Eryngium heterophyllum

Eryngium heterophyllum, commonly known as the prickly eryngo, is a distinctive medicinal herb valued in traditional practices. Characterized by its unique leaf structure and resilient nature, this plant offers therapeutic potential. Research continues to explore its bioactive compounds, highlighting its importance in herbal medicine and natural healing traditions worldwide.

  • Scientific name: Eryngium heterophyllum
  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Apiales, it falls under the family Apiaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Eryngium, which includes the species Eryngium heterophyllum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Apiales WCVP
Family Apiaceae WCVP
Genus Eryngium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Eryngium heterophyllum, is known by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is commonly referred to as the heterophyllous eryngo, while in Spanish, it is known as la eryngio heterofilo. In Portuguese, the plant is called eryngio heterofilo, and in the scientific community, its botanical name serves as the primary identifier.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across parts of North America, ranging from the southwestern regions to central Mexico. In the Southwestern United States, its presence is notably recorded in the state of Arizona. Moving into the South-Central United States, the species can be found throughout New Mexico and Texas. Its range extends significantly southward into Mexico, where it inhabits the central regions. Additionally, the plant is documented to grow within the northeastern parts of Mexico.

Region Area Source
Southwestern U.S.A. Arizona WCVP
South-Central U.S.A. New Mexico WCVP
South-Central U.S.A. Texas WCVP
Mexico Mexico Central WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northeast WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northwest WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP

Activities

Eryngium heterophyllum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antihyperglycemic, Antioxidant.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antihyperglycemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Eryngium heterophyllum has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HeLa cells, antioxidant activity, dyslipidemia.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
HeLa cells 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antioxidant activity 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dyslipidemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆