Officinalis: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 05:25, 16 February 2025

Sepia officinalis[edit]

Sepia officinalis, commonly known as the common cuttlefish, is a species of cuttlefish in the family Sepiidae. It is found in the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from the North Sea to the southern coast of Africa.

Description[edit]

The common cuttlefish is characterized by its broad, flattened body and a distinctive internal shell known as the cuttlebone. The cuttlebone is porous and helps the cuttlefish maintain buoyancy. The body is covered with a mantle and has a pair of fins running along the sides. The cuttlefish has eight arms and two longer tentacles used for capturing prey.

Habitat[edit]

Sepia officinalis inhabits sandy and muddy substrates in coastal waters, often at depths ranging from 1 to 200 meters. It is commonly found in seagrass beds and can also be seen in estuaries and lagoons.

Behavior[edit]

Cuttlefish are known for their remarkable ability to change color and texture, a skill they use for camouflage, communication, and predation. They are active predators, feeding on crustaceans, fish, and other small marine animals. The common cuttlefish uses its tentacles to capture prey, which it then immobilizes with a paralyzing toxin.

Reproduction[edit]

Reproduction in Sepia officinalis involves complex courtship displays. Males compete for females by displaying vibrant colors and patterns. After mating, females lay eggs in clusters, attaching them to substrates like seaweed or rocks. The eggs hatch into miniature versions of the adults, bypassing a larval stage.

Importance to Humans[edit]

The common cuttlefish is of commercial importance in some regions, where it is caught for food. Its cuttlebone is also used as a calcium supplement for birds and other animals.

Related pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Officinalis''' is a [[Latin]] term used in the naming of [[medicinal plant]]s and [[pharmaceutical]] substances derived from them. The word officinalis, meaning "of or belonging to an office, shop, or workroom," historically refers to the storeroom of a [[monastery]] where medicines and [[herbal remedies]] were stored. Plants and substances with the epithet ''officinalis'' were those officially approved for medicinal use. This designation is still used in botanical nomenclature to indicate a plant with a long history of medicinal use.
+== Sepia officinalis ==
-==Overview==
+[[File:Sepia_officinalis_(aquarium).jpg|thumb|right|250px|Common cuttlefish in an aquarium]]
-The use of ''officinalis'' in plant names dates back to the Roman Empire, where certain plants were recognized for their health benefits and were cultivated in medicinal gardens. The tradition continued through the Middle Ages, with monasteries playing a crucial role in the cultivation and study of medicinal plants. The term ''officinalis'' became formalized in botanical naming conventions to signify plants with medicinal properties, as established by pharmacopeias and herbal compendiums.
-==Medicinal Uses==
+'''Sepia officinalis''', commonly known as the '''common cuttlefish''', is a species of [[cuttlefish]] in the family [[Sepiidae]]. It is found in the [[Mediterranean Sea]] and the eastern [[Atlantic Ocean]], from the [[North Sea]] to the [[South Africa|southern]] coast of [[Africa]].
-Plants bearing the ''officinalis'' epithet are diverse and have been used in traditional medicine across various cultures. These plants are utilized in different forms, including [[herbal tea]]s, extracts, ointments, and essential oils, to treat a wide range of ailments. Some well-known examples include:
-* [[Salvia officinalis]] (common sage), used for its digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.
+== Description ==
-* [[Rosmarinus officinalis]] (rosemary), known for its antioxidant effects and memory enhancement capabilities.
-* [[Calendula officinalis]] (marigold), applied topically for its healing and antiseptic qualities.
-* [[Melissa officinalis]] (lemon balm), valued for its calming effects and assistance in sleep.
-==Pharmacological Research==
+The common cuttlefish is characterized by its broad, flattened body and a distinctive internal shell known as the [[cuttlebone]]. The cuttlebone is porous and helps the cuttlefish maintain buoyancy. The body is covered with a mantle and has a pair of fins running along the sides. The cuttlefish has eight arms and two longer tentacles used for capturing prey.
-Research into the pharmacological properties of ''officinalis'' plants continues, with studies aimed at understanding their active compounds, mechanisms of action, and potential therapeutic applications. This research contributes to the integration of traditional herbal medicine with modern pharmacotherapy, offering potential for new drug discoveries and natural health products.
-==Regulation and Quality Control==
+== Habitat ==
-The designation ''officinalis'' does not guarantee safety or efficacy, and the quality of herbal products can vary significantly. Regulatory bodies in many countries oversee the production and marketing of herbal medicines to ensure they meet quality standards and are safe for consumption. Consumers are advised to purchase herbal products from reputable sources and consult healthcare professionals before using them for medicinal purposes.
-==Conservation==
+Sepia officinalis inhabits sandy and muddy substrates in coastal waters, often at depths ranging from 1 to 200 meters. It is commonly found in [[seagrass]] beds and can also be seen in [[estuaries]] and [[lagoons]].
-The popularity of ''officinalis'' plants for medicinal use has led to concerns over their conservation status. Overharvesting and habitat destruction threaten the survival of some species. Sustainable cultivation practices and conservation efforts are essential to ensure these plants remain available for future generations.
-==See Also==
+== Behavior ==
-* [[Herbal medicine]]
-* [[Pharmacognosy]]
-* [[Ethnobotany]]
-* [[List of plants used in herbalism]]
-[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
+Cuttlefish are known for their remarkable ability to change color and texture, a skill they use for [[camouflage]], communication, and predation. They are active predators, feeding on [[crustaceans]], [[fish]], and other small marine animals. The common cuttlefish uses its tentacles to capture prey, which it then immobilizes with a paralyzing toxin.
-[[Category:Pharmacognosy]]
-[[Category:Botanical nomenclature]]
-{{Medicine-stub}}
+== Reproduction ==
+Reproduction in Sepia officinalis involves complex courtship displays. Males compete for females by displaying vibrant colors and patterns. After mating, females lay eggs in clusters, attaching them to substrates like [[seaweed]] or [[rocks]]. The eggs hatch into miniature versions of the adults, bypassing a larval stage.
+== Importance to Humans ==
+The common cuttlefish is of commercial importance in some regions, where it is caught for food. Its cuttlebone is also used as a calcium supplement for [[birds]] and other animals.
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Cephalopod]]
+* [[Mollusca]]
+* [[Marine biology]]
+[[Category:Cephalopods]]
+[[Category:Marine biology]]