Dracocephalum officinale

Dracocephalum officiinale, commonly known as dragonhead, is a perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Valued in traditional medicine, it possesses potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Often utilized to support digestive health and soothe respiratory issues, this aromatic plant offers a rich profile of bioactive compounds for therapeutic use.

  • Scientific name: Dracocephalum officinale
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • 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 Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae, it is classified under the genus Dracocephalum. Specifically, its scientific name identifies it as Dracocephalum officinale.

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

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several European regions. In Northern Europe, its presence is documented within Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, it can be found growing in Austria and Belgium. The species also inhabits the territories of Czechia-Slovakia. Finally, its range extends through the landscapes of Germany.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
Middle Europe Switzerland WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as savory, is characterized by its highly aromatic properties which are most concentrated in its delicate flowers. These small, tubular blossoms are typically arranged in dense, terminal spikes and serve as a primary source of the essential oils used in traditional medicinal applications. When harvested, the flowers provide the potent aromatic compounds necessary for their therapeutic use in treating digestive and respiratory ailments.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
flowers 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Dracocephalum officinale has 6 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anthelmintic, Antigenotoxic, Antimicrobial, Antiproliferative.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anthelmintic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antigenotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆