Sideritis

Mountain tea

Sideritis, commonly known as Yellow Sideritis or Ironwort, is a resilient Mediterranean shrub prized for its therapeutic properties. Renowned for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, this aromatic herb is frequently used in traditional medicine to support respiratory health, soothe digestive issues, and strengthen the body's natural immune defenses.

  • Scientific name: Sideritis
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • 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 and family Lamiaceae, it is classified under the genus Sideritis.

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

Common Names

This plant, known for its medicinal properties, is referred to by various names depending on the region and language. In Hungary, it is called sármányvirág, while in Bulgaria, it is commonly known as Пирински чай. German speakers call it Gliedkräuter, and in Israel, it is identified by the Hebrew name ברזילון. Additionally, in Poland, the plant is known as gojnik.
Language Common Name Source
hu sármányvirág Wikidata
bg Пирински чай Wikidata
de Gliedkräuter Wikidata
he ברזילון Wikidata
pl gojnik Wikidata
sq Çaj mali Wikidata
ru Железница Wikidata
zh 毒马草属 Wikidata
ar فزر Wikidata
sv Sårmyntor Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across several regions within Middle Europe. It can be found growing in the mountainous and hilly terrains of Austria. Its presence extends through the central landscapes of Czechia and Slovakia. Furthermore, the species is widely documented across Germany and Hungary. Finally, its geographical range reaches into the alpine territories of Switzerland.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Middle Europe Switzerland WCVP
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Corse WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Sardegna WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Sideitis or Greek Mountain Tea, is valued for its therapeutic properties which are primarily concentrated in its aerial parts. The leaves and flowering tops, which constitute the harvestable portions above the ground, are rich in bioactive compounds. Furthermore, the plant contains essential oils that contribute to its distinct aromatic profile and medicinal efficacy, making these components vital for various traditional and modern herbal applications.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
oils 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Sideritis has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Linearol, acteoside, verbascoside.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Linearol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
acteoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
verbascoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Sideritis has 3 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic, Anticancer, Antioxidant.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Cytotoxic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Sideritis has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include carcinogenesis, cold, inflammation, respiratory diseases.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
carcinogenesis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cold 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
respiratory diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆