Alcea rosea
Alcea rosea, commonly known as hollyhock, is a striking perennial celebrated for its tall, velvety stalks and vibrant blooms. Beyond its ornamental charm, this ancient medicinal plant has long been utilized in traditional herbalism to soothe respiratory ailments, reduce inflammation, and support digestive health through its nutrient-rich petals.
- Scientific name: Alcea rosea
- Family: Malvaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Alcea rosea, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae within the order Malvales. Finally, it is a member of the family Malvaceae and is categorized under the genus Alcea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malvales | WCVP |
| Family | Malvaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Alcea | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is documented within the borders of Great Britain. Moving into Middle Europe, the species can be found growing in the landscapes of Austria. It also inhabits the territories of both Czechia and Slovakia within this same central region. Finally, its range extends through Germany and Hungary to complete its geographical footprint.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
Chemicals
Alcea rosea has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Apigenin, dihydrokaempferol, fatty acid esters.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Apigenin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dihydrokaempferol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fatty acid esters | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Alcea rosea has 6 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Diuretic, Analgesic, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Demulcent.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Diuretic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Demulcent | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Emollient | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Alcea rosea has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Shigella sonnei, Staphylococcus aureus, analgesic, cervical cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Shigella sonnei | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cervical cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hepatocellular carcinoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |