Cuscuta epithymum
Dodder
Cuscuta epithyma, commonly known as dodder, is a parasitic plant characterized by its leafless, thread-like stems. While primarily recognized for its ability to extract nutrients from host plants, it holds significant interest in traditional medicine. Research explores its complex chemical profile for potential therapeutic applications in various pharmacological studies.
- Scientific name: Cuscuta epithymum
- Family: Convolvulaceae
- 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 Solanales, it is classified under the family Convolvulaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Cuscuta, specifically as the species Cuscuta epithymum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Solanales | WCVP |
| Family | Convolvulaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cuscuta | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Cuscuta epithymum, is known by various regional names across different languages, reflecting its diverse geographical distribution. In Poland, it is referred to as Kanianka macierzankowa, while in France, it is called Cuscute du thym. In the Dutch dialect of Low German, it is known as Klein duvelsneigaoren, and in Finland, it is identified as nurmivieras. Furthermore, in Estonia, the plant is commonly called liivatee-võrm.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | Kanianka macierzankowa | Wikidata |
| fr | Cuscute du thym | Wikidata |
| nds-nl | Klein duvelsneigaoren | Wikidata |
| fi | nurmivieras | Wikidata |
| et | liivatee-võrm | Wikidata |
| de | Quendel-Seide | Wikidata |
| lt | Smulkusis brantas | Wikidata |
| sv | Ljungsnärja | Wikidata |
| ar | حامول صعتري | Wikidata |
| eu | Kuskula | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Additionally, its presence is documented across the northern landscapes of Finland. The species also extends its range to include the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its habitat reaches as far as the rugged territories of Norway.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | 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 |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Chemicals
Cuscuta epithymum has 17 reported phytochemicals identified across 19 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, kaempferol-3,7-O-diglucoside, astragalin, chlorogenic acid, gallic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 17
- Scientific sources
- 19
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kaempferol-3,7-O-diglucoside | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| astragalin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyperoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoquercitrin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kaempferol-3-O-galactoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| p-vinylphenol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin-3-O-galactoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cuscuta epithymum has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticonvulsant, Cytotoxic, Neuroprotective, Purgative.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticonvulsant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Purgative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cuscuta epithymum has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Insomnia, joint, kidney, nervous system, neutropenia.
- Total uses
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Insomnia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| joint | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kidney | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nervous system | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| neutropenia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pancreatic cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| urinary tract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |