Primula veris
Primula officinalis
Primula veris, commonly known as cowslip, is a perennial wildflower cherished for its bright yellow blooms and historical medicinal uses. Native to Europe, this gentle herb has long been utilized in traditional herbalism to soothe respiratory ailments, ease menstrual discomfort, and act as a mild sedative for calming nerves.
- Scientific name: Primula veris
- Family: Primulaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Ericales, it is classified under the family Primulaceae and the genus Primula. Therefore, its full scientific designation identifies it as Primula veris.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Primulaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Primula | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Primula veris, is recognized by various common names depending on the region and language. In Poland, it is called pierwiosnek lekarski, while in Belarus, it is referred to as Першацвет веснавы. Hungarian speakers call it tavaszi kankalin, and in Latvia, it is known as gaiļbiksīte. Finally, in Estonia, the plant is known by the name harilik nurmenukk.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | Pierwiosnek lekarski | Wikidata |
| be | Першацвет веснавы | Wikidata |
| hu | tavaszi kankalin | Wikidata |
| lv | Gaiļbiksīte | Wikidata |
| et | harilik nurmenukk | Wikidata |
| de | Echte Schlüsselblume | Wikidata |
| hsb | Wonjaty kropačk | Wikidata |
| sv | gullviva | Wikidata |
| nl | gulden sleutelbloem | Wikidata |
| eo | Printempa primolo | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated throughout various regions of Northern Europe. Its presence can be documented across the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Furthermore, it thrives within the northern landscapes of Finland and Norway. The species also extends its range to include the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Together, these locations define the primary geographical footprint of Primula veris in the north.
| 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 the cowslip, is highly valued in traditional herbalism, where the most significant medicinal component is the flower. The colorful, bell-shaped blossoms are harvested to create infusions or tinctures, as they contain various bioactive compounds believed to possess soothing properties. Often used to alleviate respiratory ailments or digestive issues, the flower serves as the primary part of the plant utilized for its therapeutic potential.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flower | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Primula veris has 17 reported phytochemicals identified across 18 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, (+)-catechin, 8-methoxy-flavone, GA3, anthocyanins.
- Total chemicals
- 17
- Scientific sources
- 18
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (+)-catechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 8-methoxy-flavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| GA3 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anthocyanins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| apigenin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| astragalin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ethanol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gibberellic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Primula veris has 4 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Expectorant, Antioxidant, Cardioprotective, Secretolytic.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Expectorant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cardioprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Secretolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Primula veris has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Aliivibrio fischeri, Bacillus subtilis, antioxidant activity, bronchitis, convulsions.
- Total uses
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Aliivibrio fischeri | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bacillus subtilis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant activity | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bronchitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| convulsions | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epilepsy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gout | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| headache | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| migraine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sleep disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |