Capsella bursa-pastoris
What's the taxonomical classification of Capsella bursa-pastoris?
Capsella bursa-pastoris belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is categorized under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the biological hierarchy, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. The plant is further organized into the order Brassicales and the family Brassicaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is completed at the genus level as Capsella and at the species level as bursa-pastoris.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Capsella |
| Species | bursa-pastoris |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Capsella bursa-pastoris has a basal rosette of leaves characterized by pinnatifid margins and a small, upright flowering stem that produces heart-shaped silicles. The primary leaves are deeply lobed, while the upper leaves on the stem become smaller and more simplified. Tiny white flowers emerge in clusters from the axils, eventually developing into distinctive triangular seed pods. These pods are flat and contain numerous small seeds, giving the plant its common name of shepherd's purse. The overall structure remains compact and low to the ground during its early growth stages.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is widely distributed across nearly every continent including North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and parts of Australia and South America. It thrives in a vast range of temperate and subtropical climates due to its high adaptability. You can typically find it growing in disturbed soils such as roadsides, agricultural fields, and waste areas. Its ability to colonize various habitats allows it to spread rapidly across diverse ecological zones. This widespread presence makes it one of the most ubiquitous weed species globally.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, commonly known as shepherd's purse, is cultivated by direct sowing into well-drained, fertile soil during early spring or late autumn.
It thrives in various light conditions, although it prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. Because the species is highly adaptive and prolific, gardeners often manage it as a self-seeding annual or biennial. Minimal maintenance is required once established, as it can tolerate poor soil quality and moderate drought.
Regular weeding is necessary to prevent it from outcompeting more delicate garden species.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Capsella bursa-pastoris provides medicinal benefits through its aerial part, fruits, herb, root, and seed. The entire herb is frequently utilized in herbal medicine to treat various ailments. Specific therapeutic properties are found within the fruits, which are often used for their astringent qualities. Additionally, the aerial part contains essential compounds used in traditional remedies. The root and seed are also harvested to provide targeted medicinal applications.
According to a study published by "Advanced biomedical research", the aerial parts of Capsella bursa-pastoris were extracted by a maceration method using 80% ethanol. This hydroalcoholic extract was investigated against Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites in Vero cells treated with concentrations ranging from 5-600 μg/mL. The 50% inhibitory concentration value for Capsella bursa-pastoris was 71.35 μg/mL. Additionally, the selectivity index for this plant was 0.65, which was compared with a positive control where P < 0.05.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- aerial part
- fruits
- herb
- root
- seed
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as shepherd's purse, has been utilized throughout history in various traditional medicinal systems to treat bleeding, inflammation, and respiratory ailments. In traditional Mongolian prescriptions, it is often incorporated into herbal formulas to address internal issues and promote healing. European folk medicine historically employed the plant as a styptic to stop hemorrhages and manage menstrual irregularities. Various indigenous cultures across the globe have also valued its properties for treating wounds and digestive disturbances. These diverse applications demonstrate the long-standing global recognition of its therapeutic potential.
According to a study published by "Ecotoxicology and environmental safety", Capsella bursa-pastoris is one of the plants used in the Mongolian preparation known as Gurgem-7. This preparation was analyzed using the HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS platform to determine its biological activities and composition. Through this analysis, 18 metabolites were identified, and 8 of them were quantified. The study evaluated the potential toxicity of the preparation containing Capsella bursa-pastoris on Caco-2 and CT26 cells. This research provided preliminary molecular evidence regarding the toxic properties of the preparation.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- traditional Mongolian prescription
What are the pharmacological activities of Capsella bursa-pastoris?
This plant has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and hemostatic pharmacological activities. Its phytochemical constituents allow it to effectively combat various infectious pathogens by inhibiting bacterial growth. The presence of bioactive compounds also helps neutralize free radicals, providing significant antioxidant protection to cells. Furthermore, its ability to reduce inflammation makes it useful in managing swelling and pain. The plant's natural hemostatic properties also aid in controlling bleeding by promoting coagulation processes.
According to a study published by "Medicinski glasnik : official publication of the Medical Association of Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina", shepherd's purse is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and wound healing activity. This plant was included in a randomized controlled clinical study that involved 210 women with diagnosed vaginitis. Among the participants, 3 subgroups including 30 patients each received one of the three vagitory formulations for 5 days. The vagitories based on extracts of five plants, which included shepherd's purse, showed a positive effect on both objective and subjective symptoms of vaginitis. No serious side effects were reported during the investigation of these formulations.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-inflammatory
- antihemorrhagic
- hemostatic
- antimicrobial
- antioxidant
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of medicinal compounds including flavonoids, phenolic acids, phyto sterols, sesterterpene, and amino acids. These phytochemicals contribute to its documented therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The presence of phenolic acids and flavonoids specifically assists in neutralizing free radicals within biological systems. Additionally, the sesterterpene and phyto sterols may play significant roles in regulating cellular functions and lipid metabolism. Various amino acids are also integrated into its chemical profile, supporting its overall nutritional and medicinal value.
According to a study published by "Nutrients", the medicinal plant Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. contains main active compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acids, phytosterols, vitamins and bioelements. This species is recognized for its properties that support the functioning of the digestive system and its antihemorrhagic properties. Latest research confirms its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, acetylcholinesterase and anticancer properties. Additionally, the plant provides supportive action in the treatment of gynecological diseases. The extracts from the sprout and herb also offer protective, softening, antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- flavonoids
- phenolic acids
- phyto sterols
- sesterterpene
- amino acids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating bleeding, hemorrhage, severe hemorrhagic wounds, and general wound healing. Its medicinal properties are specifically applied to control active bleeding in various types of wounds. It acts as a powerful hemostatic agent to stop significant hemorrhage quickly. When applied to severe hemorrhagic wounds, the plant helps stabilize the damaged area. Furthermore, its constituents promote efficient wound healing by supporting the body's natural repair processes.
According to a study published by "International journal of biological macromolecules", Capsella bursa-pastoris, referred to as shepherd's purse, is used in the development of innovative natural-based hydrogels. These dressings are designed for the immediate cessation of bleeding in severe hemorrhagic wounds. The plant extract is used for its proven hemosatatic and bactericidal potential. The resulting dressings aim to assist with hemosstasis, infection control, and wound healing. Evaluation of these dressings includes assessing swelling characteristics, in-vitro cytocompatibility, and in-vivo hemosatatic potential using a hemorrhaging liver rat model.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- bleeding
- hemorrhage
- severe hemorrhagic wounds
- wound healing
- wounds
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Capsella bursa-pastoris, which is prepared as an aqueous plant extract, juice, or various shepherd's purse extracts to treat bleeding and respiratory issues. The aqueous plant extract is frequently used in decoctions to harness its astringent properties for managing heavy menstrual bleeding. Freshly pressed juice serves as a potent liquid form for direct medicinal application. Many herbalists also utilize standardized shepherd's purse extracts to ensure consistent dosing of active phytochemicals. These diverse preparations allow for versatile administration depending on the specific therapeutic goal.
According to a study published by "Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)", Capsella bursa-pastoris was one of five different aqueous plant extracts investigated for a green synthetic route to produce silver nanoparticles. The study demonstrated how the extract composition, specifically the antioxidant and total phenolic content, influences the morphology and size of the produced nanoparticles. These nanoparticles exhibited a bimodally distributed size, where smaller spherical particles and larger truncated octahedron shaped particles were identified via TEM. When tested against 5 bacterial strains, the synthesized nanoparticles showed enhanced antimicrobial activity at a precursor concentration of 5 mM compared to the control substance, gentamicin sulphate.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- aqueous plant extract
- juice
- shepherd's purse extracts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause various adverse reactions including nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, abdominal pain, allergic reaction, and dizziness. Consuming the herb may irritate the digestive tract, leading to significant discomfort or irregular bowel movements. Some individuals might experience neurological sensations such as dizziness after ingestion. Furthermore, hypersensitivity to the plant can trigger a systemic allergic reaction in sensitive people. It is important to monitor how your body responds to any part of the specimen.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Allergic reaction
- Dizziness
What herbs are paired with Capsella bursa-pastoris?
This plant, commonly known as shepherd's purse, pairs most effectively with bitter herbs like dandelion or yellow dock to complement its pungent, peppery flavor profile.
When used in culinary applications, it benefits from the earthy undertones of sage or the bright, citrusy notes of lemon balm to balance its sharp bite. In traditional herbalism, it is often blended with nettle or plantain to create synergistic infusions for tonic purposes. These combinations help to mellow the intense mustard-like qualities of the leaves.
Adding a touch of mint can also refresh the palate when consuming the greens in salads or pestos.