Swertia punctata

Swertia punctata, commonly known as Swertia, is a significant medicinal herb belonging to the Gentianaceae family. Widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, this plant is celebrated for its bitter principles. It possesses potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties, making it a vital natural remedy for enhancing digestive health and liver function.

  • Scientific name: Swertia punctata
  • Family: Gentianaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Swertia punctata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Gentianales and the family Gentianaceae. It is further categorized under the specific genus Swertia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Gentianaceae WCVP
Genus Swertia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Swertia punctata, is referred to by the common name Петниста сверция in Bulgarian (bg).
Language Common Name Source
bg Петниста сверция Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of Eastern and Southeastern Europe. In the area of Southeastern Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of Bulgaria. It also maintains a presence in Romania, another country situated in the Southeastern European region. Moving further north, the species is documented to inhabit parts of Eastern Europe, specifically within Ukraine. Collectively, these locations define the known natural range for Swertia punctata.

Region Area Source
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Southeastern Europe Romania WCVP
Eastern Europe Ukraine WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Swertia punctata, possesses medicinal properties that are primarily derived from its roots and aerial parts. The roots are highly valued in traditional medicine for their potent bioactive compounds, often serving as a key component in various herbal formulations. Similarly, the aerial parts, which include the stems, leaves, and flowers, are harvested and utilized for their therapeutic benefits, contributing to the plant's overall pharmacological profile.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Swertia punctata has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1-O-gentiobiosyl-3,7-dimethoxy-8-hydroxyxanthone, 1-O-primeverosyl-3,8-dihydroxy-5-methoxyxanthone, bellidifolin, isobellidifolin, isoorientin.

Total chemicals
10
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
1-O-gentiobiosyl-3,7-dimethoxy-8-hydroxyxanthone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
1-O-primeverosyl-3,8-dihydroxy-5-methoxyxanthone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bellidifolin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isobellidifolin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isoorientin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
mangiferin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
methylbellidifolin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
methylswertianin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
norswertianin-1-O-beta-D-glucoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
swertianolin 1 ★☆☆☆☆