Anthriscus sylvestris
What's the taxonomical classification of Anthriscus sylvestris?
Anthriscus sylvestris belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida, it is situated in the subclass Magnoliidae and follows the order Apiales. The plant is a member of the family Apiaceae, which is characterized by its complex flowering structures, and it is specifically categorized under the genus Anthriscus, with the species epithet sylvestris.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Anthriscus |
| Species | sylvestris |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Anthriscus sylvestris has an erect, herbaceous stem that typically reaches heights of 30 to 150 centimeters and features a hollow structure with fine, bristly hairs. The leaves are highly dissected and bipinnate, characterized by a dark green color and a coarse, serrated texture. At the top of the plant, it produces large, flat-topped compound umbels composed of numerous small, white flowers. Each individual flower possesses five petals and is part of a complex branching arrangement. The root system consists of a stout, fleshy taproot that provides stability for the growing stem.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to Europe and parts of Western Asia but has become widely naturalized across North America and other temperate regions of the world. It frequently thrives in disturbed soils along roadsides, meadows, and forest edges throughout these colonized areas. Its ability to spread rapidly allows it to establish dense populations in various climates ranging from temperate to subarctic zones. Because it is highly adaptable, it is now commonly found in many different habitats across many different continents.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, commonly known as cow parsley, is cultivated by sowing seeds in well-drained, moist soil within full sun or partial shade environments.
It thrives best in nutrient-rich garden beds that mimic the conditions of hedgerows and woodland edges. Once established, the species requires minimal intervention but benefits from occasional weeding to prevent competition. Gardeners often allow it to grow freely to support pollinators like hoverflies and bees.
While it is easy to maintain, its tendency to self-seed means it should be monitored to prevent it from becoming invasive in a landscape.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Anthriscus sylvestris provides medicinal value through the use of its root and its seeds. The root is traditionally employed in herbal practices to address digestive issues and serve as a mild sedative. Additionally, the seeds are sometimes harvested for their aromatic and carminative properties. While the plant is often viewed as a common garden wildflower, these specific components contain compounds utilized in traditional folk medicine. Practitioners focus on these parts to treat minor ailments related to the gastrointestinal tract.
According to a study published by "Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters", an active compound was isolated from the root of Anthriscus sylvestris. This compound was identified through structural studies as deoxypodophyllotoxin (DPPT). The biological activity of DPPT was evaluated specifically in HeLa human cervix carcinoma cells. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that DPPT arrests the cell cycle in the G2/M phase before apoptosis occurs. The mechanisms of action include the inhibition of tubulin polymerization and the dysregulation of cyclin A and cyclin B1 expression. Additionally, the compound results in the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-7.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- root
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Anthriscus sylvestris, has been utilized in various historical folk medicine practices to treat digestive issues and inflammatory conditions. In the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine, similar botanical species within the Apiaceae family are often studied for their cooling properties and ability to clear heat. European herbalists traditionally used the plant's leaves and seeds to alleviate symptoms of indigestion and promote relaxation. Historical records also suggest its use in topical applications to soothe skin irritations and minor wounds. These diverse uses demonstrate the plant's long-standing significance in regional ethnobotanical traditions.
According to a study published by "Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry", Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm. Gen. is a biennial or perennial herb commonly found in China. This plant has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments such as cough, gastric disorders, spleen deficiency, and limb weakness. The primary chemical composition of Anthriscus sylvestris consists of phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, steroids, fatty acids, and organic acids. These components showcase an array of pharmacological activities like anticancer, antioxidant, anti-aging, and immunoregulatory properties. Researchers use various databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and Google Scholar to analyze its anticancer activity and active compounds.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Anthriscus sylvestris?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitussive, cytotoxic, and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activities. Its chemical constituents allow it to suppress inflammatory responses by inhibiting specific enzymes in the body. The presence of bioactive compounds also helps neutralize free radicals through its potent antioxidant properties. These substances can effectively reduce coughing through antitussive effects and demonstrate potential in cell death regulation via cytotoxic mechanisms. Furthermore, its ability to provide 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity plays a crucial role in modulating leukotriene production.
According to a study published by "Biological & pharmaceuticaal bulletin", deoxypodophyllotoxin (Anthricin) is a medicinal herbal product isolated from Anthriscus sylvestris HOFFM. This compound inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and COX-1-dependent phases of prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)) generation in bone marrow-derived mast cells with IC50 values of 1.89 microM and 65.3 microM, respectively. Using a COX enzyme assay kit, it inhibited the COX-1 and 2-dependent conversion of exogenous arachidonic acid to PGD(2) with IC50 values of 0.01 microM and 12.1 microM. While it did not inhibit COX-2 protein expression up to a concentration of 30 microM, the compound directly inhibits COX-2 activity. Additionally, it inhibited the production of leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) in a dose-dependent manner with an IC50 value of 0.37 microM. These results demonstrate that the compound has dual cyclooxygenase-2 selective/5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activity.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- anti-asthmatic
- antitussive
- anti-allergic
- antioxidant
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of bioactive substances including flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, organic acids, fatty acids, and steroids. The presence of flavonoids and phenylpropanoids provides the plant with significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Within its chemical structure, various organic acids contribute to its metabolic processes and nutritional profile. Additionally, the plant incorporates essential fatty acids that support cellular membrane integrity. Finally, the inclusion of steroids plays a role in the complex biochemical signaling and structural functions of the species.
According to a study published by "Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry", Anthriscus sylvestris is a biennial or perennial herb used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat ailments like cough, gastric disorders, spleen deficiency, and limb weakness. The primary chemical composition of Anthriscus sylvestris consists of phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, steroids, fatty acids, and organic acids. These active components showcase pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-aging, and immunoregulatory properties. Researchers utilized databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Google Scholar to analyze the active compounds and anticancer activity of the plant. This review aims to summarize the anticancer properties exhibited by the active components found in Anthriscus sylvestris extracts.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- flavonoids
- phenylpropanoids
- organic acids
- fatty acids
- steroids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating asthma, cough, gastric disorders, inflammation, and lung inflammation. Its medicinal properties are often leveraged to soothe respiratory passages and reduce irritation in the airways. By addressing lung inflammation, it can provide relief for individuals struggling with chronic breathing difficulties. Furthermore, the plant serves as a remedy for persistent coughs and various digestive issues related to gastric disorders. Its overall anti-inflammatory effects also help in managing systemic swelling throughout the body.
According to a study published by "Food science and biotechnology", Anthriscus sylvestris is part of a fermented extract of medicinal plants used for its anti-asthmatic and antitussive activities. In mice with ovalbumin/LPS-induced asthma, the levels of IgE, IL-17, and IL-4 in the bronchoalvolear lavage fluid (BALF) and serum were lower than the control levels after treatment. The treatment also decreased the lung inflammation score and the number of inflammatory cells in the BALF. Furthermore, in the citric acid-induced coughing guinea pig, the treatment decreased the number of coughs. The study notes that these effects are achieved without hepatotoxicity.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- asthma
- cough
- gastric disorders
- inflammation
- lung inflammation
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Anthriscus sylvestris, which is used to create various medicinal herbal preparations such as tinctures, infusions, and a fermented extract. These preparations are often utilized in traditional medicine to address digestive issues or to serve as a mild sedative. The fermented extract is particularly notable because the fermentation process can alter the chemical profile of the plant's active compounds. Practitioners typically administer these liquid forms to ensure more efficient absorption into the bloodstream. Careful dosing is essential to avoid potential side effects associated with the plant's potent properties.
According to a study published by "Food science and biotechnology", the fermented extract of medicinal plants containing Anthriscus sylvestris was investigated for its respiratory protection effect. In A549 cells, the expression levels of IL-8 and IL-17 were lower in cells co-treated with the extract and LPS/poly-L-arginine compared to those treated with LPS/poly-L-arginine only. In mice with ovalbumin/LPS-induced asthma, levels of IgE, IL-17, and IL-4 in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were lower than control levels following FEMP treatment. This treatment also decreased the lung inflammation score and the number of inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Additionally, the treatment decreased the number of coughs in the citric acid-induced coughing guinea pig.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- fermented extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction where skin inflammation and systemic symptoms occur after exposure to specific allergens. Contact with the sap or foliage often leads to phytophotodermatitis, a condition where skin becomes hypersensitive to ultraviolet light. This sensitivity can result in painful blistering, redness, and long-lasting pigmentation changes on the affected areas. Some individuals may also experience localized swelling or intense itching upon touching the plant. These reactions vary in intensity depending on the individual's unique immune sensitivity and the amount of sunlight exposure.
According to a study published by "Planta medica", deoxypodophyllotoxin is a medicinal herb product isolated from Anthriscus sylvestris Hoffm. This substance was tested in a rat PCA assay through intraperitoneal administration of 1.0 to 10 mg/kg and intravenous administration of 0.25 to 1.0 mg/kg. The results showed that deoxypodophyllotoxin dose-dependently inhibited the PCA reaction activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. The PCA inhibitory activity of this deoxypodophyllotoxin was found to be stronger than the positive controls, prednisolone and indomethacin. These findings suggest that deoxypodophyllotoxin may be beneficial in regulating the immediate-type allergic reaction.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- passive cutaneous anaphylaxis
What herbs are paired with Anthriscus sylvestris?
This plant, Anthriscus sylvestris, pairs best with aromatic herbs like dill, fennel, and parsley to complement its delicate, slightly sweet profile.
When used in culinary contexts, its light flavor benefits from the brightness of cilantro or the earthy undertones of chervil. These combinations work particularly well in salads or light vinaigrettes where subtle herbal notes can shine. Gardeners may also plant it alongside lavender or sage to create a textured, fragrant landscape.
Selecting complementary scents ensures the plant enhances rather than overwhelms the surrounding greenery.