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
- alder
- alders
Scientific Names
Accepted name
AlnusSynonyms
- Alnaster
- Betula-alnus
- Clethropsis
- Cremastogyne
- Alnobetula
- Duschekia
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.
| 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
- Pharmacognosy reviews
Phenols
- Pharmacognosy reviews
Steroids
- Pharmacognosy reviews
Tannins
- Pharmacognosy reviews
Terpenoids
- Pharmacognosy reviews
Medicinal Uses
Alnus has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, diarrhea, dysentery, fever, hepatitis.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | Pharmacognosy reviews (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | Pharmacognosy reviews (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dysentery | Pharmacognosy reviews (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | Pharmacognosy reviews (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hepatitis | Pharmacognosy reviews (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatism | Pharmacognosy reviews (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| uterine cancer | Pharmacognosy reviews (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |