Inula helenium
Inula helenium, commonly known as elecampane, is a powerful medicinal perennial renowned for its therapeutic properties. Traditionally used to treat respiratory ailments, this botanical powerhouse features potent rhizomes rich in sesquiterpene lactones. Its warming nature makes it a vital ally in supporting lung health and soothing persistent coughs.
- Scientific name: Inula helenium
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Europe
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 Asterales, it is further categorized into the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Inula.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Inula | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, known as Inula helenium, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several parts of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland regions of Denmark. The species also inhabits the diverse landscapes of Finland. Furthermore, its presence extends to the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, the plant is naturally distributed within the territories of 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 |
Chemicals
Inula helenium has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Alantolactone, isoalantolactone, Muskone, alantolactone, caffeoylquinic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alantolactone | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoalantolactone | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Muskone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alantolactone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caffeoylquinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| capillin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| helenin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sanguirythrine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| telekin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Inula helenium has 4 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Anticancer, Anthelmintic, Antitumor.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Inula helenium has 14 reported medicinal uses identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, Cancer, Clonorchis sinensis, Staphylococcus aureus, acne.
- Total uses
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 15
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Clonorchis sinensis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| acne | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bronchitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coccidiosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cough | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |