west Himalayan alder
Alnus nitida · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (21 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
West Himalayan alder, scientifically known as Alnus nitida, is a versatile deciduous tree native to high-altitude regions. Renowned for its ability to fix nitrogen, it stabilizes mountain soil and prevents erosion. Beyond its ecological significance, this plant holds traditional medicinal value, often used in folk remedies for various ailments.
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Tropical
- Parts used
- Fruits · Leaf Extract
- Common names
- West Himalayan Alder · Himalayan Alder
- Scientific synonyms
- Clethropsis Nitida
Names
Common Names
- West Himalayan alder
- Himalayan Alder
Regional and Traditional Names
German:
- Himalaja-Erle
French:
- aulne de l'Himalaya
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Alnus nitidaSynonyms
- Clethropsis nitida
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fagales, it is classified under the family Betulaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Alnus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fagales | WCVP |
| Family | Betulaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Alnus | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant, known scientifically as Alnus nitida, exhibits a specific geographical range within the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing in the mountainous regions of Nepal. Additionally, its natural habitat extends into the territories of Pakistan. The species is also widely distributed throughout the West Himalaya area. Consequently, its presence is closely tied to these particular high-altitude environments.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Pakistan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | West Himalaya | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Alnus nitida, offers various components that can be utilized for medicinal purposes. The lush green leaves serve as the primary source for gathering bioactive compounds, which are often processed into a potent leaf extract. When a concentrated leaves extract is applied or ingested, it can deliver specific therapeutic properties to the body. Additionally, the small, woody fruits produced by the tree may also contain secondary metabolites that contribute to the plant's overall medicinal profile.| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruits | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf extract | Scientific reports (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves extract | Scientific reports (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Alnus nitida has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3,7,11,15-TETRAMETHYL-2-HEXADECEN-1-OL, NEOPHYTADIENE, Phytol, VITAMIN E.
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 3,7,11,15-TETRAMETHYL-2-HEXADECEN-1-OL | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| NEOPHYTADIENE | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Phytol | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| VITAMIN E | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Alnus nitida has 2 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antioxidant.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | Scientific reports (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Alnus nitida has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Bacillus subtilis | Scientific reports (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Escherichia coli | Scientific reports (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Scientific reports (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Salmonella typhi | Scientific reports (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | Scientific reports (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anti-cholinesterase | Scientific reports (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | Scientific reports (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruits | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf extract | Scientific reports (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves extract | Scientific reports (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |