Elsholtzia ciliata

Cockscomb mint

Elsholtzia ciliata, commonly known as the Chinese Hackberry, is a deciduous tree valued for its medicinal and ornamental properties. In traditional practices, various parts of the tree are utilized to treat ailments such as inflammation and skin conditions. Its unique botanical characteristics make it a significant species in ethnobotany.

  • Scientific name: Elsholtzia ciliata
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is situated in the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Elsholtzia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Lamiaceae WCVP
Genus Elsholtzia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Elsholtzia ciliata, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Japanese, it is called ナギナタコウジュ, while in Korean, it is known as 향유. The Lithuanian name for this species is Kvapioji aniužė, and in Russian, it is identified as Эльсгольция реснитчатая. Additionally, in Vietnamese, it is referred to as Kinh giới.
Language Common Name Source
ja ナギナタコウジュ Wikidata
vi Kinh giới Wikidata
ko 향유 Wikidata
ru Эльсгольция реснитчатая Wikidata
lt Kvapioji aniužė Wikidata
fi kesähelttaminttu Wikidata
ar إلشولتزية مهدبة Wikidata
sv Kammynta Wikidata
zh-tw 香薷 Wikidata
hsb Pólska mjetlička Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a distinct distribution pattern across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be identified within the borders of Denmark and Sweden. Moving southward, the species becomes established throughout various parts of Middle Europe. Specifically, it inhabits the territories of Germany and Poland. Additionally, the geographical range extends into the central regions of Czechia and Slovakia.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
Southeastern Europe Romania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Türkiye-in-Europe WCVP
Southeastern Europe NW. Balkan Pen. WCVP
Eastern Europe Belarus WCVP
Eastern Europe Baltic States WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Elsholtzia ciliata, is primarily recognized as a woody tree rather than a soft-stemmed herb, meaning it does not possess a typical herbaceous stage throughout its life cycle. While many medicinal plants are categorized by their use of the herb—the green, non-woody part of the plant—the therapeutic potential of Elsholtzia ciliata is more often associated with its bark or wood. In botanical terms, because it develops into a sturdy, perennial tree, it lacks the ephemeral, succulent qualities characteristic of a true herb.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
herb 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Elsholtzia ciliata has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, osmundacetone, rosmarinic acid, terpenoids.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
osmundacetone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rosmarinic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Elsholtzia ciliata has 16 reported activities identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiviral, Analgesic, Antiacetylcholinesterase, Antiarrhythmic, Antibacterial.

Total activities
16
Scientific sources
17

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antiviral 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiacetylcholinesterase 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiarrhythmic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifibrotic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antipyretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Elsholtzia ciliata has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include fever, inflammation, itching, murine cytomegalovirus, neurodegenerative diseases.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
fever 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
itching 1 ★☆☆☆☆
murine cytomegalovirus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
neurodegenerative diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆