Scandix pecten-veneris
Shepherd's needle
Scandix pecten-veneris, commonly known as corncockle, is a delicate annual herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. Characterized by its white, umbel-like flower clusters and feathery foliage, this plant has historical roots in traditional medicine, where it was utilized for its various bioactive properties and unique botanical characteristics.
- Scientific name: Scandix pecten-veneris
- Family: Apiaceae
- 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 Apiales, it is classified under the family Apiaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Scandix.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Apiales | WCVP |
| Family | Apiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Scandix | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Scandix pecten-veneris, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Catalan, it is called agulles de pastor, while in German, it is known as Venuskamm. Moving through France, the name used is Scandix peigne de Vénus, whereas in Galician, it is identified as Agulleira. Finally, in Dutch, the plant is commonly called Naaldenkervel.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ca | agulles de pastor | Wikidata |
| de | Venuskamm | Wikidata |
| fr | Scandix peigne de Vénus | Wikidata |
| gl | Agulleira | Wikidata |
| nl | Naaldenkervel | Wikidata |
| ro | Acul-doamnei | Wikidata |
| ru | Скандикс гребенчатый | Wikidata |
| sv | Nålkörvel | Wikidata |
| he | מסרק שולמית | Wikidata |
| pl | Czechrzyca grzebieniowa | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in Denmark, Sweden, Great Britain, and Ireland. Its presence also extends into Middle Europe, specifically within the borders of Austria. These locations highlight its ability to thrive in various temperate climates. Consequently, the species maintains a significant foothold across both northern and central territories.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
Chemicals
Scandix pecten-veneris has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Scandix pecten-veneris has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antimutagenic, Antioxidant, Mutagenic.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimutagenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mutagenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Scandix pecten-veneris has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, infectious diseases.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infectious diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |