Euphorbia lathyris
Caper spurge
Euphorbia lathyris, commonly known as Caper Spurge, is a perennial plant prized for its medicinal latex. Historically utilized for treating skin conditions and various ailments, its potent sap requires careful handling. This species belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and serves as a significant subject in traditional pharmacological studies.
- Scientific name: Euphorbia lathyris
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales. Finally, it resides in the family Euphorbiaceae and is identified by the genus Euphorbia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Euphorbia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Euphorbia lathyris, is recognized by various local names across different languages and regions. In Hungarian, it is referred to as hasindító kutyatej, while in French, it is called épurge. The plant also goes by the name wilczomlecz groszkowy in Polish and cagamuja in Catalan. Additionally, in the Guaraní language, it is known as mba'ysyvo.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| gn | Mba'ysyvo | Wikidata |
| pl | Wilczomlecz groszkowy | Wikidata |
| fr | Épurge | Wikidata |
| ca | cagamuja | Wikidata |
| hu | hasindító kutyatej | Wikidata |
| de | Kreuzblättrige Wolfsmilch | Wikidata |
| az | Güllücə südləyəni | Wikidata |
| hsb | Křižna mlóčeń | Wikidata |
| nl | Kruisbladige wolfsmelk | Wikidata |
| zh | 續隨子 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad presence across several regions within the European continent. In Northern Europe, its distribution includes the territories of Great Britain and Ireland. Moving into Middle Europe, the species can be found growing in Belgium. It also maintains a documented presence within the Czech-Slovakia region. Finally, the geographical range extends further into Germany.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Caper Spurge, utilizes various components for its biological functions and traditional medicinal applications. The aerial parts, which include the stems and leaves, are often the most visible aspect of the organism, containing the milky latex characteristic of the genus. Beneath the surface, the roots serve as a vital anchoring and nutrient-gathering system, with the individual root structures extending into the soil. The reproductive cycle is completed through the production of seeds, which are contained within specialized capsules; once these capsules mature and burst, the shelled seeds are dispersed to facilitate the growth of new generations.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| shelled seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Euphorbia lathyris has 17 reported phytochemicals identified across 18 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ingenol, 7-hydroxylathyrol, Euphorbia factor L10, L3, baicalin.
- Total chemicals
- 17
- Scientific sources
- 18
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ingenol | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 7-hydroxylathyrol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Euphorbia factor L10 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| L3 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| baicalin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ent-kaurane | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| euphorbia factor L1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fatty acids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ingenol-20-hexadecanoate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Euphorbia lathyris has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Euphorbia lathyris has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include ascites, cancer, edema, pancreatic cancer.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ascites | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| edema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pancreatic cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |