viper's-bugloss
Echium · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (10 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Viper's-bugloss, scientifically known as Echium, is a striking perennial herb renowned for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped blue flowers. Native to the Mediterranean, this resilient plant offers significant medicinal potential, traditionally used to support skin health and reduce inflammation. Its unique bioactive compounds make it a fascinating subject for botanical study.
- Family
- Boraginaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Flower
- Common names
- Viper'S-Bugloss · Viper'S-Buglosses
- Scientific synonyms
- Isoplesion · Argyrexias · 1 more
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- viper's-bugloss
- Viper's-buglosses
Scientific Names
Accepted name
EchiumSynonyms
- Isoplesion
- Argyrexias
- Larephes
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Viboreras o tajinastes
German:
- Natternköpfe
- Natterkopf
- Natternkopf
- Natterköpfe
- Natterkopf
- Natternköpfe
French:
- Vipérine
- Vipérine
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It further descends through the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Boraginales, falling into the family Boraginaceae. Ultimately, this medicinal specimen is identified by the genus Echium.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Echium |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern throughout the northern reaches of the European continent. Within Northern Europe, it can be found growing across the landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Its presence extends westward to include the coastal and inland regions of Great Britain. Additionally, the species is documented as part of the natural flora in Ireland. Finally, its geographical range reaches further north into the territory of Norway.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark |
| Northern Europe | Finland |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain |
| Northern Europe | Ireland |
| Northern Europe | Norway |
| Northern Europe | Sweden |
| Middle Europe | Austria |
| Middle Europe | Belgium |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia |
| Middle Europe | Germany |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Plant Parts
Echium has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include flower.
| Plant part | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Flower | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Flower
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Chemicals
Echium has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include shikonin.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| shikonin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
shikonin
- Frontiers in pharmacology
Activities
Echium has 4 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antithrombotic, Energizer, Tranquilizer.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antithrombotic | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Energizer | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tranquilizer | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Anticancer
- Frontiers in pharmacology
Antithrombotic
- Frontiers in pharmacology
Energizer
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Tranquilizer
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Medicinal Uses
Echium has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include depression, bronchitis, common cold.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| depression | Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bronchitis | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| common cold | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Echium preparations | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |