alkanet
Anchusa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (7 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Alkanet, scientifically known as Anchusa, is a remarkable medicinal herb prized for its vibrant coloring properties and therapeutic potential. Belonging to the Boraginaceae family, this plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids and essential oils, traditionally used in topical salves to soothe skin irritations, promote healing, and reduce localized inflammation effectively.
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- alkanet
- bugloss
- Alkanets
Scientific Names
Accepted name
AnchusaSynonyms
- Anchusella
- Stomotechium
- Lycopsis
- Buglossum
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Lycopsis
- Hormuzakia
- Buglossum
- Phyllocara
German:
- Ochsenzungen
- Ochsenzunge
- Ochsenzungen
French:
- Buglosse
- Buglosses
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Boraginales and the family Boraginaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic classification is defined by the genus Anchusa.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Anchusa |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution across several regions in Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its presence extends to the islands of Føroyar. The species is also well-documented throughout Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range includes the territory of Ireland.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark |
| Northern Europe | Finland |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain |
| Northern Europe | Ireland |
| Northern Europe | Norway |
| Northern Europe | Sweden |
| Middle Europe | Austria |
| Middle Europe | Belgium |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Chemicals
Anchusa has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include shikonin.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| shikonin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
shikonin
- Frontiers in pharmacology
Activities
Anchusa has 6 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Antithrombotic, Antiviral.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antithrombotic | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Anticancer
- Frontiers in pharmacology
Antidiabetic
- Frontiers in pharmacology
Antimicrobial
- Frontiers in pharmacology
Antithrombotic
- Frontiers in pharmacology
Antiviral
- Frontiers in pharmacology
Neuroprotective
- Frontiers in pharmacology