Antirrhinum majus

Snapdragons

Antirrhinum majus, commonly known as snapdragon, is a vibrant ornamental plant widely celebrated for its unique, mask-like blooms. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, various cultures have traditionally utilized its botanical properties in folk medicine, exploring its potential for treating inflammation and minor ailments through its diverse bioactive compounds.

  • Scientific name: Antirrhinum majus
  • Family: Plantaginaceae
  • Native range: Europe

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 Lamiales and the family Plantaginaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Antirrhinum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Plantaginaceae WCVP
Genus Antirrhinum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Antirrhinum majus, is known by various common names depending on the language and region. In Portuguese, it is referred to as Boca-de-leão, while in Chinese, it is called 金鱼草 (zh-hans), 金魚草 (zh-hant), 金魚草 (zh-hk), and 金鱼草 (zh-cn).
Language Common Name Source
pt Boca-de-leão Wikidata
zh-hans 金鱼草 Wikidata
zh-hant 金魚草 Wikidata
zh-hk 金魚草 Wikidata
zh-cn 金鱼草 Wikidata
zh-sg 金鱼草 Wikidata
zh-tw 金魚草 Wikidata
pl Wyżlin większy Wikidata
fr Muflier à grandes fleurs Wikidata
he לוע-ארי גדול Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Antirrhinum majus, exhibits a specific distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be documented within the territories of Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species is also found growing in Austria and Belgium. Additionally, its range extends through the central regions of Czechia and Slovakia. Together, these locations define the primary geographical footprint of this medicinal species in Europe.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Netherlands WCVP
Middle Europe Switzerland WCVP
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as snapdragon, is utilized in traditional medicine primarily through its aerial parts. These above-ground components, which encompass the stems, leaves, and vibrant flowers, contain the bioactive compounds necessary for its therapeutic applications. When preparing decoctions or infusions, the entire aerial portion is often harvested to ensure a complete profile of the plant's medicinal properties.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Antirrhinum majus has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 8-oxogeranial, apigenin-7-glucuronide, chlorogenic acid, citric acid, flavonoid.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
8-oxogeranial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
apigenin-7-glucuronide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chlorogenic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
citric acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
iridoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
luteolin-7-glucuronide 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Antirrhinum majus has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Bacillus subtilis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Candida albicans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Enterobacter aerogenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Escherichia coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus aureus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gastric diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆