Taraxacum kok-saghyz
Taraxacum kok-saghyz · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (8 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Taraxacum kok-saghyz, scientifically known as Taraxacum kok-saghyz, is a perennial herb primarily valued for its potent medicinal roots. Often called the Russian dandelion, it is rich in inulin and bioactive compounds. Traditionally used to support liver health and digestion, this plant offers significant therapeutic potential in modern herbal medicine.
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native range
- Europe
- Parts used
- Leaf · Root
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Taraxacum Brevicorniculatum
Names
Regional and Traditional Names
German:
- Russischer Löwenzahn
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Taraxacum kok-saghyzSynonyms
- Taraxacum brevicorniculatum
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae. Its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Taraxacum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Taraxacum | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across several key regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, its presence is noted within the borders of Austria, Germany, and the Czechia-Slovakia region. Moving toward the southeast, the species can also be found growing in Romania. Furthermore, its range extends into Eastern Europe, specifically reaching Northwest European Russia. Together, these locations define the natural geographical footprint of Taraxacum kok-saghyz.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Romania | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Northwest European Russia | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Ukraine | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Kazakhstan | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Kirgizstan | WCVP |
| China | Xinjiang | WCVP |
| Mongolia | Mongolia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Taraxacum kok-saghyz, is a perennial herb valued primarily for its unique chemical composition found within its various structures. The most significant part is the thick, fleshy roots, which are harvested and processed to extract natural rubber and various medicinal compounds. Surrounding the base of the plant are the leaves, which typically grow in a basal rosette pattern and contribute to the plant's overall nutrient production through photosynthesis. Additionally, when the stem or leaves are broken, the plant exudes a milky white latex, a substance that is characteristic of the dandelion family and contains various bioactive constituents.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | Metabolites (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | Metabolites (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Taraxacum kok-saghyz has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include NATURAL RUBBER, Phenols, Rubber.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| NATURAL RUBBER | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Phenols | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Rubber | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
NATURAL RUBBER
- Frontiers in plant science
Phenols
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
Rubber
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
Activities
Taraxacum kok-saghyz has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | Metabolites (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | Metabolites (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |