Botanical Profile
Great mullein is a conspicuous biennial flowering plant of Europe. Pharmacognostically, the flowers, Verbasci flos, are particularly important.
Verbascum thapsus L. forms a rosette of large, softly hairy leaves in the first year and, in the second year, a strong flowering stem often more than two metres tall with numerous yellow individual flowers. The dense hair covering of the leaves reduces water loss and gives the plant its silvery-grey appearance. The species grows on dry embankments, gravel areas, roadsides, rubble sites and sunny ruderal habitats.
Phytochemistry
The flowers contain mucilage, saponins, flavonoids, iridoid glycosides and phenylethanoid glycosides such as verbascoside. The combination of mucilage, saponins and flavonoids characterises the phytochemical identity of the flower drug. Site, weather, harvest time and drying influence the quality of the delicate flowers.
Traditional Uses
Mullein species have been described since antiquity. Medieval herbals and European folk medicine regularly discuss the conspicuous flowering plant. EMA/HMPC, WHO, ESCOP and the European Pharmacopoeia document Verbasci flos as a traditional flower drug. The plant also has symbolic and folkloric significance.
Current Research
Research on Verbascum thapsus addresses polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, iridoids, verbascoside, chemical variability and species differentiation within the genus Verbascum. Ecological studies consider adaptation to dry, open habitats.
Sources
- EMA/HMPC: European Union herbal monograph on Verbascum thapsus L., flos.
- WHO: WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – Verbasci flos.
- ESCOP: ESCOP Monographs – Verbasci flos.
- European Pharmacopoeia: Verbasci flos.
- Standard reference: Wichtl M. Teedrogen und Phytopharmaka – Wollblumen.
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.