Alpine Buttercup (Doronicum pardalianches)

Alpine Buttercup (Doronicum pardalianches) is a member of the Gentianaceae family, native to Alps, Europe, Pyrenees, France, Carpathian Mountains, and Central Europe. Traditionally, its leaves, roots, and flowers have been used for infusions, decoctions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, tonic, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Alpine Buttercup (Doronicum pardalianches) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Alpine Buttercup (Doronicum pardalianches) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Alpine Buttercup
Scientific Name	Doronicum pardalianches
Plant Family	Gentianaceae
Genus	Doronicum
Species	pardalianches
Native Range	Alps, Europe, Pyrenees, France, Carpathian Mountains, Central Europe
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Roots, Flowers
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Doronicum pardalianches
Common Name: Alpine Buttercup
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Doronicum Buttercup, Yellow Cinquefoil, Pardalianches' Doronicum
Plant Family: Gentianaceae
Genus: Doronicum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface glaucous green and lower surface whitish, bearing distinct stomatal bands.
Flowers: Petals arranged in a single layer, five in number, yellow with a central dark brown blotch, actinomorphic symmetry, flowers solitary, occurring in clusters along the stem.
Stems: Erect, branched, glabrous, with opposite leaves and a woody base.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: Commonly referenced as a warming bitter, in appetite-focused contexts.
Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a moderate tonic, in general wellness contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a cooling anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Carminative: In herbal literature, noted as a gentle carminative, in digestion-focused applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.