Rumex acetosa
Garden sorrel
Rumex acetosa, commonly known as common sorrel, is a perennial herb valued for its distinctively sharp, acidic flavor. Rich in vitamin C and organic acids, it has been used traditionally in folk medicine to support digestion and reduce inflammation. This versatile plant is both a culinary staple and a medicinal treasure.
- Scientific name: Rumex acetosa
- 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. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed in the order Caryophyllales and the family Polygonaceae. Finally, it is identified under the genus Rumex.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Polygonaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Rumex | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Rumex acetosa, is recognized by various names across different languages and regions. In Chinese, it is called 酸模, while in Basque, it is referred to as Mingarratz handi. Moving through Europe, it is known as Szczaw zwyczajny in Polish, Acedera común in Spanish, and mezeli sóska in Hungarian.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 酸模 | Wikidata |
| eu | Mingarratz handi | Wikidata |
| pl | Szczaw zwyczajny | Wikidata |
| es | Acedera común | Wikidata |
| hu | mezei sóska | Wikidata |
| et | Hapu oblikas | Wikidata |
| el | Λάπαθο | Wikidata |
| ba | Ҡуҙғалаҡ | Wikidata |
| nl | veldzuring | Wikidata |
| ar | حماض بستاني | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Its presence is also documented throughout the landscapes of Finland. Furthermore, the species inhabits the unique environments of the Faroe Islands. Finally, this medicinal plant is widely distributed across Great Britain and Iceland.
| 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 |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as common sorrel, utilizes both its aerial parts and its roots for various medicinal and culinary purposes. The aerial parts, which include the vibrant green leaves and flowering stalks, are rich in oxalic acid and vitamin C, making them highly effective for addressing digestive issues and providing nutritional support. Meanwhile, the roots contain distinct phytochemical properties that contribute to the plant's overall therapeutic profile, ensuring that the entire organism offers a diverse range of biological activities.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aerial parts | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Rumex acetosa has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ni, anthraquinones, catechin, emodin, epicatechin.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Ni | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anthraquinones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| emodin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epicatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hydroxycinnamic acids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Rumex acetosa has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antihypertensive.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Rumex acetosa has 14 reported medicinal uses identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HeLa cells, Necrosis, antihypertensive, arteriosclerosis, cancer.
- Total uses
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| HeLa cells | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Necrosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arteriosclerosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colon | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| common cold | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dysentery | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| enteritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| influenza A virus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |