Helichrysum odoratissimum
Helichrysum odoratissimum, commonly known as the Everlasting Flower, is a resilient medicinal shrub native to Southern Africa. Renowned for its intense, curry-like aroma, this plant is highly valued in traditional medicine for its potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, offering diverse therapeutic benefits for skin and wellness.
- Scientific name: Helichrysum odoratissimum
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following its placement in the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it is a member of the family Asteraceae. Ultimately, it is categorized under the genus Helichrysum as Helichrysum odoratisissimum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Helichrysum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known by the Afrikaans name Kooigoed, is also referred to by its scientific designation in several languages, including vi: Helichrysum odoratissima, de: Helichrysum odoratissima, es: Helichrysum odoratissima, and it: Helichrysum odoratissima.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| af | Kooigoed | Wikidata |
| vi | Helichrysum odoratissima | Wikidata |
| de | Helichrysum odoratissima | Wikidata |
| es | Helichrysum odoratissima | Wikidata |
| it | Helichrysum odoratissima | Wikidata |
| fr | Helichrysum odoratissima | Wikidata |
| bg | Helichrysum odoratissima | Wikidata |
| ru | Helichrysum odoratissima | Wikidata |
| nl | Helichrysum odoratissima | Wikidata |
| la | Helichrysum odoratissima | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution that spans across multiple continents and diverse climates. In Northern Europe, its presence is specifically noted within Great Britain. The species also thrives in West Tropical Africa, with documented occurrences in Nigeria. Moving into West-Central Tropical Africa, it can be found in Cameroon, the Gulf of Guinea Islands, and the DR Congo. Together, these locations highlight the wide range of environments where the plant is naturally situated.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Nigeria | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Sudan-South Sudan | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Uganda | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Angola | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Helichrysum odoratissimum, is characterized by its distinct medicinal properties derived primarily from its various structural components. The leaves are a key feature, often possessing a unique texture and fragrance that contribute to the plant's therapeutic profile. The flowers are equally significant, typically displaying vibrant colors that attract pollinators while housing essential aromatic compounds. Ultimately, the entire aerial part of the plant is frequently harvested for medicinal use, as it encompasses the leaves and flowers, making it the primary source for extracting the volatile oils and bioactive constituents used in traditional remedies.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial part | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Helichrysum odoratissimum has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxyflavone, 5,6-dihydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyflavone, 5,7-dihydroxy-3-methoxyflavone, flavonoids, flavonol.
- Total chemicals
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxy-3-methoxyflavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5,6-dihydroxy-3,7,8-trimethoxyflavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 5,7-dihydroxy-3-methoxyflavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| monoterpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sesquiterpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Helichrysum odoratissimum has 6 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antiinflammatory, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiinflammatory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Helichrysum odoratissimum has 10 reported medicinal uses identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include abdominal pains, antioxidant, coughs, dental caries, eczema.
- Total uses
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| abdominal pains | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coughs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dental caries | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| eczema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| female sterility | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| heartburn | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| periodontal diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tuberculosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |