Additional notes (click to expand)

Medicinal

Used in traditional medicine since the 3rd century BC
The Global Diversity Information Facility (GBIF) at http://www.gbif.org http://www.gbif.org

An antiviral drug based on a traditional Mediterranean remedy is showing promising results against COVID-19 infection, scientists have reported.
Al-Beltagi S, Preda C, Goulding L et al. https://doi.org/10.3390/v13020234

Toxicity

Highly irritant to skin on contact and to airways if inhaled. Contains Thapsigargin a tryclic diterpene that inhibits ATPases, notably in the endoplasmic reticulum, and calcium entry into cells. It is a novel TRPV1 inhibitor. Being studied as an anticancer and antiviral drug. Clinically in cattle causes nervousness, twitching, convulsions and death
João B. Calixto, Candida A.L. Kassuya, Eunice André, Juliano Ferreira 2005. Contribution of natural products to the discovery of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels family and their functions, Pharmacol Ther, 106, 179.

Geographical distribution

  • Europe, Southwestern Europe, France
  • Europe, Southwestern Europe, Portugal
  • Europe, Southwestern Europe, Spain

Thapsia villosa L.

Family: APIACEAE
Genus: Thapsia
Species: villosa L.
Common names: Villous Deadly Carrot
Distribution summary: France, Portugal, Spain
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: Europe & Middle East (J)
Reason for growing: Medicinal, toxic


Back to List