Ammi majus

Bishop's weed

Ammi majus, commonly known as Bishop's weed, is a medicinal herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. Widely recognized in traditional medicine, it possesses potent diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Often used to support digestive health and manage swelling, this versatile plant offers significant therapeutic potential in herbal pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Ammi majus
  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Ammi majus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Apiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Apiaceae and is placed in the genus Ammi.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Apiales WCVP
Family Apiaceae WCVP
Genus Ammi WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Ammi majus, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In Chinese, it is referred to as 大阿米芹 (zh-hans), 大阿米芹 (zh-hant), 大阿米芹 (zh-hk), 大阿米芹 (zh-cn), and 大阿米芹 (zh-sg).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 大阿米芹 Wikidata
zh-hant 大阿米芹 Wikidata
zh-hk 大阿米芹 Wikidata
zh-cn 大阿米芹 Wikidata
zh-sg 大阿米芹 Wikidata
zh-tw 大阿米芹 Wikidata
de Große Knorpelmöhre Wikidata
cs pakmín větší Wikidata
pl Aminek większy Wikidata
fr Ammi élevé Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Ammi majus, can be found across various regions of Northern Europe. Specifically, its presence has been documented in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. It also grows within the diverse landscapes of Finland. Furthermore, the species is widely distributed throughout Great Britain. Finally, its geographical reach extends to the territories of Ireland and Norway.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Ammi majus, possesses various morphological features that contribute to its medicinal profile. The plant produces delicate, white flowers that bloom in umbel clusters, eventually giving way to its characteristic schizocarp fruit. These fruits are distinctive for their hooked bristles, which aid in dispersal, and they contain the potent seeds often utilized in traditional remedies. The lush, green leaves are finely divided and provide a significant surface area for photosynthesis, while the underground roots serve as the foundation, anchoring the plant and storing essential nutrients.
Total parts
8
Scientific sources
16
Plant Part Sources Confidence
seeds 4 ★★☆☆☆
leaves 3 ★★☆☆☆
roots 2 ★☆☆☆☆
fruit 2 ★☆☆☆☆
flowers 2 ★☆☆☆☆
stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Ammi majus has 29 reported phytochemicals identified across 33 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Xanthotoxin, bergapten, coumarins, flavonoids, 5-MOP.

Total chemicals
29
Scientific sources
33

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Xanthotoxin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
bergapten 2 ★☆☆☆☆
coumarins 2 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
5-MOP 1 ★☆☆☆☆
8-MOP 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Dihydroauroglaucin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
MEP 1 ★☆☆☆☆
MVA 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coumarin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Ammi majus has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antimicrobial.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Ammi majus has 19 reported medicinal uses identified across 21 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include psoriasis, vitiligo, Proteus vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus, colon cancer.

Total uses
19
Scientific sources
21

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
psoriasis 2 ★☆☆☆☆
vitiligo 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Proteus vulgaris 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus aureus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
colon cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
corneal edema 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cutaneous T-cell lymphoma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
kidney stones 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leprosy 1 ★☆☆☆☆
liver cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆