Acanthus mollis
Acanthus mollis, commonly known as the Bear's Breeches, is a striking perennial celebrated for its architectural foliage and dramatic spired flowers. Beyond its ornamental appeal in lush gardens, this hardy plant holds significant historical importance in traditional medicine, valued for its diverse therapeutic properties and unique botanical characteristics.
- Scientific name: Acanthus mollis
- Family: Acanthaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Lamiales, falling into the family Acanthaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Acanthus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Acanthaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Acanthus | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse range of locations across several European regions. In Northern Europe, its presence can be found in both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward the center of the continent, it is also documented within Germany in Middle Europe. Its distribution extends to Southwestern Europe, where it inhabits the Baleares. Finally, the species is recorded in the island of Corse within the same southwestern territory.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
Chemicals
Acanthus mollis has 8 reported phytochemicals identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include DIBOA, anthraquinones, flavonoids, phenols, 15(S)-HETE.
- Total chemicals
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| DIBOA | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anthraquinones | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenols | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 15(S)-HETE | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phytosterols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| verbascoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Acanthus mollis has 3 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antifungal, Neuroprotective.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Acanthus mollis has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida, gastrointestinal diseases, inflammation, melanoma, melasma.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Candida | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastrointestinal diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| melanoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| melasma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| psoriasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tumors | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ulcers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |