Aegopodium podagraria L. – lecznicza roślina jadalna
Aegopodium podagraria L. – medicinal edible plant

Summary/Abstract: Aegopodium podagraria L., commonly known as goutweed, is a perennial plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is a common and invasive weed found in Europe, Asia, and North America, where it was introduced. In Poland, it is the only representative of the Aegopodium genus. “Goat’s foot” is another folk name by which goutweed was known. Historical literature indicates that as an edible plant, it was primarily used during times of famine, but it’s consumption and popularity have decreased over the centuries. Goutweed is an edible plant with many culinary uses. Fresh leaves are often used as a base for various salads and soups. Additionally, it has been known and widely used in traditional folk medicine for treating gout (podagra), which is the origin of it’s Polish name. It was also used as a pain reliever, anti-infl ammatory, strengthening agent, diuretic, and as a remedy to support cancer prevention. The wide range of uses in folk medicine suggests that goutweed has numerous pharmacological properties; however, it’s chemical composition and pharmacological activity have not yet been fully understood. Literature data indicates that the leaves are rich in polyacetylenes (falkarinol and falkarindiol), essential oil containing mono- and sesquiterpenes, coumarin compounds, vitamins, macro- and microelements, and phenolic compounds. The presence of these compounds suggests the potential for using this plant in official medicine as well.

• Details
• Contents