Artemisia abrotanum

Southernwood

Artemisia abrotanum, commonly known as Abrotanum, is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. Renowned in traditional medicine, this aromatic plant contains essential oils used historically for digestive support and as an anthelmintic. Its distinct fragrance and potent bioactive compounds make it a significant subject in ethnobotanical studies.

  • Scientific name: Artemisia abrotanum
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asteraceae and is identified by the genus Artemisia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Artemisia WCVP

Common Names

This plant is known by various regional names across different languages, reflecting its widespread botanical history. In Portuguese, it is referred to as Abrótano, while in Basque, it is called Abrotano. In Polish, the species is commonly known as Bylica boże drzewko, and in French, it is identified as Aurone. Additionally, in Catalan, the plant is known as abròtan.
Language Common Name Source
pt Abrótano Wikidata
eo Abrotano Wikidata
pl Bylica boże drzewko Wikidata
fr Aurone Wikidata
ca abròtan Wikidata
fi aaprottimaruna Wikidata
gl Abrótano macho Wikidata
de Eberraute Wikidata
sq Aborotoni Wikidata
cs pelyněk brotan Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, it can be found in the landscapes of Finland, Norway, Great Britain, and Ireland. Moving toward the center of the continent, the species is also documented in Middle Europe. Specifically, its presence is noted within the borders of Austria. Consequently, its range spans from the northernmost reaches of the continent down into central territories.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known as Artemisia abrotanum, is primarily utilized in herbal medicine through its various growing components. The medicinal properties are typically concentrated within the aerial parts, which encompass the leaves, flowers, and stems above the ground. In many preparations, the twig is also collected alongside the foliage to ensure a complete profile of the plant's essential oils and bioactive compounds.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
twig 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Artemisia abrotanum has 29 reported phytochemicals identified across 29 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd.

Total chemicals
29
Scientific sources
29

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Al 1 ★☆☆☆☆
As 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Ba 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Ca 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cd 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Co 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cr 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cu 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Fe 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Mg 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Artemisia abrotanum has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiallergic, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antifungal, Antioxidant.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiallergic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antipyretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Artemisia abrotanum has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida albicans, Streptococcus pyogenes, antiallergic, antidepressant, antioxidant.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Candida albicans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Streptococcus pyogenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antiallergic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antidepressant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
parasitic diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆