Lepidium perfoliatum

Clasping pepperweed

Lepidium perfoliatum, commonly known as the leafy pepperweed, is a resilient medicinal herb found in diverse habitats. Renowned for its unique botanical properties, this plant has been utilized in traditional healing practices to address various ailments. Understanding its phytochemical profile is essential for exploring its potential therapeutic applications today.

  • Scientific name: Lepidium perfoliatum
  • Family: Brassicaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Brassicales and the family Brassicaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by its 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 perfoliatum, is referred to by several different names depending on the region and language. In Simplified Chinese, it is commonly known as 抱茎独行菜 (zh-hans) and 抱茎独行菜 (zh-cn), while in Singapore, the name used is 抱茎独行菜 (zh-sg). In Traditional Chinese contexts, it is identified as 抱莖獨行菜 (zh-hant) and is also referred to as 抱莖獨行菜 in Hong Kong (zh-hk).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 抱茎独行菜 Wikidata
zh-hant 抱莖獨行菜 Wikidata
zh-hk 抱莖獨行菜 Wikidata
zh-cn 抱茎独行菜 Wikidata
zh-sg 抱茎独行菜 Wikidata
zh-tw 抱莖獨行菜 Wikidata
dsb Pśerosćona krjasa Wikidata
az Dəlikyarpaq bozalaq Wikidata
hsb Přerosćena žerchej Wikidata
zh 抱茎独行菜 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad presence across various regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its distribution includes Denmark, Great Britain, and Ireland. Moving toward the central regions, the species can also be found throughout Middle Europe. Specifically, it is documented to grow within the borders of Austria. Additionally, its geographical range extends into Belgium, marking its presence in Middle Europe.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
Middle Europe Switzerland WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Lepidium perfoliatum, also known as the perfoliate pepperweed, utilizes its seeds as a vital component of its reproductive cycle. These small, specialized seeds are produced within the plant's siliques, which are characteristic pod-like structures typical of the Brassicaceae family. Once the seeds reach maturity, they serve as the primary means for the plant to propagate and ensure the survival of future generations across its natural habitat.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
Seeds 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Lepidium perfoliatum has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Anthelmintic, Antibacterial, Antitumor, Irritant.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anthelmintic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Irritant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Laxative 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Lepidium perfoliatum has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Toxoplasma gondii, analgesic, anthelmintic, irritant, laxative.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Toxoplasma gondii 1 ★☆☆☆☆
analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anthelmintic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
irritant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
laxative 1 ★☆☆☆☆