical green involucre with a flat-topped yellow layer of disk-florets. The most distinctive feature of the flower is the 2 layers of phyllaries forming the involucre. They are narrow with the basal layer being much shorter than the upper layer making most of the involucre. The phyllaries have a characteristical black pointed tips which collectively look like claws or teeth. The black tips of the lower layer are more conspicuous. The yellow disc-florets have an opposite pair of curly stigma which can be seen by the naked eye. No ray-florets (petals) are usually present and hence the flowers are quite inconspicuous. The fruit consist of a white ball of about 30-50 pappus-bearing achenes which are attached to a common receptacle and when mature they get loose and disperse away by wind. Each achene have a bristly pappus that lacks a beak and the actual seed is linear, ash-grey to brown in colour and covered with fine white bristles. The seed also has longitudinal ribs that can be seen only by a magnifying glass. | |
| Additional Information | ||||||||||||||||
Nativity and distribution
Northern Africa: Algeria, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia
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| Anthelmintic | Capable of causing the evacuation of parasitic intestinal worms [WWW-32] |
| Antiscorbutic | Counteracting scurvy hence a remedy for scurvy. [WWW-32] |
| Diaphoretic | A medicine or agent which promotes perspiration. [WWW-32] |
| Diuretic | Tending to increase the secretion and discharge of urine. [WWW-32] |
| Emmenagogue | Used to promote the menstrual discharge. [WWW-32] |
| Homeopathic | A term used in medicine when small doses of a drug cure symptoms like those that larger doses would cause [271] |
| Poultice | A soft composition, as of bread, bran, or a mucilaginous substance, to be applied to sores, inflamed parts of the body, etc. so as to relief them. [WWW-57] |
| Purgative | A purging medicine; stimulates evacuation of the bowels. [WWW-32] |
Groundsel has a long history of herbal use and, although not an officinal plant, it is still often used by herbalists [4] . The whole herb is anthelmintic, antiscorbutic, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue and purgative [4, 9, 21, 54] . It is often used as a poultice and is said to be useful in treating sickness of the stomach, whilst a weak infusion is used as a simple and easy purgative [4] . The plant can be harvested in May and dried for later use, or the fresh juice can be extracted and used as required [4] . Use with caution [21] . This plant should not be used by pregnant women [7] , see also the notes above on toxicity.
A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant [9] . It is used in the treatment of menstrual disorders and nose bleeds [9] .
Chemically, Groundsel contains senecin and seniocine. The juice isslightly acrid, but emollient. [WWW-03, WWW-52]
More data about the medicinal properties of this plant comes from a modern Herbal (by Mrs. M. Grieve) [WWW-03] which states:
It was formerly much used for poultices and reckoned good for sickness of the stomach. A weak infusion of the plant is now sometimes given as a simple and easy purgative, and a strong infusion as an emetic: it causes no irritation or pain, removes bilious trouble and is a great cooler, or as Culpepper puts it:
'This herb is Venus's mistress piece and is as gallant and universal a medicine for all diseases coming of heat, in what part of the body soever they be, as the sun shines upon: it is very safe and friendly to the body of man, yet causes vomiting if the stomach be afflicted, if not, purging. It doth it with more gentleness than can be expected: it is moist and something cold withal, thereby causing expulsion and repressing the heat caused by the motion of the internal parts in purges and vomits. The herb preserved in a syrup, in a distilled water, or in an ointment, is a remedy in all hot diseases, and will do it: first, safely; secondly, speedily.'
'The decoction of the herb, saith Dioscorides, made with wine and drunk helpeth the pains in the stomach proceeding from choler (bile). The juice thereof taken in drink, or the decoction of it in ale gently performeth the same. It is good against the jaundice and falling sickness (epilepsy), and taken in wine expelleth the gravel from the reins and kindeys. It also helpeth the sciatica, colic, and pains of the belly. The people in Lincolnshire use this externally against pains and swelling, and as they affirm with great success. The juice of the herb, or as Dioscorides saith, the leaves and flowers, with some Frankinsense in powder, used in wounds of the body, nerves or sinews, help to heal them. The distilled water of the herb performeth well all the aforesaid cures, but especially for inflammation or watering of the eye, by reason of rheum into them.'
Gerard says that 'the down of the flower mixed with vinegar will also prove a good dressing for wounds, and recommends that when the juice is boiled in ale for the purpose of a purge, a little honey and vinegar be added, and that the efficacy is improved by the further addition of 'a few roots of Assarbace.' He states also that 'it helpeth the King's Evil, and the leaves stamped and strained into milk and drunk helpeth the red gums and frets in children.'
Another old herbalist tells us that the fresh roots smelled when first taken out of the ground are an immediate cure for many forms of headache. But the root must not be dug up with a tool that has any iron in its composition.
Some of the old authorities claimed that Groundsel was especially good for such wounds as had been caused by being struck by iron.
Groundsel in an old-fashioned remedy for chapped hands. If boiling water be poured on the fresh plant, the liquid forms a pleasant swab for the skin and will remove roughness.
For gout, it was recommended to 'pound it with lard, lay it to the feet and it will alleviate the disorder.'
A poultice of the leaves, applied to the pit of the stomach, is said to cause the same emetic effect as a dose of the strong infusion. A poultice made with salt is said to 'disperse knots and kernels in the flesh.'
In this country, farriers give Groundsel to horses as a cure for bot-worms, and in Germany it is said to be employed as a popular vermifuge for children.
A drachm of the juice is sufficient to take, internally.
[WWW-03]
Finally, here is an account of medicinal properties and traditional uses of this plant as described by the King's American Dispensatory [WWW-18] which gives the following information:
Senecio is diuretic, pectoral, diaphoretic, tonic, and exerts a peculiar influence upon the reproductive organs, and particularly of the female, which has given to it, especially the S. gracilis, the name of Female regulator. This is one of our valuable remedies in the treatment of female diseases. It relieves irritation and strengthens functional activity. Ovarian or uterine atony, with impairment of function, increased mucous or muco-purulent secretions, or displacements of the womb and vaginal prolapse, are the chief guides to its use. It is very efficient in promoting the menstrual flow, and may be given alone, in infusion, or combined with equal parts of asarum and savine, in amenorrhoea, not connected with some structural lesion.
It will also be found valuable in dysmenorrhoea, sterility, and chlorosis. In menorrhagia, combined with cinnamon and raspberry leaves, it has been found very serviceable, when administered during the intermenstrual period, as well as at the time of ovulation. Tenesmic and painful micturition of both sexes is often relieved by it. Senecio often cures leucorrhoea when associated with weakness of vaginal walls, allowing uterine displacements, and accompanied with vascular engorgement and pelvic weight.
Senecio is of value in many genital disorders of the male, the indications being pelvic weight and full, tardy, or difficult urination and sensation of dragging in the testicles.
Senecio aids digestion when tardy from congested or relaxed conditions of the gastric membranes. It is also useful in capillary hemorrhage, especially in hematuria, and in albuminuria, with bloody urine. Pulmonary hemorrhage has also been checked by it.
It has proved an excellent diuretic in gravel and other urinary affections, either alone, or given in combination with other diuretics, and is said to be a specific in strangury. In pulmonary and hepatic affections it has proved advantageous, and, taken freely, the decoction has effected cures of dysentery. This remedy produces its effects slowly in chronic disorders.
Specific Indications and Uses are atony of the reproductive organs, with impairment of function; uterine enlargement, with uterine or cervical leucorrhoea; difficult tenesmic micturition; dragging sensations in the testicles; perineal weight and fullness. [WWW-18]
Cultivation details
A common weed of cultivated land, it does not require cultivation.
Groundsel is a good food plant for the caterpillars of many butterfly and moth species, and is one of only two species that provide food for cinnabar moth caterpillars [KF] . One report states that this plant was formerly cultivated as a food crop for livestock [54] ! Since the plant is a cumulative toxin this use is most questionable. [KF]
Seeds of Senecio species may be started inside 8 to 12 weeks before the coldest season commence. Set them on the surface and don't cover; they need light to sprout. Maintain a 75-degree temperature until the seedlings show, then grow in cooler temperatures (40 to 60 degrees). Seeds may also be planted outdoors as soon as the weather is frost-free in drills. The new plants should be set a foot apart. The hardy herbaceous kinds may be propagated by seed or by division. Cuttings of well-ripened shoots may be inserted into a bed of peat moss and sand in the fall. Keep them in a cold frame until they have formed plenty of roots, after which they are planted outside. The climbing varieties are propagated by cuttings that are taken in the spring. Tips of shoots, 2 inches in length, may be inserted in small pots filled with sandy soil. Moisten the soil and cover with a bell jar until roots grow. They are then moved to 3-inch pots and as they grow are moved to larger pots and so on. S. laxifolius needs to be increased by cuttings also. [WWW-43]
Antibacterial and antifungal activity of Senecio inaequidens DC. and Senecio vulgaris L.
The antibacterial and antifungal activities of methanol extract, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, n-hexane, n-butanol and chloroform fractions of Senecio inaequidens DC. and Senecio vulgaris L. were assayed. The hexane extract of Senecio vulgaris L. (MIC 0.031 mg/ml) showed significant activity against Trichophyton tonsurans. [327]
Veno-occlusive liver disease induced by Senecio vulgaris toxicity]
Veno-occlusive liver disease is a well-known clinico-pathological entity. Etiology is varied but the most frequent cause is toxicity. Pirrolizadimic alkaloids, which are found in a large number of vegetables and which are used as therapy, have been identified as the direct origin of this process. We report a 23-year-old woman who presented with abdominal distension. Ascites was recorded semiologically. Laboratory studies and liver biopsy were performed. Histopathology revealed alterations characteristic of veno-occlusive disease and hepatic hemodynamic studies confirmed the diagnosis. Due to chronic constipation, the patient had been taking commercial preparations of herbal infusions which contained Senecio vulgaris. Outcome was favorable and periodic clinical check-ups have been normal to date. The presentation of this case as acute veno-occlusive disease due to pirrolizidinic alkaloids as well as the clinical remission of the effects in the liver are emphasized. [328]
Veno-occlusive liver disease due to intake of Senecio vulgaris tea
Veno-occlusive liver disease (VOLD) is a cause of portal hypertension by non thrombotic obstruction of hepatic venous drainage attributed to multiple etiologies (toxic, irradiation, antineoplastic, conditioning for bone marrow transplantation). One case of VOLD in a senile patient due to continuous two year consumption of Senecio vulgaris tea is reported. This compound, which has a high pyrrolizidine alkaloid content induced a subacute course of portal hypertension and death. The clinicopathologic features of VOLD and the etiopathogenesis in relation to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids present in Senecio vulgaris are discussed. The need for considering the history of medicinal plant ingestion in patients under portal hypertension studies are strongly recommended as is the advice regarding the possible dangers involved in the inappropriate use of remedies provided by herbalists. [330]
Toxicity of Senecio vernalis to laying hens and evaluation of residues in eggs.
Diets with 0.0, 0.5,2.0, or 4.0% ground-aerIal parts of Senecio vernalis were fed to groups of 10 laying hens for 210 d. Plant alkaloid content was 0.14% with 8.57% in the basic form and 91.43% in the N-oxide form. Specific alkaloids were senecionin (66.65%), senecivernin (10.37%), seneciphylline (8.51%), integerrimine (8.44%), retrorsine (3.03%), senkirkine (2.35%) and hydroxysenkirkine (0.65%). At the end of the feeding period, no mortality or clinical signs occurred in any test group. However, decreases in egg production, feed efficiency, feed intake and body weight occurred on diets containing 2 or 4% of the plant. Serum gamma-GT was significantly elevated and serum albumin and protein were significantly decreased in hens fed the 2 and 4% diets. Total bilirubin was significantly higher in the 4% group. No free pyrrolizidine alkaloids were detected in eggs indicating that at these rates of dietary exposure, they did not produce residues at the level of detection or that they were bound irreversibly to egg proteins. Hens fed 2 or 4% plant diets had mild to moderate chronic liver changes of periportal or septal fibrosis, megalocytosis, bile duct hyperplasia and early regenerative nodule formation. [329]
Pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced liver disease in horses: an early diagnosis.
Nine adult horses were fed alfalfa hay cubes containing approximately 10% Senecio vulgaris until all horses had consumed approximately the same amount of toxic components of S vulgaris, pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). The amount of PA consumed was determined by the amount that induced clinical signs of PA toxicosis in 3 horses. The 6 other horses were given similar amounts per kilogram of body weight. An initial decrease of feed intake was observed when horses' diets were changed from alfalfa cubes to alfalfa/Senecio cubes, and feed intake was decreased further over 89 to 98 days. From 50 to 159 days, body weight decreased in all horses. Liver disease was induced in all 9 horses after they ate an average of 233 +/- 9.2 mg of PA/kg of body weight. Eight horses died or were euthanatized. Treatment with branched chain amino acids had no effect on mortality, but appeared to reduce neurologic problems. Clinical signs of PA-induced liver disease included ataxia, head pressing, and decreased feed intake. Other clinical signs of toxicosis were observed individual horses, but did not develop in most horses. Megalocytic hepatopathy developed. Liver abnormalities proceeded as PA was consumed and were severe in 8 of 9 horses before clinical signs of toxicosis appeared. Sulfobromophthalein sodium clearance did not decrease until PA-induced liver disease was advanced. Bile acid (BA) concentrations increased to greater than or equal to 50 mumol/L, in the 8 horses that died. One horse had hepatopathy and increased BA concentration, but survived. In this horse, BA concentration peaked at 33 mumol/L and then decreased. [331]
Personal Observations
Rayless flowers makes this plant unobserved
Although it is a quite common plant around the Maltese islands, this plant can be unobserved due 2 main physical reasons. The rayless flowers and its relatively low height makes this plants inconspicuous amongst other vegetations. It will be quickly overgrown by Oxalis pes-caprae and later Glebionis coronarium after the month of January. The best time to locate this plant is in fact December. It could be easily located if one looks carefully at the sides of tracks and passages in the countrysides. It could be also spotted beside pavements, traffic islands and public parks and gardens. [SM]
| Photo Gallery | |||
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Photo of a group of flowers in situ. The inflorescence is corymb like ; several flowers with pedicels arising from the same locus. |
Photo of flowers which are rayless (have no petals or ray-florets). |
Photo of cluster of flowers showing the wool-like bristles found sparsely in many parts of the plant, especially at the flower pedicels (stalks). These wool-like bristles makes the plant described as floccose. |
Photo of flowers which consists of a cylindrical involucre made by 2 rows of narrow, bract-like structures called phyllaries. |
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Photo of flowers hanging upside down. The stalks of the flowers are not turgid and erect. The phyllaries have a characteristical black tip which is more pronounced in the lower (basal) row of phyllaries. |
Close up photo of two flowers showing the contrasting black-tipped phyllaries. |
Close up photo of a single flower and its numerous, tiny, yellow disc-florets. These have a 2-parted curled stigma as it can be clearly seen in this photo. |
Close up photo of the disc-florets; about 20-40 per flower. |
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Scanned image of inflorescence. |
Magnified scanned image of 2 flowers showing in details the narrow phyllaries forming the cylindrical involucre. There are about 24 phyllaries arranged in 2 rows. Those in the basal row are much shorter but have conspicuous black tips. |
Scanned image of a longitudinal section of flower showing the ovaries and receptacle. |
Scanned image of disc florets of flower. |
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Scanned image of 2 individual florets. It consists of an ovary (which develops into the seed referred to as achene) a tuft of bristles which will develop into the pappus of the seed and a tube like floret with the reproductive organs (stamens/stigma) inside. |
Photo of leaves of a young plant. |
Scanned image of two typical leaves. They are pinnately lobed (coarsely toothed) and the outline is dentate. They often have sparse wool-like bristles at the central part. |
Magnified image of two lobes of a leaf showing their dentate outline and the long fine bristles at the centre. |
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Photo of the erect herbaceous plant in situ. |
Photo of plant which grows rather low, normally between 15-25cm. |
Photo of plant and its inconspicuous, rayless flowers. |
Photo of plant at the side of a lane in an area of arable land. This is the common habitat of the plant in Malta and Gozo. |
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Photo of seed head which consists of ball of achenes with white bristly pappus. There is about 30-50 seeds per head. |
Close up photo of seed head with some seeds dispersed away by wind. Achenes are ribbed longitudinally, greyish-brown in colour and have a white pappus. |
Scanned image of several seeds against a dark background. |
Scanned image of few seeds, some with the pappus removed to show better the seed's surface. |
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Magnified scanned image of a single achene which consists of a linear seed (about 2mm long) and a beak-less pappus made up of radiating white bristles. |
Magnified image under light microscope of seed (pappus removed). It shows well the longitudinal brown ribs, with tiny white bristles in between. |
Illustration of the plant taken from Bilden ur Nordens Flora (http://runeberg.org/nordflor). |
Illustration of the plant taken from Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz (Dr. Thomé, Otto Wilhelm) . |
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