knotweed
Reynoutria · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (12 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Knotweed, scientifically known as Reynoutria, is a resilient plant celebrated for its potent medicinal properties. Often recognized by its distinctive heart-shaped leaves, it contains bioactive compounds like resveratrol. Traditionally used to support vascular health and reduce inflammation, this versatile species remains a vital subject in modern herbal pharmacology.
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Rhizome · Leaf
- Common names
- Knotweed · Knotweeds · 1 more
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- knotweed
- Knotweeds
- Rhizomatous Knotweeds
Scientific Names
Accepted name
ReynoutriaRegional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Hierbas nudosas rizomatosas
German:
- Flügelknöteriche
French:
- Renouées rhizomateuses
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Polygonaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Reynoutria.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Reynoutria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions in Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Its presence is also documented within the territories of Finland. Furthermore, the species is located in the Føroyar islands. Finally, its geographical range extends to both Great Britain and Ireland.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark |
| Northern Europe | Finland |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain |
| Northern Europe | Ireland |
| Northern Europe | Norway |
| Northern Europe | Sweden |
| Middle Europe | Austria |
| Middle Europe | Belgium |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Plant Parts
Reynoutria has 4 reported plant parts identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include rhizome, leaf, root, stem.
| Plant part | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Rhizome | 2 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaf | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Root | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stem | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Rhizome
- Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
- Nutrients
Leaf
- Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
Root
- Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
Stem
- Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
Chemicals
Reynoutria has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Flavonoids | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Flavonoids
- The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
Activities
Reynoutria has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Digestive, Neuroprotective, Sedative, Tonic.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Digestive | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sedative | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tonic | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Anticancer
- The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
Digestive
- The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
Neuroprotective
- The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
Sedative
- The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
Tonic
- The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
Medicinal Uses
Reynoutria has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include alopecia.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| alopecia | The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |