Bistorta officinalis
Bistorta officinalis, commonly known as Common Bistort, is a perennial herb prized in traditional medicine for its astringent properties. Rich in tannins, its rhizomes are frequently utilized to treat gastrointestinal issues, skin inflammations, and wound healing. This resilient plant remains a vital component in various herbal therapeutic practices.
- Scientific name: Bistorta officinalis
- Family: Polygonaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Polygonaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Bistorta.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Polygonaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Bistorta | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Bistorta officinalis, is known by various traditional names across different European languages. In German, it is called Schlangen-Knöterich, while in Bulgarian, it is referred to as Обикновенo кървавиче. The Czech language uses the name rdesno hadí kořen, and in Danish, it is known as Slangeurt. Additionally, in Bashkir, the plant is called Йылантамыр.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Schlangen-Knöterich | Wikidata |
| ba | Йылантамыр | Wikidata |
| bg | Обикновено кървавиче | Wikidata |
| cs | rdesno hadí kořen | Wikidata |
| da | Slangeurt | Wikidata |
| eo | Bistorto | Wikidata |
| es | Polygonum bistorta | Wikidata |
| et | Ussitatar | Wikidata |
| fa | انجبار | Wikidata |
| fi | isokonnantatar | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated primarily throughout Northern Europe. Within this region, its presence is documented in the coastal and inland landscapes of Denmark. It can also be found growing across the diverse terrains of Finland. The species extends its range to the northern reaches of Iceland as well. Finally, its geographical footprint includes the islands of Great Britain and Ireland.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | 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 |
Plant Parts
This plant, known commonly as Bistorta officinalis or Common Bistort, relies primarily on its robust root system for its medicinal properties. The rhizomatous roots are thick, creeping, and possess a distinct reddish or brownish color, containing the concentrated tannins and astringent compounds that make the plant valuable in herbal medicine. While the leaves and stems are part of the plant's structure, it is the harvested root that serves as the principal part used in traditional remedies to treat various ailments.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Bistorta officinalis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include chlorogenic acid, tannins.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Bistorta officinalis has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Bistorta officinalis has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Bleeding, Pseudomonas infections, diarrhea.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Bleeding | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |