Saururus cernuus
Lizard's tail
Saururus cernuus, commonly known as Lizard's Tail, is a unique perennial herb native to wetland environments. Distinguished by its distinctive spiked white inflorescences, this aquatic plant holds traditional medicinal value. Often utilized in folk remedies, it is studied for its potential bioactive properties and its role in wetland ecosystems.
- Scientific name: Saururus cernuus
- Family: Saururaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified within the order Piperales and the family Saururaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Saururus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Piperales | WCVP |
| Family | Saururaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Saururus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, scientifically known as Saururus cernuus, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Czech, it is referred to as ještěrkovec nicí, while in Slovak, it is known as Ödlesvans. The plant also goes by the name Wšědny saururus in Upper Sorbian. Internationally, its identity is captured through the Chinese name 蜥尾草 and the Arabic name صروة منحنية.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| hsb | Wšědny saururus | Wikidata |
| sv | Ödlesvans | Wikidata |
| cs | ještěrkovec nicí | Wikidata |
| zh | 蜥尾草 | Wikidata |
| ar | صروة منحنية | Wikidata |
| fa | دممارمولکی | Wikidata |
| en | lizard's tail | Wikidata |
| en | water-dragon | Wikidata |
| en | dragon's tail | Wikidata |
| en | swamp root | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution spanning across several different continents and regions. In Northern Europe, its presence can be documented within the borders of Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, it is found growing in Germany, while its reach extends to Southwestern Europe in both France and Corse. Finally, its range stretches across the Atlantic to include the province of Ontario in Eastern Canada.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Eastern Canada | Ontario | WCVP |
| Eastern Canada | Québec | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Illinois | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Kansas | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Missouri | WCVP |
| North-Central U.S.A. | Oklahoma | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Saururus cernuus, commonly known as Asian pepperbush, possesses various components that are studied for their therapeutic potential. While the leaves and flowers are often the primary focus for traditional applications, researchers also investigate the chemical constituents found within the plant's tissues. Specifically, the lipid extract derived from the plant can be analyzed to identify bioactive fatty acids and sterols that may contribute to its overall medicinal profile.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| lipid extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Saururus cernuus has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include anthraquinones, flavonoids, lignans, phenols, saponins.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| anthraquinones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Saururus cernuus has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Saururus cernuus has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include beriberi, edema, hypertension, jaundice, tumors.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| beriberi | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| edema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| jaundice | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tumors | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| urinary tract infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |