Verbascum thapsus
Mullein
Verbascum thapsus, commonly known as Great Mullein, is a versatile perennial herb celebrated in traditional herbalism. Renowned for its soothing mucilage, it is primarily used to support respiratory health, easing coughs and congestion. Its soft, velvety leaves and potent medicinal properties make it a staple in natural healing practices.
- Scientific name: Verbascum thapsus
- 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 a member of the family Scrophulariaceae. It is specifically classified under the genus Verbascum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Verbascum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Verbascum thapsus, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Polish, it is called dziewanna drobnokwiaowa, while in Udmurt, it is known as Гондырпель. Its Hungarian name is molyhos ökörfarkkóró, and in Latvian, it is identified as Parastais deviņvīruspēks. Additionally, in Liechtenstein, the plant is commonly called Dónderpele.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | dziewanna drobnokwiatowa | Wikidata |
| udm | Гондырпель | Wikidata |
| hu | molyhos ökörfarkkóró | Wikidata |
| lv | Parastais deviņvīruspēks | Wikidata |
| li | Dónderpele | Wikidata |
| et | Üheksavägine | Wikidata |
| de | Kleinblütige Königskerze | Wikidata |
| hsb | Małokwětkata dźiwizna | Wikidata |
| ar | بوصير شائع | Wikidata |
| nl | koningskaars | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across various regions of Northern Europe. Specifically, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Denmark. Its presence is also well-documented throughout the territories of Finland and Norway. Furthermore, the species is commonly observed across the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. These locations highlight its ability to thrive within the Northern European climate.
| 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 mullein, utilizes various components for its traditional medicinal applications. The seeds are often collected and can be used in specific herbal preparations, while the aerial parts, which include the leaves and flowering stalks, are the most frequently utilized portions for infusions and teas.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Verbascum thapsus has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, saponins, 2-hexene, Mg, lignins.
- Total chemicals
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 2-hexene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mg | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sesquiterpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| verbascoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Verbascum thapsus has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiinflammatory, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiinflammatory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Verbascum thapsus has 12 reported medicinal uses identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include asthma, migraine headaches, anti-allergic, colon, diarrhea.
- Total uses
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 15
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| asthma | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| migraine headaches | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anti-allergic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colon | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| earache | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hepatoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| otalgia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| prostate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pulmonary diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |