Scrophularia nodosa

Common figwort

Scrophularia nodosa, commonly known as common figwort, is a perennial herb valued in traditional herbalism. Characterized by its distinctive spotted leaves and small, tubular flowers, it has historically been used to treat skin inflammations, swellings, and glandular issues. This resilient plant remains a subject of interest in botanical studies.

  • Scientific name: Scrophularia nodosa
  • Family: Scrophulariaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls into the order Lamiales and the family Scrophulariaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification is placed within the genus Scrophularia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Scrophulariaceae WCVP
Genus Scrophularia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Scrophularia nodosa, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Slovakia, it is called krtičník hľuznatý, while in Poland, it is known as Trędownik bulwiasty. The French name for this species is scrophaire noueuse, and in Turkey, it is commonly called adi sıraca otu. Additionally, in Finland, it is referred to as syyläjuuri.
Language Common Name Source
sk krtičník hľuznatý Wikidata
pl Trędownik bulwiasty Wikidata
fr Scrophulaire noueuse Wikidata
tr Adi sıraca otu Wikidata
fi syyläjuuri Wikidata
et harilik sealõuarohi Wikidata
de Knotige Braunwurz Wikidata
nn Brunrot Wikidata
hr strupnik Wikidata
hsb Sučkaty trudownik Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Scrophularia nodosa, exhibits a specific presence across several regions of Northern Europe. Its distribution includes the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. It can also be found growing within the landscapes of Finland. Furthermore, the species is documented throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its geographical range extends into the northern territories of Norway.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as scroplewort, utilizes its various morphological structures for both growth and medicinal application. The leaves are typically simple, oppositely arranged along the stem, and possess a characteristic shape that defines its vegetative appearance. In traditional herbalism, the entire aerial parts of the plant—which include the stems, leaves, and flowers—are often harvested and used in preparations to harness its bioactive compounds.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Scrophularia nodosa has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,4'-tetramethoxyflavone, Centaurein, Spinoside, flavonoids, resin.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
5-hydroxy-3,6,7,4'-tetramethoxyflavone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Centaurein 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Spinoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
resin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sugar 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Scrophularia nodosa has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytoprotective, Diuretic, Spasmolytic.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Cytoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Diuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Spasmolytic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Scrophularia nodosa has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, denture stomatitis, oxidative stress.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Candida albicans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Candida tropicalis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
denture stomatitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oxidative stress 1 ★☆☆☆☆