Cupressus sempervirens
Mediterranean cypress
Cupressus sempervirens, commonly known as the Mediterranean Cypress, is a resilient evergreen prized for its therapeutic properties. Traditionally used in herbal medicine, its essential oil offers potent antiseptic, astringent, and decongestant benefits. This versatile plant serves as a cornerstone in aromatherapy, supporting respiratory health and skin vitality naturally.
- Scientific name: Cupressus sempervirens
- Family: Cupressaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Pinidae and the order Pinales, it is a member of the family Cupressaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Cupressus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Pinidae | WCVP |
| Order | Pinales | WCVP |
| Family | Cupressaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Cupressus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Cupressus sempervirens, is recognized by various common names across different languages and cultures. In Italian, it is referred to as Pigno, while in Polish, it is called Cyprys wiecznie zielony. In Basque, the name used is Nekosta arrunt, and in Hebrew, it is known as ברוש מצוי. Finally, in Hungarian, it is commonly called európai ciprus.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| vec | Pigno | Wikidata |
| pl | Cyprys wiecznie zielony | Wikidata |
| eu | Nekosta arrunt | Wikidata |
| he | ברוש מצוי | Wikidata |
| hu | európai ciprus | Wikidata |
| de | Trauerzypresse | Wikidata |
| sq | Selvia | Wikidata |
| hsb | Prawa cypresa | Wikidata |
| nl | Italiaanse cipres | Wikidata |
| sv | Äkta cypress | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several distinct regions of Europe. In Middle Europe, its presence can be specifically noted in Switzerland. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it is found throughout various parts of Southwestern Europe. This includes the islands of the Baleares and Corse. Additionally, the species is commonly distributed across the mainland territories of France and Portugal.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as the Mediterranean cypress, utilizes various components for its medicinal and aromatic properties. While it does not produce edible nuts in the traditional sense, its small, woody fruits, which are technically cones, contain essential oils that are highly valued in therapeutic applications. Furthermore, the aerial parts, including the foliage and twigs, are frequently harvested to extract volatile oils used for their antiseptic and calming effects.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| nuts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Cupressus sempervirens has 17 reported phytochemicals identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Amentoflavone, BA, Cupressuflavone, EO, Hesperetin.
- Total chemicals
- 17
- Scientific sources
- 17
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Amentoflavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| BA | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cupressuflavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| EO | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hesperetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| apigenin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bioflavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chlorogenic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| germacrene D | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Cupressus sempervirens has 12 reported activities identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Anticoagulant, Antidiabetic.
- Total activities
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 17
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticoagulant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiperspirant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiseptic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antispasmodic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Astringent | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Cupressus sempervirens has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Antioxidant, Gram-positive bacteria, HSV-2, Herpes simplex, Leishmania infantum.
- Total uses
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gram-positive bacteria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| HSV-2 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Herpes simplex | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leishmania infantum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leishmania major | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| laryngitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| osteoclastogenesis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |