Dracocephalum kotschyi

Dracocephalum kotschyi, commonly known as Kotchyi's dragonhead, is a rare medicinal herb native to specific arid regions. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, this plant is prized for its aromatic properties and potential therapeutic benefits. Research continues into its bioactive compounds, highlighting its significance in traditional and modern ethnopharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Dracocephalum kotschyi
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae, it is classified under the genus Dracocephalum. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined as Dracocephalum kotschyi.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Lamiaceae WCVP
Genus Dracocephalum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Dracocephalum kotschyi, is known by various names depending on the regional language and local tradition. In English, it is commonly referred to as Kotshy's dragonhead, while in Turkish, it is known as Kotşiye ejder başı.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is characterized by a very specific and limited geographical range. It is primarily found within the region of Western Asia. More specifically, its natural habitat is restricted to the country of Iran. This narrow distribution suggests that the species is endemic to this particular territory. Consequently, its presence is a unique feature of the Iranian landscape.

Region Area Source
Western Asia Iran WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Dracocephalum kotschyi, is primarily utilized for its medicinal properties derived from its aerial parts, which encompass the stems, leaves, and flowers. To harness its therapeutic potential, the aerial parts are typically harvested and processed into dried Dracocephalum kotschyi. This dried material serves as the foundational source for extracting its highly valued essential oils. These essential oils, which constitute the plant's concentrated volatile oil fraction, are rich in aromatic compounds that contribute to its diverse pharmacological applications.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
volatile oil 1 ★☆☆☆☆
essential oils 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dried Dracocephalum kotschyi 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Dracocephalum kotschyi has 46 reported phytochemicals identified across 75 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include geranial, limonene, neral, apigenin, calycopterin.

Total chemicals
46
Scientific sources
75

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
geranial 5 ★★★☆☆
limonene 4 ★★☆☆☆
neral 4 ★★☆☆☆
apigenin 3 ★★☆☆☆
calycopterin 3 ★★☆☆☆
chlorophyll 3 ★★☆☆☆
hydrogen peroxide 3 ★★☆☆☆
proline 3 ★★☆☆☆
rosmarinic acid 3 ★★☆☆☆
Calycopterin 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Dracocephalum kotschyi has 9 reported activities identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Analgesic, Antibacterial.

Total activities
9
Scientific sources
14

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 4 ★★☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antispasmodic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antihyperlipidemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antinociceptive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Dracocephalum kotschyi has 32 reported medicinal uses identified across 36 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, drought, fever, inflammation, Escherichia coli.

Total uses
32
Scientific sources
36

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
analgesic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
drought 2 ★☆☆☆☆
fever 2 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Escherichia coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatocellular carcinoma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus aureus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
abdominal pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antihyperlipidemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆