Betula
Birch
Betula, commonly known as birch, is a versatile genus of trees renowned for its therapeutic properties. Beyond its striking bark, various species offer significant medicinal benefits, particularly through their diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic qualities. Traditionally used in herbal remedies, birch extracts support kidney health and skin vitality effectively.
- Scientific name: Betula
- Family: Betulaceae
- Native range: Europe
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. Finally, it is identified by 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, is referred to by various names across different languages and cultures. In Chinese, it is called 桦木属 (huàmù shǔ), while in Tibetan, it is known as ཤིང་སྟག་པ།. It is called brzoza in Polish, urki in Basque, and Awidul in Quechua.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 桦木属 | Wikidata |
| bo | ཤིང་སྟག་པ། | Wikidata |
| pl | brzoza | Wikidata |
| eu | urki | Wikidata |
| qu | Awidul | Wikidata |
| gd | Beith | Wikidata |
| bs | Breza | Wikidata |
| af | Berk | Wikidata |
| oc | Beç | Wikidata |
| hu | nyír | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across various regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing within the borders of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its presence extends to the island territories of Føroyar and Iceland. The species is also documented throughout the landscape of Great Britain. Together, these locations highlight the plant's preference for northern maritime and continental climates.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Svalbard | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as birch, utilizes various components for its biological functions and medicinal potential. The leaves are often harvested for their diuretic properties and can be used to create soothing herbal infusions. The bark, which is highly distinctive due to its papery texture, contains betulin and other compounds that are studied for their anti-inflammatory and skin-healing benefits. Additionally, the pollen produced by the tree plays a critical role in its reproductive cycle, though it is also frequently noted in discussions regarding seasonal allergies.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| pollen | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Betula has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Betulin, acacetin, betulin, betulinic acid, ermanin.
- Total chemicals
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Betulin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| acacetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| betulin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| betulinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ermanin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lupeol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| magnesium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| manganese | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Betula has 8 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antiarthritic, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiarthritic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gastroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Betula has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HIV, arthritis, cancer, colorectal carcinoma, oral allergy syndrome.
- Total uses
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| HIV | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arthritis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colorectal carcinoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oral allergy syndrome | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triple negative breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| urinary tract infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |