Home > Herbs > Alnus

Alder

Alnus · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (12 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Alder, scientifically known as Alnus, is a versatile genus of deciduous trees valued for their medicinal properties. Historically used in traditional remedies, its bark and leaves contain tannins and salicylic acid derivatives. These compounds offer anti-inflammatory and astringent benefits, supporting skin health and aiding in various digestive treatments.

Family
Betulaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Alder · Alders
Scientific synonyms
Alnaster · Betula-Alnus · 4 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Alnus

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Duschekia
  • Cremastogyne
  • Alnobetula
  • Semidopsis
  • Alnaster
  • Clethropsis
  • Alisos o ailes
  • Alisos

German:

  • Erlen
  • Erle
  • Erlen

French:

  • aulne
  • vergne
  • verne
  • aulnes
  • Aulne

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. It falls under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fagales, situated within the family Betulaceae. Finally, the medicinal species is identified by its genus, Alnus.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Fagales
Family Betulaceae
Genus Alnus

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several regions within Northern Europe. It can be found growing naturally in the coastal landscapes of Denmark. Its presence is also well-documented throughout the forested areas of Finland. In the North Atlantic, the species inhabits the unique environments of the Faroe Islands. Furthermore, the plant is widely distributed across the islands of Great Britain and Ireland.

Region Area
Northern Europe Denmark
Northern Europe Finland
Northern Europe Føroyar
Northern Europe Great Britain
Northern Europe Ireland
Northern Europe Norway
Northern Europe Sweden
Middle Europe Austria
Middle Europe Belgium
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Chemicals

Alnus has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Phenols, Steroids, Tannins, Terpenoids.

Chemicals reported in Alnus
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Flavonoids 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Phenols 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Steroids 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Tannins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Terpenoids 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Flavonoids

  1. Pharmacognosy reviews

Phenols

  1. Pharmacognosy reviews

Steroids

  1. Pharmacognosy reviews

Tannins

  1. Pharmacognosy reviews

Terpenoids

  1. Pharmacognosy reviews

Conditions

Alnus has 7 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cancer, diarrhea, dysentery, fever, hepatitis.

Conditions investigated for Alnus
Condition Supporting sources Consensus
Cancer 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Diarrhea 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Dysentery 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Fever 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatitis 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Rheumatism 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Uterine cancer 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Cancer

  1. Pharmacognosy reviews

Diarrhea

  1. Pharmacognosy reviews

Dysentery

  1. Pharmacognosy reviews

Fever

  1. Pharmacognosy reviews

Hepatitis

  1. Pharmacognosy reviews

Rheumatism

  1. Pharmacognosy reviews

Uterine cancer

  1. Pharmacognosy reviews