Sarcopoterium spinosum

Prickly burnet

Sarcopoterium spinosum, commonly known as sweet broom, is a resilient, thorny shrub native to the Mediterranean region. Highly valued in traditional medicine, this aromatic plant possesses significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is frequently utilized in herbal remedies to support digestive health and manage various inflammatory conditions effectively.

  • Scientific name: Sarcopoterium spinosum
  • Family: Rosaceae
  • 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 Rosales, it is classified under the family Rosaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Sarcopoterium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Rosales WCVP
Family Rosaceae WCVP
Genus Sarcopoterium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Sarcopoterium spinosum, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Polish, it is called krwiściąg ciernisty, while in Finnish, it is known as piikkiluppio. The Greek name for this species is Σαρκοποτήριο το ακανθώδες, and in Russian, it is identified as Саркопотериум колючий. Additionally, in German, it is commonly called Dornige Bibernelle.
Language Common Name Source
pl krwiściąg ciernisty Wikidata
fi piikkiluppio Wikidata
el Σαρκοποτήριο το ακανθώδες Wikidata
ru Саркопотериум колючий Wikidata
de Dornige Bibernelle Wikidata
en prickly burnet Wikidata
en spiny burnet Wikidata
en thorny burnet Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern primarily concentrated within the Mediterranean basin. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing in the region of Sardegna. Its presence extends into Southeastern Europe, where it is documented in Albania. Furthermore, the species is widely distributed across Italy and the mainland of Greece. Finally, its geographical range includes the island of Kriti within the Southeastern European zone.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Sardegna WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Kriti WCVP
Southeastern Europe Sicilia WCVP
Southeastern Europe Türkiye-in-Europe WCVP
Southeastern Europe NW. Balkan Pen. WCVP
Northern Africa Libya WCVP
Northern Africa Tunisia WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Sarcopoterium spinosum, is a deciduous shrub whose medicinal properties are derived from various components of its structure. The aerial parts, which include the stems and leaves, are frequently utilized in traditional remedies due to their specific chemical compositions. Additionally, the root system plays a crucial role in the plant's overall biological function and is often studied for its potential therapeutic effects. When preparing extracts, practitioners may focus on specific aerial parts to ensure the concentration of bioactive compounds is maximized for healing purposes.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aerial parts 2 ★☆☆☆☆
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆
areal parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Sarcopoterium spinosum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include SSE.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
SSE 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Sarcopoterium spinosum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antioxidant.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Sarcopoterium spinosum has 13 reported medicinal uses identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, type 2 diabetes, SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Total uses
13
Scientific sources
17

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
insulin resistance 2 ★☆☆☆☆
insulin sensitivity 2 ★☆☆☆☆
type 2 diabetes 2 ★☆☆☆☆
SARS-CoV-2 infection 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antihyperglycemic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
glucose intolerance 1 ★☆☆☆☆
metabolic syndrome 1 ★☆☆☆☆
obesity 1 ★☆☆☆☆