Ophioglossum vulgatum

Ophioglossum vulgatum, commonly known as Adder's-tongue fern, is a primitive pteridophyte cherished in traditional medicine. Valued for its unique bioactive compounds, it has been used historically to treat various ailments, including skin conditions and inflammation. This resilient plant serves as a fascinating subject for both ethnobotany and pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Ophioglossum vulgatum
  • Family: Ophioglossaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Ophioglossidae and the order Ophioglossales. Finally, it is a member of the family Ophioglossaceae, falling under the genus Ophioglossum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Ophioglossidae WCVP
Order Ophioglossales WCVP
Family Ophioglossaceae WCVP
Genus Ophioglossum WCVP

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across several regions within Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the natural landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Its presence extends further west to include the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Additionally, the species is documented inhabiting the territories of Norway. Together, these locations define its specific geographical range within the northern part of the continent.

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

Chemicals

Ophioglossum vulgatum has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include dihydroquercetin, flavonoids, luteolin, ophioglonin, quercetin-3-O-methyl ether.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
dihydroquercetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
luteolin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ophioglonin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin-3-O-methyl ether 1 ★☆☆☆☆
steroids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tannins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Ophioglossum vulgatum has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include burns, wound, wounds.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
burns 1 ★☆☆☆☆
wound 1 ★☆☆☆☆
wounds 1 ★☆☆☆☆