Hydrocotyle moschata

Hydrocotyle moschata, commonly known as Muskwort, is a creeping perennial herb valued in traditional medicine. Native to various tropical regions, this plant is recognized for its distinct aromatic properties. It is frequently utilized in herbal remedies to address inflammatory conditions, skin ailments, and various digestive issues across diverse cultures.

  • Scientific name: Hydrocotyle moschata
  • Family: Not available
  • Native range: Europe

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide-ranging geographical distribution across several distinct regions of the world. In Northern Europe, its presence is documented in both Great Britain and Ireland. Its range extends significantly to the Southern Hemisphere, specifically within the islands of New Zealand. Within this area, it can be found throughout New Zealand North as well as the remote Chatham Islands. Additionally, the species is recorded in the Kermadec Islands, completing its scattered global footprint.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
New Zealand Chatham Is. WCVP
New Zealand Kermadec Is. WCVP
New Zealand New Zealand North WCVP
New Zealand New Zealand South WCVP
Southwestern U.S.A. California WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Hydrocotyle moschata, is characterized by its distinct morphology, where the most prominent and medicinally significant features are its leaves. These leaves are typically small, rounded, or kidney-shaped, often featuring crenate or scalloped margins that give them a delicate appearance. In traditional herbal practices, these leaves are often the primary part of the plant utilized for their therapeutic properties, as they contain the bioactive compounds necessary for its medicinal applications.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Hydrocotyle moschata has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative, Antiviral.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anthelmintic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆