Soapwort real

Authors:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer, Prof. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles

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Last updated on: 29.10.2020

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Synonym(s)

common soapwort; officinal saponaria

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DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

The true soapwort, also called Saponaria officinalis or common soapwort, is a plant from the genus of soap herbs (Saponaria) and belongs to the clove family (Caryophyllaceae). Its area of distribution is Eurasia.

General informationThis section has been translated automatically.

Soapwort is a perennial plant that grows to a height of between 30 and 80 cm. The plant develops highly branched, underground rhizomes. The upright, mostly unbranched stem is soft-hairy and densely foliated. The foliage leaves are arranged crosswise and are lanceolate, about 5 to 10 cm long. Flowering time is from June to October. The dense, weakly-scented umbel-like inflorescences are pale pink to white in colour. The plant ripens in the months from September to October.

Naturopathy: Saponaria officinalis is the parent plant of Saponariae rubrae radix, the dried and chopped roots and rhizomes of the plant.

Cosmetics: In cosmetic formulations Saponaria offcinalis extract (INCI), the drug from roots and leaves is used as a natural surfactant. Its use is not recommended due to its toxic and sensitizing effects:

Authors

Last updated on: 29.10.2020

Authors: Prof. Dr. med. Peter AltmeyerProf. Dr. med. Martina Bacharach-Buhles