Dittrichia viscosa

Dittrichia viscosa, commonly known as tree fleabane, is a resilient, resinous perennial herb found throughout the Mediterranean. Renowned for its medicinal properties, it is traditionally used to treat inflammation, wounds, and gastrointestinal issues. Its bioactive compounds offer significant potential in pharmacological research for developing diverse therapeutic treatments.

  • Scientific name: Dittrichia viscosa
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is categorized within the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Dittrichia.

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

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Dittrichia viscosa, is recognized by various regional names across different languages and cultures. In French, it is referred to as Inule visqueuse, while in Hebrew, it is called טיון דביק. The Catalan language uses the name olivarda, and in Corsican, it is known as Pecita. Additionally, in Italian, the species is commonly called Inula viscosa.
Language Common Name Source
fr Inule visqueuse Wikidata
he טיון דביק Wikidata
ca olivarda Wikidata
co Pecita Wikidata
it Inula viscosa Wikidata
ar طيون دبق Wikidata
cy Cedowydd prennaidd Wikidata
scn Inula viscosa Wikidata
ast Dittrichia mafosa Wikidata
kab Amagraman Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a varied presence across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its range extends to include both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species can be found growing in Belgium and Germany. Its distribution further reaches the Mediterranean as part of Southwestern Europe. Specifically, it is known to inhabit the Baleares islands within that southern region.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland 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
Southwestern Europe Sardegna WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Tansy hemp, possesses various parts that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The aromatic leaves are a primary source of its medicinal value, especially when used as fresh leaves in topical applications to soothe skin irritations. The bright yellow flowers also contribute to the plant's chemical complexity, often being processed to create potent extracts used in traditional remedies. Furthermore, the plant is rich in bioactive compounds that can be isolated as essential oils, which are highly valued for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Total parts
6
Scientific sources
8
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
flowers 2 ★☆☆☆☆
fresh leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
extracts 1 ★☆☆☆☆
essential oils 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Essential Oils 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Dittrichia viscosa has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, 3-O-methylquercetin, Bornyl acetate, borneol, caryophyllene oxide.

Total chemicals
12
Scientific sources
13

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
3-O-methylquercetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Bornyl acetate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
borneol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
caryophyllene oxide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hispidulin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inuviscolide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isoquercetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
monoterpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
nepetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Dittrichia viscosa has 18 reported activities identified across 35 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticancer, Cytotoxic, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial.

Total activities
18
Scientific sources
35

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 9 ★★★★☆
Anticancer 4 ★★☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antibacterial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiphlogistic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiseptic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticholinesterase 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Dittrichia viscosa has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, Gastric ulcers, breast cancer, hypertension, poliovirus type 1.

Total uses
7
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Gastric ulcers 1 ★☆☆☆☆
breast cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hypertension 1 ★☆☆☆☆
poliovirus type 1 1 ★☆☆☆☆
prostate cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
wound healing 1 ★☆☆☆☆