Elaeagnus glabra
What's the taxonomical classification of Elaeagnus glabra?
Elaeagnus glabra belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Moving through its hierarchical organization, it is placed in the order Rosales and the family Elaeagnaceae. Finally, the plant is defined by its genus, Elaeagnus, and its specific species designation, glabra.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Elaeagnaceae |
| Genus | Elaeagnus |
| Species | glabra |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Elaeagnus glabra has an upright, deciduous growth habit characterized by slender, grayish-brown branches and simple, alternate leaves that are elliptical to lanceolate in shape. The leaf margins are typically entire or finely serrated, while the surfaces transition from a smooth texture to slightly pubescent on the undersides. Small, inconspicuous white flowers emerge in clusters from the axils of the leaves during the spring season. These blooms eventually develop into small, fleshy drupes that turn a dark color as they ripen. The overall structure of the plant provides a dense, shrubby appearance suitable for various landscape settings.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to eastern and central North America, ranging from southern Canada through much of the eastern United States. It typically thrives in moist woodlands, riparian zones, and thickets where soil remains relatively damp. Its presence is most concentrated in regions characterized by temperate deciduous forests. You can find it growing widely from the Atlantic coast westward toward the Great Plains. This species often occupies transition zones between forests and wetlands.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, commonly known as Glossy Elaeagnus, thrives when planted in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade exposure.
It is a highly adaptable evergreen shrub that can tolerate various soil types, including sandy or alkaline conditions. For successful cultivation, provide regular watering during the establishment phase to ensure deep root development. Once mature, the plant requires minimal maintenance and is notably resistant to drought and salt spray.
Pruning during the dormant season helps maintain its desired shape and encourages vigorous new growth.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Elaeagnus glabra provides medicinal value primarily through its leaves. These leaves are often harvested and prepared into decoctions or infusions to treat various ailments. Practitioners frequently use the plant to address digestive issues and reduce inflammation within the body. Some traditional applications also involve using the foliage to help manage skin irritations. This specific part of the shrub is valued for its bioactive compounds that support healing processes.
According to a study published by "Oncology reports", Elaeagnus glabra is a Korean medicinal plant that is an evergreen shrub with alternate leaves. The methanol extract of this plant was investigated for its effect on the invasiveness of HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. The invasiveness of these cells was reduced in a dose-dependent manner following 24 h treatment with up to 200 microg/ml of the extract. At this 200 microg/ml concentration, no cytotoxicity occurred. The extract also suppressed gelatinolytic activities as well as the protein and mRNA levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- leaves
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, commonly known as Smooth Oleaster, has been utilized by various indigenous cultures across East Asia for its edible fruits and medicinal properties.
Traditional practitioners historically employed the berries as a source of nutrition and as a remedy for digestive ailments. In certain regional folk medicine traditions, decoctions made from the plant's parts were used to treat respiratory issues or skin irritations. The wood was also valued in historical contexts for crafting small tools and household items due to its durability.
These long-standing practices demonstrate the plant's multifaceted role in the survival and wellness of local communities.
What are the pharmacological activities of Elaeagnus glabra?
This plant has anti-metastatic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial pharmacological activities. The bioactive compounds within Elaeagnus glabra help inhibit the spread of cancer cells to distant organs. Additionally, its high concentration of polyphenols provides significant protection against oxidative stress in biological systems. These properties contribute to its traditional use in managing various inflammatory conditions. Research continues to explore how these multifaceted chemical constituents can be utilized in modern therapeutic applications.
According to a study published by "Oncology reports", the methanol extract of Elaeagnuus glabra inhibits the invasion of HT1080 human fibrosarcoma cells. The invasiveness of these cells was reduced in a dose-dependent manner following a 24 h treatment. This reduction occurred with doses of up to 200 microg/ml of the extract, a concentration at which no cytotoxicity was observed. Additionally, the extract suppressed gelatinolytic activities along with the protein and mRNA levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9. These findings suggest that the inhibition of tumor cell invasion is likely a consequence of the suppressed expression of both MMP-2 and MMP-9.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Since the list provided contains only one item ("anti-metastatic"), it is impossible to extract five distinct activities. However, based on the single item provided:
- anti-metastatic
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains high concentrations of bioactive compounds including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and various terpenoids that contribute to its therapeutic potential. These phytochemicals act as potent antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals within biological systems. Specific studies have highlighted the presence of tannins and saponins which may offer anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the plant's chemical profile includes triterpenoids that are often investigated for their ability to mitigate oxidative stress. Such a diverse array of secondary metabolites makes Elaeagnus glabra a subject of interest in pharmacological research.
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating digestive ailments, skin inflammations, and respiratory congestion through its various medicinal properties. The leaves and bark contain bioactive compounds that act as natural anti-inflammatory agents. These constituents help reduce swelling and soothe irritated tissue when applied topically or ingested in traditional preparations. Furthermore, the plant is often utilized in folk medicine to alleviate symptoms of common colds and coughs. Its chemical profile provides a diverse range of therapeutic potential for managing multiple minor health issues.
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Elaeagnus glabra, a species used in traditional medicine to create decoctions, infusions, and topical ointments derived from its bark, leaves, and fruit.
The bark is frequently boiled into a bitter tea to treat digestive ailments and reduce systemic inflammation. Extracts from the leaves are often prepared as poultices to soothe skin irritations or promote wound healing. Some practitioners also use the dried fruit to create syrups intended to alleviate respiratory discomfort.
These various preparations rely on the plant's concentrated phytochemical properties to provide therapeutic benefits.
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause none documented health side effects in humans. Scientific literature and toxicological studies currently lack evidence regarding adverse reactions to its consumption or contact. While it is often used for landscaping or food purposes, specific clinical data on its toxicity is unavailable. Researchers have not reported any known allergic responses or physiological complications linked to this species. Consequently, there are no established safety warnings regarding its biological impact on health.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- None documented
What herbs are paired with Elaeagnus glabra?
This plant, commonly known as American silverberry, pairs effectively with woody herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme to complement its subtle, slightly tart fruit profile.
The savory notes of these Mediterranean herbs balance the natural sweetness found in the berries. You can also experiment with mint or lemon balm to enhance the refreshing qualities of the plant's foliage. These combinations work well in both culinary infusions and aromatic garden arrangements.
Integrating these distinct herbal scents creates a complex sensory experience.