Cistus creticus
Cistus creticus, commonly known as the pink rockrose, is a resilient Mediterranean shrub renowned for its therapeutic potential. Rich in polyphenols and essential oils, this plant is widely studied for its powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making it a valuable natural resource in traditional and modern herbal medicine.
- Scientific name: Cistus creticus
- 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. Therefore, its full scientific designation is Cistus creticus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malvales | WCVP |
| Family | Cistaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cistus | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the Mediterranean region. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is noted on the islands of Corse and Sardegna. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, the species can also be found in Albania. Its range extends further through the Balkan Peninsula to include Bulgaria. Finally, the geographical reach of this medicinal plant encompasses Greece as well.
| 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 |
Chemicals
Cistus creticus has 22 reported phytochemicals identified across 22 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Apigenin, Hesperidin, Luteolin-7-O-glucoside, Rutin, anethole.
- Total chemicals
- 22
- Scientific sources
- 22
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Apigenin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hesperidin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Luteolin-7-O-glucoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Rutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anethole | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| azelaic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| borneol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| carvacrol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| citral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cistus creticus has 9 reported activities identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antiproliferative, Analgesic, Antibacterial.
- Total activities
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 13
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiproliferative | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytostatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cistus creticus has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, antioxidant, hepatocellular carcinoma, infections, oxidative stress.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hepatocellular carcinoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infections | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin aging | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |