horehound
Ballota · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (17 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Horehound, scientifically known as Ballota nigra, is a perennial herb celebrated for its potent medicinal properties. Traditionally used to soothe respiratory ailments, it serves as a natural remedy for coughs and congestion. This aromatic plant, characterized by its textured leaves, remains a vital component in many herbal healing practices worldwide.
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Horehound
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- horehound
Scientific Names
Accepted name
BallotaRegional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Pseudodictamnus
- Beringeria
- Zapateria
- balotas
German:
- Schwarznesseln
- Schwarznessel
- Schwarznesseln
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Ballota.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Ballota |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in Great Britain and Ireland. Its presence extends further north into the landscapes of Sweden. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is also documented in Belgium. Additionally, its range reaches into the territories of Czechia and Slovakia.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain |
| Northern Europe | Ireland |
| Northern Europe | Sweden |
| Middle Europe | Belgium |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia |
| Middle Europe | Germany |
| Middle Europe | Hungary |
| Middle Europe | Poland |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Chemicals
Ballota has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ballonigrin, Caryophyllene oxide, Dehydrohispanolone, Flavonoids, Germacrene D.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Ballonigrin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Caryophyllene oxide | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Dehydrohispanolone | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Flavonoids | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Germacrene D | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| HISPANOLONE | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Ballonigrin
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Caryophyllene oxide
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Dehydrohispanolone
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Flavonoids
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Germacrene D
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
HISPANOLONE
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Activities
Ballota has 7 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidepressant, Antiemetic, Antispasmodic, Antitussive, Anxiolytic.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antidepressant | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiemetic | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antispasmodic | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitussive | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anxiolytic | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sedative | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Vermifuge | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Antidepressant
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Antiemetic
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Antispasmodic
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Antitussive
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Anxiolytic
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Sedative
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Vermifuge
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Medicinal Uses
Ballota has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antidepressant, antitussive, anxiolytic, cough.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| antidepressant | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antitussive | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiolytic | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cough | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| essential oils | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |