Anethum graveolens

Dill

Anethum graveolens, commonly known as dill, is a fragrant annual herb celebrated in both culinary and medicinal traditions. Renowned for its delicate, feathery leaves and aromatic seeds, it is widely used to soothe digestive issues, reduce bloating, and support overall gastrointestinal health through its potent, natural bioactive compounds.

  • Scientific name: Anethum graveolens
  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Apiales and the family Apiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Anethum, which includes the species Anethum graveolens.

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

Common Names

This plant, Anethum graveolens, is known by various names across different languages and cultures. In Chinese, it is referred to as 蒔蘿 (zh), while in Poland, it is commonly called koper ogrodowy (pl). In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the name used is kopar (bs), and in Hungary, it is known as kapor (hu), whereas in Albania, it is called kopra (sq).
Language Common Name Source
zh 蒔蘿 Wikidata
pl koper ogrodowy Wikidata
bs kopar Wikidata
hu kapor Wikidata
sq kopra Wikidata
el Άνηθος Wikidata
ba Укроп Wikidata
my စမြိတ်ပင် Wikidata
nl dille Wikidata
sv dill Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several regions within Northern Europe. It can be found growing naturally throughout the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Furthermore, its distribution extends northward into the landscapes of Finland and Norway. The species is also well-established within the British Isles, specifically in Great Britain and Ireland. Together, these locations highlight the plant's significant range across the northern reaches of the continent.

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 Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as dill (Anethum graveolens), is characterized by several distinct morphological features used in both botanical study and herbal medicine. Its delicate, feathery green leaves are highly aromatic and frequently utilized for culinary and therapeutic purposes. The plant produces characteristic inflorescences in the form of flat-topped umbels, which consist of numerous small flowers arranged in a radiating pattern. Following flowering, the plant develops small, dry fruits that are technically schizocarps, which are harvested as seeds for their potent essential oils. While not as prominent as in other medicinal species, certain parts of the plant can also contain trace amounts of resins that contribute to its complex chemical profile.
Total parts
12
Scientific sources
18
Plant Part Sources Confidence
seeds 4 ★★☆☆☆
fruits 3 ★★☆☆☆
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
umbels 1 ★☆☆☆☆
resins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leave 1 ★☆☆☆☆
essential oil 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dill seed 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Leaf Extracts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Anethum graveolens has 51 reported phytochemicals identified across 69 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include carvone, flavonoids, limonene, dill ether, p-cymene.

Total chemicals
51
Scientific sources
69

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
carvone 5 ★★★☆☆
flavonoids 5 ★★★☆☆
limonene 4 ★★☆☆☆
dill ether 3 ★★☆☆☆
p-cymene 3 ★★☆☆☆
coumarins 2 ★☆☆☆☆
proline 2 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 2 ★☆☆☆☆
2,4-D 1 ★☆☆☆☆
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Anethum graveolens has 13 reported activities identified across 25 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Analgesic, Anticancer, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
13
Scientific sources
25

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 4 ★★☆☆☆
Antioxidant 4 ★★☆☆☆
Analgesic 3 ★★☆☆☆
Anticancer 3 ★★☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antidepressant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Carminative 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Digestive 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Anethum graveolens has 35 reported medicinal uses identified across 38 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Escherichia coli, immunity, oxidative stress, Bacillus cereus, Candidiasis.

Total uses
35
Scientific sources
38

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Escherichia coli 2 ★☆☆☆☆
immunity 2 ★☆☆☆☆
oxidative stress 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Bacillus cereus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Candidiasis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Helicobacter pylori 1 ★☆☆☆☆
HepG2 cells 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatocellular carcinoma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Postpartum hemorrhage 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 ★☆☆☆☆