Cistus laurifolius
Cistus laurifolius, commonly known as Gum Rockrose, is a resilient Mediterranean shrub celebrated for its aromatic foliage and vibrant pink blooms. Highly valued in traditional herbalism, this evergreen species possesses potent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, making it a significant plant in the study of natural therapeutic compounds.
- Scientific name: Cistus laurifolius
- Family: Cistaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Cistus laurifolius, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Malvales. Finally, it is a member of the family Cistaceae and falls under 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 laurifolius, is referred to by various regional names across different languages. In Catalan, it is called estepa de muntanya, while in Swedish, it is known as Lagercistros. Its names also include defne yapraklı laden in Turkish, czystek wawrzynolistny in Polish, and babérlevelű szuhar in Hungarian.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ca | estepa de muntanya | Wikidata |
| sv | Lagercistros | Wikidata |
| tr | Defne yapraklı laden | Wikidata |
| pl | Czystek wawrzynolistny | Wikidata |
| hu | babérlevelű szuhar | Wikidata |
| es | Bordiol | Wikidata |
| es | Churrunera | Wikidata |
| es | Jara borde | Wikidata |
| es | Jara cepa | Wikidata |
| es | Jaracepas | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across various regions within Southwestern Europe. Specifically, it can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of France and Portugal. Its presence is also well-documented throughout the Iberian Peninsula, including Spain. Additionally, this species is located on the island of Corse. Finally, its geographical range extends into Southeastern Europe, where it inhabits parts of Greece.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Türkiye-in-Europe | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Türkiye | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Cistus laurifolius, is characterized by its distinctive foliage, which serves as a primary source of its medicinal properties. The leaves are typically evergreen, leathery in texture, and possess an elliptical or lanceolate shape with smooth margins. These leaves are densely covered in fine hairs, which help the plant retain moisture in its native Mediterranean habitats. In herbal medicine, the leaves are often harvested and used to prepare infusions or extracts, as they contain various bioactive compounds valued for their therapeutic potential.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Cistus laurifolius has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 3-O-methyl quercetin, Astragalin, EtOH, Gallic acid, Isoquercetin.
- Total chemicals
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 3-O-methyl quercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Astragalin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| EtOH | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Isoquercetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Taxifolin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| apigenin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ellagic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| genkwanin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cistus laurifolius has 3 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Analgesic.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cistus laurifolius has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Acne vulgaris, Candida albicans, inflammation.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Acne vulgaris | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |