White Butterbur
Petasites albus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
White Butterbur, scientifically known as Petasites albus, is a perennial herb renowned for its significant therapeutic potential. Traditionally used in folk medicine, this plant contains bioactive compounds effective in treating inflammatory conditions, migraines, and respiratory ailments. Its unique phytochemical profile makes it a subject of growing pharmacological interest today.
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Aerial Parts
- Common names
- White Butterbur
- Scientific synonyms
- Petasites Albus Var. Ramosus · Tussilago Alba · 9 more
Names
Common Names
- White Butterbur
Regional and Traditional Names
German:
- Weiße Pestwurz
- Weiße Pestwurz
French:
- Pétasite blanc
- Petasite blanc
- Petasite blanc
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Petasites albusSynonyms
- Petasites albus var. ramosus
- Tussilago alba
- Tussilago alba var. hermaphrodita
- Petasites glabrescens
- Tussilago alba var. ramosa
- Petasites ramosus
- Petasites vulgaris subsp. albus
- Tussilago glabrescens
- Tussilago lutea
- Tussilago ramosa
- Petasites petasites
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asteraceae within the genus Petasites.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Petasites | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across several regions within Northern Europe. Specifically, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Denmark and Norway. Its presence extends to the islands of the Faroe Islands, known locally as Føroyaar. Additionally, the species is established throughout Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range includes the lush terrain of Ireland.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | 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, Petasites albus, is primarily utilized in traditional medicine through its aerial parts. These above-ground structures include the large, heart-shaped leaves and the flowering stalks that emerge from the ground. When preparing herbal remedies, the aerial parts are often collected to harness the specific bioactive compounds contained within the foliage and blooms, which are used to address various therapeutic purposes.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| aerial parts | Natural product research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Petasites albus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Euparin.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Euparin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Euparin
- Natural product research
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| essential oil | Natural product research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| essential oil of aerial parts | Natural product research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |