Anacyclus pyrethrum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Anacyclus pyrethrum var. depressus
• Anthemis pyrethrum
• Matricaria officinarum
• Matricaria pyrethrum
• Anacyclus officinarum
• Anacyclus depressus
• Anacyclus freynii
• Anacyclus pseudopyrethrum
• Anacyclus pulcher

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Anacyclus and its specific species name, pyrethrum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, its presence is well-documented in both Germany and Poland. Moving toward the Mediterranean region, it can also be found throughout Southwestern Europe, specifically in France and Spain. Furthermore, its range extends eastward into the territories of Eastern Europe. Ultimately, these locations highlight the diverse environmental settings where the species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Anacyclus pyrethrum is characterized by an annual lifecycle, meaning the plant completes its entire developmental process—from germination to seed production—within a single growing season. Following the initial germination phase, the plant focuses its energy on vegetative growth, establishing a root system and developing its distinctive foliage. As the season progresses, it transitions into its reproductive phase, producing flowering heads that facilitate pollination. Once fertilization occurs, the plant shifts its metabolic resources toward senescence and the maturation of seeds, which are then dispersed to ensure the survival of the next generation. This rapid, single-season cycle allows the species to effectively exploit favorable environmental conditions before the onset of unfavorable seasonal changes.

Lifecycle :

annual

Morphology

The morphology of Anacyclus pyrethrum is characterized by a growth form classified as a herb, featuring a non-woody structure. The plant exhibits an ascending shoot orientation, with a maximum plant height reaching approximately 0.4 m.

Growth form :

herb

Plant height max:

0.4 m

Shoot orientation :

ascending

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Anacyclus pyrethrum is characterized by a specialized metabolic framework adapted to its Mediterranean-type habitat, most notably through its utilization of the C3 photosynthetic pathway. In this pathway, the plant fixes atmospheric carbon dioxide through the enzyme RuBisCO, leading to the initial formation of a three-carbon compound during the Calvin cycle. This carbon fixation process is central to its energy production and supports the complex secondary metabolism required for the synthesis of bioactive sesquiterpene lactones and alkylamides. The C3 mechanism dictates the plant's water-use efficiency and transpiration rates, influencing how it manages gas exchange and thermal regulation in varying environmental conditions. This physiological foundation governs the overall biomass accumulation and the metabolic flux directed toward the production of its medicinal constituents.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Anacyclus pyrethrum is characterized by a specific seasonal flowering window that occurs during the height of the summer months. The flowering period begins in July and continues through until August, marking the primary stage for pollination and subsequent seed development. This concentrated blooming phase ensures that the plant's reproductive cycle is synchronized with specific environmental conditions, facilitating the production of seeds necessary for the continuation of the species.

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Aug

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Anacyclus pyrethrum has 2 reported plant parts identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root, leaf.

Root

1. Acta pharmaceutica Sinica. B
2. Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents
3. Frontiers in microbiology
4. BMC complementary medicine and therapies
5. Journal of natural products

Leaf

1. Heliyon

Chemicals

Anacyclus pyrethrum has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Agrocybenine, Flavonoid, Germacrene D, LIMONENE, Pellitorin.

Agrocybenine

1. Journal of natural products

Flavonoid

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Germacrene D

1. Heliyon

LIMONENE

1. Heliyon

Pellitorin

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Pellitorine

1. Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Phenols

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Pyrethrins

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Santolina alcohol

1. Heliyon

ascorbic acid

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Activities

Anacyclus pyrethrum has 12 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Aphrodisiac, Analgesic, Antibacterial.

Antioxidant

1. Dose-response : a publication of International Hormesis Society
2. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
3. Frontiers in pharmacology

Antimicrobial

1. Frontiers in microbiology
2. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Aphrodisiac

1. Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents
2. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Analgesic

1. Acta pharmaceutica Sinica. B

Antibacterial

1. Heliyon

Anticonvulsant

1. BioMed research international

Antidiabetic

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Antiepileptic

1. Metabolic brain disease

Antifungal

1. Heliyon

Antinociceptive

1. Frontiers in pharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Anacyclus pyrethrum has 16 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include pain, Gram-negative bacteria, Gram-positive bacteria, apoptosis, epilepsy.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations