Blitum virgatum
Chenopodium foliosum
Blitum virgatum, commonly known as Good King Henry, is a nutritious leafy green celebrated in traditional herbal medicine. Belonging to the Amaranthaceae family, this versatile plant offers significant health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It serves as both a culinary staple and a potent medicinal remedy worldwide.
- Scientific name: Blitum virgatum
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls into the order Caryophyllales and is a member of the family Amaranthaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Blitum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Amaranthaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Blitum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Blitum virgatum, is referred to by various names across different languages and regions. In Russian, it is called Марь многолистная, while in Dutch, it is known as Rode aardbeispinazie. In Estonia, the plant is identified as Vits-hanemalts, and in Chinese, it is called 球花藜. Additionally, in German, it is commonly referred to as Echter Erdbeerspinat.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ru | Марь многолистная | Wikidata |
| nl | Rode aardbeispinazie | Wikidata |
| et | Vits-hanemalts | Wikidata |
| zh | 球花藜 | Wikidata |
| de | Echter Erdbeerspinat | Wikidata |
| sv | bärmålla | Wikidata |
| es | Chenopodium foliosum | Wikidata |
| fi | marjasavikka | Wikidata |
| hsb | Łopjenata pólšica | Wikidata |
| it | Chenopodium foliosum | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Blitum virgatum, exhibits a specific distribution across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing naturally within the borders of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its presence extends to the islands and coastal areas of Great Britain. The species is also widely documented throughout the landscapes of Norway. Finally, its geographical range is completed by its occurrence in Sweden.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Poland | WCVP |
Chemicals
Blitum virgatum has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include copper (Cu), iron (Fe).
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| copper (Cu) | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| iron (Fe) | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Blitum virgatum has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antiviral, Immunostimulant.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Immunostimulant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |