Eryngium

Sea holly

Eryngium, commonly known as sea holly, is a diverse genus of flowering plants celebrated for its striking, architectural foliage and metallic blue blooms. Beyond its ornamental appeal, various species hold significant medicinal value, traditionally utilized in herbal remedies to support digestive health, reduce inflammation, and promote overall systemic wellness.

  • Scientific name: Eryngium
  • Family: Apiaceae
  • 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 Apiales, it is classified under the family Apiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Eryngium.

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, known scientifically as Eryngium, is referred to by various names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Chinese, it is identified as 刺芹属 (zh-hans), 刺芹屬 (zh-hant), or 刺芹屬 (zh-hk), while in Poland, it is commonly called Mikołajek (pl), and in Belarus, it is known as Сінегаловік (be).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 刺芹属 Wikidata
zh-hant 刺芹屬 Wikidata
zh-hk 刺芹屬 Wikidata
pl Mikołajek Wikidata
be Сінегаловік Wikidata
ru Синеголовник Wikidata
tr Boğadikeni Wikidata
ca Panical Wikidata
hu iringó Wikidata
de Mannstreu Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a distinct presence across several regions within Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark. Additionally, its distribution extends to the northern territories of Finland. The species is also well-established in the coastal and inland areas of Great Britain. Finally, it is frequently documented throughout the territories of Ireland and Norway.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Eryngium, is valued in traditional medicine for the therapeutic properties found within its various components. Most of its medicinal benefits are derived from the aerial parts, which include the stems, leaves, and flowering structures that grow above the ground. Additionally, the plant is often utilized for its essential oil, which can be extracted to provide concentrated aromatic and bioactive compounds used in various herbal applications.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
essential oil 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Eryngium has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include eryngial, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
eryngial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
triterpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Eryngium has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Eryngium has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, burns, diarrhea, fevers, hypertension.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
asthma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
burns 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diarrhea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fevers 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hypertension 1 ★☆☆☆☆
malaria 1 ★☆☆☆☆