Lepidium didymum
Coronopus didymus
Lepidium didymum, commonly known as peppercress, is a versatile annual herb native to various regions. Renowned for its pungent, peppery flavor, it serves as a nutrient-dense edible plant. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, this medicinal herb is traditionally utilized for its anti-inflammatory properties and to support overall digestive health.
- Scientific name: Lepidium didymum
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Lepidium didymum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling within the order Brassicales. Finally, it is a member of the family Brassicaceae and is situated within the genus Lepidium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Brassicales | WCVP |
| Family | Brassicaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Lepidium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Lepidium didymum, is referred to by various regional names across different languages and cultures. In German, it is commonly called Zweiknotiger Krähenfuß, while in Switzerland, the spelling shifts slightly to Zweiknotiger Krähenfuss. In Japan, the species is known as カラクサナズナ, and among the Quechua-speaking people, it is identified as Kimpi. Additionally, in the Upper Sorbian dialect, it carries the name Suckata ronica.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Zweiknotiger Krähenfuß | Wikidata |
| de-ch | Zweiknotiger Krähenfuss | Wikidata |
| ja | カラクサナズナ | Wikidata |
| qu | Kimpi | Wikidata |
| dsb | Suckata ronica | Wikidata |
| hsb | Sučkata wrónica | Wikidata |
| nl | kleine varkenskers | Wikidata |
| sv | Hamnkrassing | Wikidata |
| zh | 臭荠 | Wikidata |
| ne | चम्सुरे घाँस | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Lepidium didymum, exhibits a specific distribution across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and terrestrial landscapes of Denmark. Furthermore, its presence extends to the northern reaches of the continent within Finland. The species is also documented throughout the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its geographical range includes the rugged terrains 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 |
Plant Parts
This plant, known as Lesser Perennial Cress, is primarily utilized for its medicinal properties through its aerial parts. The most significant portion used in traditional remedies consists of the green leaves, which are harvested from the plant's upright stems. Each individual leaf exhibits a distinct shape that contributes to the overall structure of the aerial parts, making the foliage the central component for extraction and therapeutic use.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aerial parts | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Lepidium didymum has 9 reported activities identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antifungal, Antiproliferative.
- Total activities
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipyretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Expectorant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |