Elaeagnus multiflora
What's the taxonomical classification of Elaeagnus multiflora?
Elaeagnus multiflora belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is situated in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. The plant's taxonomic hierarchy continues through the order Rosales and the family Elaeagnaceae, eventually reaching its specific designation within the genus Elaeagnus and the species multiflora.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Elaeagnaceae |
| Genus | Elaeagnus |
| Species | multiflora |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Elaeagnus multiflora has an upright, spreading shrub habit characterized by arching branches covered in dense, silvery-gray scales. The leaves are lanceolate or elliptical in shape, featuring an acute apex and a distinctively scaly underside that gives the foliage a shimmering appearance. Small, fragrant, bell-shaped flowers emerge from the axils, displaying a pale yellow or cream color during the blooming season. As the plant matures, it produces small, drupe-like fruits that transition from green to a reddish-brown hue. These morphological traits, particularly the characteristic scales, serve as primary identification markers for the species.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the temperate and subtropical regions of East Asia, specifically spanning across China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. It thrives primarily in mountainous areas and forest margins throughout these diverse territories. Within these regions, the species is often found in well-drained soils along riverbanks or in sunny openings within woodland habitats. Its range extends from the southern reaches of the Japanese archipelago up through the various provinces of mainland China. Local environmental conditions in these specific East Asian biomes support its natural growth patterns.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Elaeagnus multiflora, requires well-drained soil and full sun to optimal growth and fruit production.
It is a hardy deciduous shrub that thrives in various soil types, including sandy or loamy compositions. Regular watering is necessary during the establishment phase, but the mature plant is relatively drought tolerant once its root system is deep. Pruning should be performed in late winter to maintain shape and encourage vigorous new growth.
These shrubs also benefit from organic mulch to help retain moisture and suppress competing weeds around the base.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Elaeagnus multiflora utilizes its fruit and stems for various medicinal purposes in traditional practices. The edible fruits are often consumed to provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health. Additionally, the stems and bark can be processed to create decoctions used to treat specific ailments. These woody parts are believed to possess bioactive compounds that offer therapeutic benefits. Together, these different components allow for a versatile approach to herbal healing.
According to a study published by "Journal of the science of food and agriculture", the fruit of Elaeagnuus multiflora Thunb. is recognized for its known medicinal and functional properties. Lactic acid fermentation using pure cultures of Lactobacillus plantarum KCTC 33131 and L. casei KCTC 13086 can enhance the fruit's antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibitory activity. When fermented with mixed cultures of L. plantarum and L. casei, the cherry silverberry fruit contained superior total polyphenols of 3.78 ± 0.22 mg GAE g-1. These mixed cultures also resulted in total flavonoid contents of 0.66 ± 0.12 mg QE g-1. This study indicates that fermented cherry silverberry has potential applications in producing food materials beneficial for health.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- fruit
- stems
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Elaeagnus multiflora, has been used historically in East Asia as both a source of nutrition and a functional component in traditional medicine.
The edible, sweet fruits were harvested for food, providing a seasonal source of vitamins and natural sugars. In various traditional practices, parts of the plant were utilized to address specific ailments, often focusing on its perceived restorative properties. Culturally, the shrub was frequently integrated into home gardens and landscapes for its aesthetic value and hardiness.
These long-standing uses demonstrate the plant's multifaceted role in the historical daily lives of local communities.
What are the pharmacological activities of Elaeagnus multiflora?
This plant has antioxidant, tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory, alpha-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory, cancer remedy, and cough remedy pharmacological activities. Its antioxidant properties help mitigate oxidative stress within biological systems. The inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme suggests potential applications in skin lightening treatments. Additionally, its ability to inhibit alpha-glucosidase makes it a candidate for managing blood glucose levels in diabetic contexts. The plant also demonstrates therapeutic potential as a cancer remedy and a natural cough remedy.
According to a study published by "Journal of the science of food and agriculture", Elaeagnus multiflora Thunb. is an invasive plant species with known medicinal and functional properties. Lactic acid fermentation improves the biological activity and health benefits of cherry silverberry fruit, specifically enhancing antioxidant properties such as DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, superoxide dismutase-like property, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Fermentation also increases α-glucosidase and tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory activity compared to unfermented fruits. Cherry silverberry fruit fermented by mixed cultures of L. plantarum and L. casei contained superior total polyphenols of 3.78 ± 0.22 mg GAE g-1 and total flavonoid contents of 0.66 ± 0.12 mg QE g-1. This study demonstrates that fermentation with L. plantarum KCTC 33131 and L. casei KCTC 13086 improves the physicochemical properties and biological activity of the fruit.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antioxidant
- tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory activity
- α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity
- cancer remedy
- cough remedy
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse range of medicinal compounds including flavonoids, polyphenol, carotenoids, tocopherols, and vitamin C. These bioactive constituents work together to provide significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The polyphenols and flavonoids specifically help to neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress. Additionally, the presence of carotenoids and tocopherols supports skin health and immune function. Vitamin C further enhances the nutritional profile by assisting in collagen synthesis and overall metabolic health.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", the cherry silverberry contains numerous biologically active compounds. The drupe-like fruit of this shrub can grow up to 1 cm long. These fruits contain carbohydrates, organic acids, and amino acids, as well as vitamin C. Additionally, the plant provides biominerals, polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and tocopherols. In China, this plant has been used as a natural remedy for cough, diarrhea, itch, foul sores, and cancer.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- flavonoids
- polyphenols
- carotenoids
- tocopherols
- vitamin C
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating cough, diarrhea, foul sores, itch, and cancer. Various parts of the Elaeagnus multiflora are prepared in traditional medicine to alleviate respiratory issues and digestive distress. Its topical applications help soothe skin irritations like an itch and promote the healing of foul sores. Some studies also investigate its potential biochemical properties in relation to cancer treatments. These diverse medicinal uses highlight the plant's importance in many folk healing practices.
According to a study published by "Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)", the cherry silverberry is a shrub growing up to 3 m. The ellipsoidal drupe-like fruit of the plant is up to 1 cm long. In China, the cherry silverberry is known as goumi and has been used as a medicinal plant. It serves as a natural remedy for cough, diarrhea, itch, foul sores, and even cancer.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- cough
- diarrhea
- foul sores
- itch
- cancer
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Elaeagnus multiflora, which is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as extracts for various therapeutic applications. These liquid extracts are often derived from the fruit or bark to concentrate specific bioactive compounds. Practitioners utilize these concentrated forms to address internal imbalances or topical skin concerns. The preparation process involves soaking plant materials in solvents like water or alcohol to ensure potency. Such herbal remedies serve as traditional components in many holistic wellness practices.
According to a study published by "Journal of the science of food and agriculture", cherry silverberry (Elaeagnuus multiflora Thunb.) is an invasive plant species with known medicinal and functional properties. Lactic acid fermentation using pure cultures of Lactobacillus plantarum KCTC 33131 and L. casei KCTC 13086 enhances the phytochemical content and biological activities of the fruit compared to unfermented fruits. Specifically, the cherry silverberry fruit fermented by mixed cultures of L. plantarum and L. casei contained superior total polyphenols at 3.78 ± 0.22 mg GAE g-1. This mixed culture fermentation also resulted in total flavonoid contents of 0.66 ± 0.12 mg QE g-1. These fermented extracts exhibit improved antioxidant properties, including DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, superoxide dismutase-like property, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. Furthermore, the fermentation process improves α-glucosidase and tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory activity in the cherry silverberry fruit.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- extracts
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea if the berries are consumed in large quantities. These gastrointestinal distress symptoms typically occur after ingesting the fruit of the plant. While the berries are often eaten, they can lead to significant digestive upset in sensitive individuals. Such side effects are primarily linked to the consumption of the fruit rather than the foliage. Monitoring intake is important to avoid these unpleasant physical reactions.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
What herbs are paired with Elaeagnus multiflora?
This plant Elaeagnus multiflora pairs best with aromatic herbs like mint, basil, and lemon balm to complement its subtle sweetness.
The light, fruity undertones of the silverberry fruit are enhanced by the cooling properties of fresh mint. When using the plant in savory applications, woody herbs such as rosemary or thyme can provide a robust contrast to its delicate flavor profile. Pairing it with citrus-scented herbs like lemon balm creates a bright, refreshing profile suitable for desserts or teas.
These combinations allow the unique nuances of the fruit to stand out without being overwhelmed.