Cistus albidus
Cistus albidus, commonly known as the Grey-leaved Rockrose, is a resilient Mediterranean shrub prized for its therapeutic properties. Renowned for its aromatic foliage, this plant contains potent antioxidants and essential oils. It is traditionally utilized in herbal medicine to support skin health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits in various remedies.
- Scientific name: Cistus albidus
- Family: Cistaceae
- 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 Malvales, it is classified under the family Cistaceae and the genus Cistus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malvales | WCVP |
| Family | Cistaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cistus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Cistus albidus, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In German, it is called Weißliche Ziastrose, while in Switzerland, the spelling is localized as Weissliche Ziastrose. In Catalan, it is known as estepa blanca, and in Occitan, it is called Moja blanca. Additionally, in Arabic, the plant is identified as قريضة مبيضة.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Weißliche Zistrose | Wikidata |
| de-ch | Weissliche Zistrose | Wikidata |
| ca | estepa blanca | Wikidata |
| ar | قريضة مبيضة | Wikidata |
| oc | Moja blanca | Wikidata |
| eu | Estrepa zuri | Wikidata |
| az | Ağımtıl buxurkolu | Wikidata |
| fi | ruusukistus | Wikidata |
| arz | قريضه مبيضه | Wikidata |
| es | Cistus lloverae | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the Mediterranean region of Southwestern Europe. It can be found growing across several key island territories, including the Baleares, Corse, and Sardegna. Beyond these islands, its range extends to the mainland portions of the European coast. Specifically, its presence is documented within the borders of France. Finally, the species is also distributed throughout the coastal landscapes of Portugal.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known as Cistus albidus, utilizes its leaf as a significant component for medicinal applications. The leaves are typically characterized by a grayish-green hue and a fine covering of hairs, which help the plant retain moisture in its native Mediterranean habitat. In herbal practices, these leaves are often harvested to extract essential oils and bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's therapeutic properties.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Cistus albidus has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include gallic acid, polyphenols, rutin, astragalin, calcium.
- Total chemicals
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| gallic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rutin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| astragalin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| calcium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catechol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| potassium | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| quercitrin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cistus albidus has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antioxidant, Hypoglycemic.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypoglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cistus albidus has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, leukemia, pain, prostate cancer.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leukemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| prostate cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |