Crataegus azarolus var. aronia
Crataegus azarolus var. aronia, commonly known as the aronia hawthorn, is a resilient shrub valued for its medicinal properties. Rich in bioactive antioxidants, its berries and leaves are traditionally used to support cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness, making it a significant plant in ethnobotanical studies.
- Scientific name: Crataegus azarolus var. aronia
- Family: Rosaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Rosales, it is classified under the family Rosaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Crataegus, specifically the variety aronia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Rosales | WCVP |
| Family | Rosaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Crataegus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Crataegus azarolus var. aronia, is known by several different names depending on the region and language. In English, it is commonly referred to as the white hawthorn, while in Greek, it is known as aspro milti. In Italian, it is called biancospino bianco, and in French, it is referred to as aubépine blanche.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical range spanning across several regions of the Mediterranean basin. In Southeastern Europe, its presence is documented in Italy and the island of Sicilia. It is also found within the same European region on the island of Kriti. Furthermore, the species extends into the European portion of Türkiye. Finally, its distribution reaches into Northern Africa, specifically within the borders of Algeria.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Türkiye-in-Europe | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Libya | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Tunisia | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Turkmenistan | WCVP |
| Caucasus | Transcaucasus | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Cyprus | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Crataegus azarolus var. aronia, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, most notably its leaves and unripe fruits. The leaves are often studied for their bioactive compounds and potential antioxidant effects, contributing to the plant's overall therapeutic profile. Meanwhile, the unripe fruits serve as a significant source of specific phytochemicals that are harvested before full maturation to ensure the desired chemical potency for medicinal use.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| unripe fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Crataegus azarolus var. aronia has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, proanthocyanidins.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| proanthocyanidins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Crataegus azarolus var. aronia has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Crataegus azarolus var. aronia has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cardiovascular disease.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cardiovascular disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |