Cistus creticus subsp. creticus
Cistus creticus creticus
Cistus creticus subsp. creticus, commonly known as the Cretan Rockrose, is a resilient Mediterranean shrub prized for its medicinal properties. Rich in polyphenols and essential oils, it is traditionally used for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial qualities, offering natural support for skin health and immune function.
- Scientific name: Cistus creticus subsp. creticus
- Family: Cistaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, scientifically known as Cistus creticus subsp. creticus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Malvales and the family Cistaceae. It is further identified by 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 is known by the following common names: Cistus creticus creticus (en).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| en | Cistus creticus creticus | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide distribution across various regions of the Mediterranean. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing on the islands of Corse and Sardegna. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, its range extends into the coastal and mountainous areas of Albania. The species is also well-documented throughout the diverse landscapes of Bulgaria. Finally, it maintains a significant presence within the territory of Greece.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Türkiye-in-Europe | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | NW. Balkan Pen. | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Cistus creticus subsp. creticus, is characterized by a distinct morphology where the stems serve as the structural foundation for its bushy growth habit. The leaves are typically elliptical or lanceolate, often appearing in clusters, with the young leaves displaying a softer texture before maturing. A defining feature of this species is the presence of dense, fine trichomes that cover both the foliage and the stems, giving the plant a characteristic pubescent or velvety appearance. Most notably, the plant is highly valued for the aromatic resin it produces, which is secreted from various parts of the vegetation and is widely utilized for its medicinal and fragrance-related properties.- Total parts
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 8
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| young leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| trichomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| resin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| older leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Cistus creticus subsp. creticus has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoid, germacrene B, terpenoid.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| germacrene B | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cistus creticus subsp. creticus has 7 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiviral.
- Total activities
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cistus creticus subsp. creticus has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include influenza virus H1N1.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| influenza virus H1N1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |