Corylus avellana
Corylus avellana · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Corylus avellana is a versatile plant species that has garnered significant scientific interest due to its diverse pharmacological potential. Research focusing on its leaves and shells has revealed that acetonic and water extract preparations possess notable bioactive properties. Specifically, these extracts demonstrate inhibitory activities against 11B-HSD, 5-alpha-reductase, 5-lipoxygenase, and ACE enzymes. Such biochemical profiles suggest the plant may be effective in managing various conditions, including ache, wounds, and infections caused by Candida albicans and Listeria monocytogenes. Consequently, Corylus avellana represents a promising subject for developing natural therapeutic interventions.
- Synonyms
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Betulaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Corylus avellana is a versatile species known by several distinct regional names that highlight its cultural significance. Depending on the local dialect, it may be referred to as Abeleira, Abelyana, or Abillanera. In certain linguistic traditions, the plant is also identified through the terms Adi fındık or Adi fındıq. These various common names reflect the diverse ways different communities interact with and classify this useful shrub. Understanding these nomenclature variations is essential for botanists and locals alike to recognize the plant across different regions.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Taxonomy
Corylus avellana belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing a fundamental branch of the living world. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It further falls into the order Fagales, a group that links it to many other significant woody plants. As a member of the family Betulaceae, it shares close biological affinities with birch and alder species. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement within the genus Corylus.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fagales |
| Family | Betulaceae |
| Genus | Corylus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Corylus avellana exhibits a remarkably broad geographical range that spans several diverse continents and regions. Its presence extends into Africa and the Macaronesia islands, including the Azores. Moving eastward, the species is widely distributed throughout the Asia-Temperate zones, specifically within the Caucasus and Transcaucasus regions. The plant also finds a foothold in the vast stretches of West Siberia. Finally, its reach continues through Western Asia, stretching as far as the East Aegean Islands.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Corylus avellana is a versatile plant characterized by its distinct shrub growth form. As a self-supporting species, it maintains its structural integrity without the need for external support. The plant typically reaches a maximum height of 6 meters in favorable conditions. While it can grow as small as 1 meter, many specimens thrive at a more substantial height. Consequently, it is common to find these shrubs reaching a minimum height of 2.833 meters in many landscapes.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Conditions
Corylus avellana demonstrates significant medicinal potential through several biological activities identified in recent studies. The plant exhibits antioxidant properties by effectively treating ABTS radicals, specifically through compounds such as hazelnutin 11. It also shows neuroprotective potential by treating AChE and BChE via cholinesterase inhibition. Additionally, the species treats COX-2 expression by inhibiting it with rates ranging from 36.10% to 64.08%. Finally, Corylus avellana treats Candida albicans by inhibiting its proliferation through specific isolated compounds.
Preparations
Corylus avellana is prepared as acetonic extract preparations to fractionate tannin constituents for antibacterial study. The plant is also prepared as leaves and shells to analyze the presence and concentration of various taxanes like paclitaxel. Research indicates that both leaf and shell extracts contain these important antineoplastic compounds. Additionally, Corylus avellana is prepared as water extracts to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity against prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. These diverse preparation methods allow for the investigation of the plant's medicinal properties across different biological assays.
Parts used
Corylus avellana serves as a significant botanical source for the identification and extraction of valuable taxanes. Scientific analysis has specifically focused on the plant's various components, revealing that the leaf contains a rich concentration of these compounds. Researchers utilized methods such as ELISA and HPLC-MS to confirm that both shells and leaves harbor essential antineoplastic agents like paclitaxel. Notably, the study found that the level of total taxanes present in the leaf was higher than that found in the shells. This discovery highlights the potential of utilizing the leaf and other plant parts as sustainable sources for medicinal production.