Betula alnoides
Indian birch
Betula alnoides, commonly known as the alder birch, is a resilient deciduous tree valued for its unique medicinal properties. Traditionally used in herbalism, its bark and twigs offer anti-inflammatory and diuretic benefits. This hardy species serves as a vital natural resource for supporting holistic wellness and skin health.
- Scientific name: Betula alnoides
- Family: Betulaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fagales, it is classified under the family Betulaceae and the genus Betula.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fagales | WCVP |
| Family | Betulaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Betula | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Betula alnoiides, is referred to by various names across different languages and cultures. In Russian, it is called Берёза ольховидная, while in Chinese, it is identified as 西桦 (also written as 西桦 in simplified Chinese). In Thailand, it is commonly known as กำลังเสือโคร่ง, and in Iceland, it is called Oddabjörk.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ru | Берёза ольховидная | Wikidata |
| zh | 西桦 | Wikidata |
| th | กำลังเสือโคร่ง | Wikidata |
| is | Oddabjörk | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 西桦 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 西樺 | Wikidata |
| zh | 西南桦木 | Wikidata |
| zh | 桦桃树 | Wikidata |
| zh | 西南桦 | Wikidata |
| en | Indian birch | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, its presence is noted in the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. The species also extends into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically found in the state of Assam. Furthermore, its range includes the nation of Bangladesh. Together, these locations highlight the plant's broad habitat across southern and eastern territories.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | West Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Laos | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Betula alnoides, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, with particular focus on its structural elements. The stems serve as the primary support for the tree's growth, providing the necessary framework for its branches and foliage. More importantly, the inner stem bark is highly valued for its bioactive compounds, often being harvested for its therapeutic potential in traditional medicinal practices.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inner stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Betula alnoides has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include arbutin, betulin, betulinic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| arbutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| betulin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| betulinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coumarin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lupeol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Betula alnoides has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Betula alnoides has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HIV, analgesic, diseases, snake bites, wounds.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| HIV | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| snake bites | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |