Scrophularia
Figwort
Scrophularia, commonly known as figwort, is a versatile genus of flowering plants found globally. Renowned in traditional herbalism, its roots and leaves have historically been used to treat skin ailments, swellings, and glandular issues. This resilient botanical offers a fascinating intersection of natural beauty and ancient medicinal wisdom.
- Scientific name: Scrophularia
- Family: Scrophulariaceae
- 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 Lamiales, it is classified under the family Scrophulariaceae and 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, is recognized by various traditional names across different languages. In Catalan, it is referred to as escrofulària, while in German, it is commonly called Braunwurzen. Spanish speakers know it as Escrófula, and in French, it is called Scrophulaire, whereas in Dutch, it is known as helmkruid.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ca | escrofulària | Wikidata |
| de | Braunwurzen | Wikidata |
| es | Escrófula | Wikidata |
| fr | Scrophulaire | Wikidata |
| nl | helmkruid | Wikidata |
| pl | Trędownik | Wikidata |
| ru | норичник | Wikidata |
| wa | Må Sint-Marcou | Wikidata |
| ar | غدب | Wikidata |
| az | Qaraşəngi | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific range within the Northern European region. Its distribution can be found across the diverse landscapes of Denmark. It is also documented growing within the territories of Finland. Furthermore, the species is present in both Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its presence extends northward into the country 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 figwort, utilizes its various components for medicinal purposes, though the root is often the most significant part in traditional herbalism. The root of the Scrophularia species is typically harvested and dried to be used in decoctions or tinctures, valued for its historical application in treating glandular swellings and skin conditions. While the stems and leaves also comprise the plant's structure, it is the concentrated properties found within the root that have traditionally drawn interest in botanical studies.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Scrophularia has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include chlorothalonil, harpagoside, iridoids, terpenoids, triterpenoids.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| chlorothalonil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| harpagoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| iridoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Scrophularia has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hepatoprotective.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Scrophularia has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include eczema, heat, mastitis, psoriasis.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| eczema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| heat | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mastitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| psoriasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |