Carduus pycnocephalus

Carduus pycnocephalus, commonly known as the Pycnocephalus thistle, is a distinctive medicinal plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. Renowned for its unique morphological features, it holds significant ethnobotanical value. Research focuses on its bioactive compounds, which offer potential therapeutic benefits for supporting liver health and managing oxidative stress.

  • Scientific name: Carduus pycnocephalus
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • 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 further classified under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Carduus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Carduus WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad presence across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its range extends through Denmark, Great Britain, and Sweden. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species can also be found growing in Belgium. Additionally, the plant is documented to inhabit parts of Austria. Together, these locations highlight a distribution that spans both northern and central territories.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Corse WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP

Chemicals

Carduus pycnocephalus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆