Tussilago farfara
Coltsfoot
Tussilago farfarra, commonly known as coltsfoot, is a perennial herb cherished in traditional medicine for its respiratory benefits. Renowned for its soothing properties, it has long been used to treat coughs, bronchitis, and sore throats. This versatile plant offers natural relief, making it a staple in herbal healing traditions.
- Scientific name: Tussilago farfara
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Tussilago farfara, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae, falling under the order Asterales. Furthermore, it is a member of the family Asteraceae within the genus Tussilago.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Tussilago | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Tussilago farfara, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Polish, it is called podbiał pospolity, while in Bosnian, it is referred to as Podbjel. Its identity is also reflected in the Chinese language as 款冬 and in the Kyrgyz language as Өгөй эне-өз эне. Additionally, in the LB language, it is known as Ieselsfouss.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| lb | Ieselsfouss | Wikidata |
| zh | 款冬 | Wikidata |
| ky | Өгөй эне-өз эне | Wikidata |
| pl | podbiał pospolity | Wikidata |
| bs | Podbjel | Wikidata |
| es | Tussilago | Wikidata |
| hu | martilapu | Wikidata |
| et | paiseleht | Wikidata |
| ba | Үгәй инә үләне | Wikidata |
| nl | Klein hoefblad | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution primarily concentrated within the regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing across various territories, including Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its presence extends to the island nations of Iceland and the Faroe Islands (Føroyar). The species is also documented to inhabit the landscape of Great Britain. Together, these locations define the northern reaches of its known habitat.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Tussilago farfara, exhibits distinct morphological characteristics across its various components. The medicinal properties are often derived from the aerial parts with flowers, which emerge early in the spring. Before the full bloom, the small, yellow flower buds are visible, signaling the onset of the flowering stage. Additionally, the plant features tender buds that contribute to its overall development. The most prominent vegetative feature, however, is the leaves, which typically appear after the flowering period has concluded. These large, heart-shaped leaves are essential for the plant's energy production and are a key identifier of the species.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flower buds | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| buds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts with flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Tussilago farfara has 77 reported phytochemicals identified across 88 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, quercetin, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid, chlorogenic acid, hyperoside.
- Total chemicals
- 77
- Scientific sources
- 88
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyperoside | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kaempferol | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rutin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| trans-caffeic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 2,2-dimethyl-6-acetyl chromanone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Tussilago farfara has 11 reported activities identified across 21 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antitussive, Expectorant, Antibacterial, Neuroprotective.
- Total activities
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 21
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antitussive | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Expectorant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipsoriatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitubercular | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Platelet-Activating-Factor-Inhibitor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Tussilago farfara has 20 reported medicinal uses identified across 24 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, antitussive, cough, Candida albicans, Leishmaniasis.
- Total uses
- 20
- Scientific sources
- 24
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| asthma | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| antitussive | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cough | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leishmaniasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Streptococcus pyogenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| allergic reactions | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bronchopneumonia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coughs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |