Petasites hybridus
Common butterbur
Petasiites hybridus, commonly known as butterbur, is a perennial herb prized for its potent medicinal properties. Primarily recognized for its ability to alleviate allergic rhinitis and migraines, this plant contains bioactive compounds that offer significant therapeutic benefits. Understanding its traditional uses and chemical profile is essential for modern herbalism.
- Scientific name: Petasites hybridus
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it is further categorized into the family Asteraceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by its membership in 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 |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Petasites hybridus, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Hungarian, it is called vörös acsalapu, while in Catalan, it is referred to as petasita. In Czech, the most common name is devětsil lékařský, though the Chod dialect uses the term Kòpëtnik. Additionally, in Danish, the plant is known as Rød hestehov.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| hu | vörös acsalapu | Wikidata |
| ca | petasita | Wikidata |
| cs | devětsil lékařský | Wikidata |
| csb | Kòpëtnik | Wikidata |
| da | Rød hestehov | Wikidata |
| de | Gewöhnliche Pestwurz | Wikidata |
| et | harilik katkujuur | Wikidata |
| fr | Grand pétasite | Wikidata |
| ja | セイヨウフキ | Wikidata |
| lt | Plačialapis šaukštis | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Petasites hybridus, is found across several regions in Northern Europe. Specifically, its presence is documented throughout the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. The species also inhabits various landscapes within Finland and Norway. Furthermore, it can be located across the islands of Great Britain. Finally, its geographical range extends to the lush terrains of Ireland.
| 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, commonly known as butterbur, is characterized by its distinct morphological structure where the primary medicinal properties are often concentrated in its subterranean portion. The rhizome serves as the foundational underground structure, acting as a storage organ for the plant's bioactive compounds. Above the ground, the plant features large, expansive leaves that emerge from the soil, supported by long, sturdy petioles that extend from the base to hold the broad foliage. Within these fleshy structures and the root system, various thickenings occur, providing the necessary nutrients and chemical constituents essential for its therapeutic applications.- Total parts
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 12
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| rhizome | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| thickenings | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| subterranean portion | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| petioles | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf buds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf blades | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower stalks | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Extracts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Petasites hybridus has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 21 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include petasin, senecionine, isopetasin, neopetasin, senkirkine.
- Total chemicals
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 21
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| petasin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| senecionine | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| isopetasin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| neopetasin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| senkirkine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Isopetasin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| S-Petasin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| furanopetasin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| intergerrimine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Petasites hybridus has 10 reported activities identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Carcinogenic, Spasmolytic, Anthelmintic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Carcinogenic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Spasmolytic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Genotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Insect-Repellent | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mutagenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Toxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Petasites hybridus has 20 reported medicinal uses identified across 26 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include migraine, asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, allergic reactions, allergic rhinitis.
- Total uses
- 20
- Scientific sources
- 26
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| migraine | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| asthma | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Allergic Rhinitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| allergic reactions | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| allergic rhinitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiety | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cough | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |