Pulicaria odora

Pulicaria odora, commonly known as aromatic tansy, is a fragrant perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family. Native to Europe and Asia, this plant is celebrated for its distinct, pungent aroma. Traditionally, it has been utilized in herbal medicine for its antimicrobial properties and to support digestive health.

  • Scientific name: Pulicaria odora
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known as Pulicaria odora, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae. Its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Pulicaria.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Pulicaria WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Pulicaria odora, is recognized by various local names across different regions and languages. In Kabyle, it is referred to as Amezzuɣ n yilef, while in Spanish, it holds several descriptive titles such as Inula odora, Yerba de las machacauras, and the common names Pulguera con raíz olorosa or Pulguera con raiz olorosa.
Language Common Name Source
kab Amezzuɣ n yilef Wikidata
es Inula odora Wikidata
es Pulguera con raíz olorosa Wikidata
es Yerba de las machacauras Wikidata
es Pulguera con raiz olorosa Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, Pulicaria odora, exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within Southwestern Europe. It can be found growing across the various territories of France and Portugal. The species also inhabits several Mediterranean islands, including the Baleares and Corse. Additionally, its presence is recorded in the region of Sardegna. Together, these locations define the primary natural range of this medicinal herb.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Corse WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Sardegna WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Kriti WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as tansy ragwort, derives much of its therapeutic value from its chemical composition, specifically the essential oil extracted from its foliage and flowering tops. This volatile oil contains various bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's traditional use in folk medicine. Because the essential oil is highly concentrated, it is often utilized in minute quantities for its aromatic and medicinal properties, though careful dosage is required due to its potency.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
essential oil 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Pulicaria odora has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2-isopropyl-4-methylphenol, isobutyrate, isobutyric acid 2-isopropyl-4-methylphenylester, thymol.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
2-isopropyl-4-methylphenol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isobutyrate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isobutyric acid 2-isopropyl-4-methylphenylester 1 ★☆☆☆☆
thymol 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Pulicaria odora has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Pulicaria odora has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, ulcers.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ulcers 1 ★☆☆☆☆