Bituminaria bituminosa

Bituminaria bituminosa, commonly known as bitumenous gumweed, is a perennial herb prized for its aromatic, resinous properties. Native to Mediterranean and Asian regions, this plant is traditionally utilized in herbal medicine for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory qualities, often serving as a natural remedy for skin ailments and digestive issues.

  • Scientific name: Bituminaria bituminosa
  • Family: Fabaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is categorized under the order Fabales and is a member of the Fabaceae family. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Bituminaaria.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Fabales WCVP
Family Fabaceae WCVP
Genus Bituminaria WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Bituminaria bituminosa, is referred to by various names depending on the region and language. In German, it is commonly called Asphaltklee, while in Catalan, it is known as trèvol pudent. Its names in other languages include битуминария in Bulgarian, حومان زفتي in Arabic, and قترانلی پسورالا in Azerbaijani.
Language Common Name Source
de Asphaltklee Wikidata
ca trèvol pudent Wikidata
bg битуминария Wikidata
ar حومان زفتي Wikidata
azb قترانلی پسورالا Wikidata
kab Ifelfel n yeɣẓer Wikidata
frr Tjaarkliawer (Slach) Wikidata
arz حومان زفتى Wikidata
hr Mihovilac djetelinjak Wikidata
fr Trèfle bitumineux Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several distinct regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, its presence can be specifically noted within Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is found inhabiting parts of Germany. The distribution extends further into Southwestern Europe, where it grows in the Baleares and Corsica. Additionally, the plant is commonly documented throughout France.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Corse WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Sardegna WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Bituminaaria bituminosa, is primarily utilized in medicinal applications through its various above-ground structures. The leaves are a significant component, characterized by their distinct aromatic properties and specific morphology that contribute to the plant's therapeutic profile. More broadly, the aerial parts of the plant, which encompass the stems, leaves, and flowers, are often harvested together to ensure a comprehensive concentration of its bioactive compounds.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Bituminaria bituminosa has 16 reported phytochemicals identified across 19 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, furanocoumarins, angelicin, bitucarpin A, carotenoids.

Total chemicals
16
Scientific sources
19

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 3 ★★☆☆☆
furanocoumarins 2 ★☆☆☆☆
angelicin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bitucarpin A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
carotenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chlorophylls 1 ★☆☆☆☆
erybraedin C 1 ★☆☆☆☆
genistein 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isoflavones 1 ★☆☆☆☆
luteolin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Bituminaria bituminosa has 7 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antihyperglycemic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Diuretic.

Total activities
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antihyperglycemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Diuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Vulnerary 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Bituminaria bituminosa has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include disinfectant.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
disinfectant 1 ★☆☆☆☆