Epilobium angustifolium
Red fireweed
Epilobium angustifolium, commonly known as narrow-leaf willowherb, is a resilient perennial herb found in diverse habitats. Renowned in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, this plant offers significant therapeutic potential. Its bioactive compounds are frequently studied for managing skin ailments, digestive issues, and promoting overall cellular health.
- Scientific name: Epilobium angustifolium
- Family: Onagraceae
- 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 Myrtales, specifically within the family Onagraceae. Finally, its taxonomic placement is completed by its classification under the genus Epilobium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Myrtales | WCVP |
| Family | Onagraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Epilobium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Epilobium angustifolium, is referred to by various common names across different languages and regions. In Armenian, it is called ապուզան նեղատերև, while in Arabic, it is known as ند سنبلي. In Chinese, the plant is identified as 柳兰, with the simplified version used in mainland China being 柳兰 and the traditional version used in Taiwan being 柳蘭.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| hy | ապուզան նեղատերև | Wikidata |
| zh | 柳兰 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 柳兰 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 柳蘭 | Wikidata |
| ar | ند سنبلي | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 柳兰 | Wikidata |
| az | Ensizyarpaq yağıotu | Wikidata |
| de | Schmalblättriges Weidenröschen | Wikidata |
| fr | Epilobe en Épi | Wikidata |
| en | red fireweed | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across various regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Its presence is also well-documented throughout the territories of Finland and Iceland. Furthermore, the species inhabits the rugged landscapes of the Faroe Islands, known locally as Føroyaar. Finally, the plant is commonly distributed across the diverse habitats of Great Britain.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as narrow-leaf willowherb, is utilized in herbal medicine primarily through its various structures. The leaves are typically narrow and lanceolate, containing the bioactive compounds sought for their therapeutic properties. During its blooming season, the plant produces delicate, often pink-hued flowers that attract pollinators and signify the plant's maturity. In many traditional preparations, the entire aerial part of the plant is harvested, encompassing the stems, leaves, and blossoms to ensure a complete profile of its medicinal constituents.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 5
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial part | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Epilobium angustifolium has 22 reported phytochemicals identified across 26 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, flavonoids, oenothein B, polyphenols, (S)-carvone.
- Total chemicals
- 22
- Scientific sources
- 26
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oenothein B | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (S)-carvone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Catechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| D2 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| E2 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| L-Aspartic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Quercetin-3-O-glucuronide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Epilobium angustifolium has 7 reported activities identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Analgesic, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimycotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Epilobium angustifolium has 26 reported medicinal uses identified across 28 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include skin diseases, Acinetobacter baumannii, Aspergillus niger, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli.
- Total uses
- 26
- Scientific sources
- 28
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| skin diseases | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Acinetobacter baumannii | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Aspergillus niger | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bacillus cereus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Escherichia coli | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Klebsiella pneumoniae | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Micrococcus luteus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |