woad
Isatis · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Woad, scientifically known as Isatis, is a versatile medicinal plant valued for its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Historically utilized in traditional medicine, its extracts are frequently employed to treat skin infections, respiratory ailments, and inflammation. This hardy perennial remains a significant subject in modern ethnobotanical research.
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Root
- Common names
- Woad · Woads
- Scientific synonyms
- Pachypterygium · Boreava · 4 more
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- woad
- woads
Scientific Names
Accepted name
IsatisSynonyms
- Pachypterygium
- Boreava
- Sameraria
- Tauscheria
- Tetrapterygium
- Martinsia
Regional and Traditional Names
German:
- Waid
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Brassicales. Finally, it resides in the family Brassicaceae and is identified by the genus Isatis.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Brassicales |
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Genus | Isatis |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant, known as Isatis, exhibits a specific distribution across various regions of Northern Europe. Its presence is documented within the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. The species can also be found growing throughout the landscapes of Finland. Furthermore, it is widely distributed across the territories of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its geographical range extends to the northern reaches of Norway.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark |
| Northern Europe | Finland |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain |
| Northern Europe | Ireland |
| Northern Europe | Norway |
| Northern Europe | Sweden |
| Middle Europe | Austria |
| Middle Europe | Belgium |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia |
| Middle Europe | Germany |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Plant Parts
Isatis has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.
| Plant part | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Root | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Root
- BMC complementary medicine and therapies
Activities
Isatis has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Immunostimulant.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Immunostimulant | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Immunostimulant
- Reviews on recent clinical trials