Calluna vulgaris
Calluna vulgaris, commonly known as heather, is a resilient evergreen shrub native to Europe and Asia. Renowned for its delicate purple blossoms, this hardy plant holds significant medicinal value. Traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections, respiratory ailments, and digestive issues, it remains a staple in herbal wellness practices.
- Scientific name: Calluna vulgaris
- Family: Ericaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further categorized under the order Ericales and the family Ericaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Calluna, specifically as the species Calluna vulgaris.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Ericaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Calluna | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing naturally throughout the landscapes of Denmark and Finland. The species also inhabits the rugged terrains of the Faroe Islands. Additionally, its range extends across the diverse environments of Great Britain. Finally, the distribution includes the unique volcanic terrain of Iceland.
| 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 | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
Chemicals
Calluna vulgaris has 24 reported phytochemicals identified across 25 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, (+)-gallocatechin, (-)-epigallocatechin, 4-(3-oxobut-1-enylidene)-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one, Arbutin.
- Total chemicals
- 24
- Scientific sources
- 25
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (+)-gallocatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (-)-epigallocatechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 4-(3-oxobut-1-enylidene)-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohex-2-en-1-one | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Arbutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aucubin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| condensed tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Calluna vulgaris has 6 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Antiparasitic, Anxiolytic.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiparasitic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anxiolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bacteriostatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Calluna vulgaris has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's disease, E. coli, MRSA, antioxidant, anxiety.
- Total uses
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| E. coli | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| MRSA | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiety | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiolytic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| depression | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infectious diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |