Spiny rush
Juncus acutus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Spiny rush, scientifically known as Juncus acuatus, is a resilient perennial herb found in wetland ecosystems. Renowned for its sharp, needle-like foliage, this plant offers significant medicinal potential. It is traditionally utilized in various cultures to treat inflammatory conditions, digestive ailments, and skin irritations through its unique bioactive properties.
- Family
- Juncaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Stem
- Common names
- Sharp Rush · Spiny Rush
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names
Common Names
- Sharp Rush
- Spiny Rush
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Junco espinoso
- Junco con borla
- Juncus spinosus
- Juncus karelinii
- Junquilla
- Junco silvestre
- Juncus multibracteatus
- Juncus leopoldii
- Hunco
- Junco con flueque
German:
- Stechende Binse
- Jonc Piquant
French:
- Jonc piquant
- Jonc Piquant
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Juncus acutusTaxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Poales, falling into the family Juncaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by its genus name, Juncus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Poales | WCVP |
| Family | Juncaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Juncus | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a varied geographical distribution across several European regions. In Northern Europe, its presence is documented in both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it can be found throughout various parts of Southwestern Europe. Specifically, its range includes the islands of Baleares and Corse. Additionally, the species is widely distributed across the mainland of France.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Juncus acutus, commonly known as hard rush, is characterized by its distinctive morphology, where the most significant medicinal and structural component consists of its tough, slender stems. These stems are cylindrical, pithy, and often feature longitudinal ridges, serving as the primary vegetative structure that supports the plant in its wetland habitats. In various traditional practices, these stems are the parts most frequently identified and utilized due to their resilient fiber and specific chemical properties.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| stem | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Juncus acutus has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Luteolin 7-O-glucoside, luteolin.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Luteolin 7-O-glucoside | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| luteolin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Luteolin 7-O-glucoside
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
luteolin
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
Activities
Juncus acutus has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiviral.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antiviral | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Juncus acutus has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HCov-229E, human coronavirus 229E.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| HCov-229E | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| human coronavirus 229E | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| apolar sub-extract (CH2Cl2) | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aqueous sub-extracts | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ethyl acetate sub-extracts | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |