Dracocephalum ruyschiana

Dracocephalum ruyschiana, commonly known as Ruyschian dragonhead, is a distinctive medicinal herb native to high-altitude regions. Belonging to the Lamiaceae family, it possesses unique aromatic properties. Traditionally valued in herbal medicine, this plant is studied for its bioactive compounds, offering significant therapeutic potential in treating various inflammatory conditions.

  • Scientific name: Dracocephalum ruyschiana
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, specifically within the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Dracocephalum.

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, known scientifically as Dracocephalum ruyschiana, is referred to by various regional names across different languages. In Estonia, it is called sile tondipea, while in Germany, it is commonly known as Nordischer Drachenkopf. Its Polish name is pszczelniik wąskolistny, and in Russia, it is identified as Змееголовник Рюйша. Finally, in Finland, the species is known as isoampiaisyrtti.
Language Common Name Source
et sile tondipea Wikidata
de Nordischer Drachenkopf Wikidata
pl Pszczelnik wąskolistny Wikidata
ru Змееголовник Рюйша Wikidata
fi isoampiaisyrtti Wikidata
hsb Šwedski pčólnik Wikidata
sv drakblomma Wikidata
nb dragehode Wikidata
zh 青兰 Wikidata
be Змеегалоўнік Руйша Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be documented in both Norway and Sweden. Moving toward the center of the continent, it is also found within the borders of Austria. The species continues its range through Middle Europe, where it is commonly located in Germany. Finally, its geographical reach extends further into Middle Europe to include Hungary.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria 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
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Dracocephalum ruyschiana, is primarily utilized for its therapeutic properties through its aerial parts. These above-ground components, which encompass the stems, leaves, and flowering structures, contain the essential oils and bioactive compounds necessary for its medicinal applications. By harvesting the aerial parts, practitioners can access the concentrated aromatic qualities that define this species within the Lamiaceae family.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Dracocephalum ruyschiana has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, rosmarinic acid.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rosmarinic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Dracocephalum ruyschiana has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antipyretic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antipyretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Dracocephalum ruyschiana has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antipyretic.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antipyretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆