Nigella damascena
Love-in-a-mist
Nigella damascena, commonly known as Love-in-a-mist, is a captivating annual herb cherished for its delicate, misty foliage and ethereal blue blooms. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this plant holds significant medicinal potential, traditionally utilized in herbal practices for its soothing properties and its ability to support various wellness functions.
- Scientific name: Nigella damascena
- Family: Ranunculaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Nigella damascena, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the family Ranunculaceae and the genus Nigella.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ranunculales | WCVP |
| Family | Ranunculaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Nigella | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Nigella damascena, is recognized by various common names across different languages and cultures. In German, it is referred to as Jungfer im Grünen, while in Polish, it is called Czarnuszka damasceńska. It is known as Чернушка дамасская in Russian and as Nigelle de Damas in French. Additionally, in Catalan, this beautiful species is commonly called flor d'aranja.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Jungfer im Grünen | Wikidata |
| pl | Czarnuszka damasceńska | Wikidata |
| ru | Чернушка дамасская | Wikidata |
| fr | Nigelle de Damas | Wikidata |
| ca | flor d'aranya | Wikidata |
| fi | tarhaneito | Wikidata |
| hsb | Rjana družka | Wikidata |
| sv | Jungfrun i det gröna | Wikidata |
| nl | Juffertje-in-het-groen | Wikidata |
| ar | شونيز دمشقي | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several northern regions of Europe. In the northernmost reaches of the continent, it can be found growing in Finland. Its presence extends further west into the coastal landscapes of Norway. The species is also well-documented throughout the British Isles, specifically in Great Britain and Ireland. Additionally, the plant maintains a notable presence in Denmark.
| 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 | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Nigella damascena or Love-in-a-mist, utilizes its seeds as the primary component for medicinal and culinary applications. These small, dark, and angular seeds contain concentrated essential oils that possess various therapeutic properties, often utilized in traditional practices for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. While the plant is celebrated for its delicate blue flowers, it is the potent chemical composition found within the seeds that holds the most significant interest for those seeking its medicinal benefits.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Nigella damascena has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, damascenine, flavonoids, triterpenes.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 2,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| damascenine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Nigella damascena has 11 reported activities identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimutagenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipyretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sternutatory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Nigella damascena has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include amenorrhea, menstruation, vermifuge.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| amenorrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| menstruation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vermifuge | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |