Scientific name
Euphrasia officinalis - Synonyms: Euphrasia rostkovianaFamily
Orobanchaceae
Origin
Cosmopolitan distribution. Common in meadows, pastures and scrublands, from the plains to the alpine area throughout northern and central Italy, rare in southern Italy
Parts Used
Whole flowering plant, without roots
Chemical constituents
- Flavonoids: 0.38%: apigenin, luteolin, kampferol, rhamnetin, quercetin
- Polyphenols: 1.47%;
- Phenolic acids: caffeic acid and derivatives, chlorogenic acid and derivatives
- Hydrocinnamic derivatives: 1.97%
- Tannins
- Iridoids: aucubine 0.05%
Euphrasia in Herbal Medicine: property of Euphrasia
Decongestant, stomachic, bitter-tonic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, ocular antiseptic and antiallergic properties.
Euphrasia is widely used for washes and eye packs in the presence of conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
Throughout Europe, euphrasia knows a wide and widespread tradition of popular use in the treatment of ocular affections; the relief from such ailments was a source of great joy, hence the scientific name (from the Greek euphrasia = gaiety) and the numerous popular names (in English the plant is known as Eyebright = luminous eye, while in France we speak of Casse-Lunettes = brain glasses).
