Polygonum aviculare
Common knotgrass
Polygonum aviculare, commonly known as knotgrass, is a resilient, creeping herb found globally in disturbed soils. Valued in traditional medicine, it possesses potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Often used to support skin health and digestive wellness, this versatile plant offers significant therapeutic potential in natural healing practices.
- Scientific name: Polygonum aviculare
- Family: Polygonaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Specifically, it is a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Caryophyllales. It is further categorized under the family Polygonaceae within the genus Polygonum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Polygonaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Polygonum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Polygonum aviculare, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Poland, it is called rdest ptasi, while in France, it is known as Renouée des oiseaux. Its name in Korean is 마디풀, and in Latvia, it is identified as Maura sūrane. Additionally, in the Maldivian language (Dhivehi), it is called Нар.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | rdest ptasi | Wikidata |
| fr | Renouée des oiseaux | Wikidata |
| ko | 마디풀 | Wikidata |
| lv | Maura sūrene | Wikidata |
| mdf | Нар | Wikidata |
| de | Vogelknöterich | Wikidata |
| ba | Күгүлән | Wikidata |
| nl | gewoon varkensgras | Wikidata |
| sv | Trampört | Wikidata |
| ar | عصا الراعي | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Polygonum aviculare, exhibits a notable presence across several regions in Northern Europe. It is commonly found throughout the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Its distribution extends further north to include the territories of Finland and Iceland. Additionally, this medicinal species can be observed growing within the archipelago of the Faroe Islands. Finally, the plant is well-established across the various landscapes of Great Britain.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Svalbard | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
Chemicals
Polygonum aviculare has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5,6,7,4'-tetramethoxyflavanone, acteoside, anthraquinones, caffeic acid, ethyl caffeate.
- Total chemicals
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 5,6,7,4'-tetramethoxyflavanone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| acteoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anthraquinones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ethyl caffeate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oleanolic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| p-coumaric acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polydatin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| resveratrol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Polygonum aviculare has 12 reported medicinal uses identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include arthritis, diarrhea, gastroduodenal ulcer, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids.
- Total uses
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastroduodenal ulcer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hemorrhage | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hemorrhoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| liver fibrosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nephrolithiasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| obesity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatic disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |