Rumex
The sorrel genus
Rumex, commonly known as docks or sorrels, is a diverse genus of perennial herbs valued in traditional medicine. Characterized by their distinct tartness, these plants contain anthraquinones and tannins. They are frequently used to treat digestive issues, skin irritations, and inflammatory conditions, serving as a vital botanical resource.
- Scientific name: Rumex
- Family: Polygonaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Caryophyllales, it is classified under the family Polygonaceae. It is specifically identified by 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, belonging to the genus Rumex, is known by various common names depending on the linguistic region. In Simplified Chinese contexts, including mainland China and Singapore, it is referred to as 酸模属 (zh-hans, zh-cn, zh-sg), while in Traditional Chinese contexts such as Taiwan and Hong Kong, it is identified as 酸模屬 (zh-hant, zh-hk).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 酸模属 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 酸模屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 酸模屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 酸模属 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 酸模属 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 酸模屬 | Wikidata |
| pl | Szczaw | Wikidata |
| qu | Rumasa | Wikidata |
| fr | oseille | Wikidata |
| hu | lórom | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions in Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Its presence is also well-documented throughout the landscapes of Finland. Furthermore, the species inhabits the unique environments of the Føroyaar islands. Finally, its range extends to the rugged terrains of both 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 dock, offers various components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The roots are often harvested for their specific chemical compounds and are frequently used in traditional preparations to address digestive or inflammatory issues. The leaves are equally significant, containing various nutrients and bioactive substances that can be applied topically or consumed. Furthermore, the aerial parts, which encompass the stems and flowering structures, contribute to the overall medicinal profile of the plant, making the entire organism a versatile resource in herbal medicine.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Rumex has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anthraquinones, carotenoids, emodin, flavonoids, nepodin.
- Total chemicals
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anthraquinones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| carotenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| emodin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nepodin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxalic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin 3-O-glucoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| torachrysone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| trans-resveratrol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Rumex has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antidiabetic, Antihypertensive, Antiviral, Diuretic.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Rumex has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include MRSA, bacterial infections, cancer, constipation, infections.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| MRSA | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bacterial infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| constipation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| jaundice | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |