Frangula alnus
Alder buckthorn
Frangula alnus, commonly known as alder buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe and North Africa. Renowned for its medicinal properties, its bark contains anthraquinone glycosides, which act as potent stimulant laxatives. Historically used to treat constipation, it remains a significant botanical subject in traditional herbal medicine.
- Scientific name: Frangula alnus
- Family: Rhamnaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Rosales, it is classified under the family Rhamnaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Frangula and the specific species alnus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Rosales | WCVP |
| Family | Rhamnaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Frangula | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Frangula alnus, is referred to by various regional names depending on the language. In Poland, it is called kruszyna pospolita, while in France, it is known as Bourdaine. In Spanish-speaking regions, the name used is Rhamnus frangula, and in Hungary, it is called közönséges kutyabenge. Finally, in Latvia, it is identified as Trauslais krūklis.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | kruszyna pospolita | Wikidata |
| fr | Bourdaine | Wikidata |
| es | Rhamnus frangula | Wikidata |
| hu | közönséges kutyabenge | Wikidata |
| lv | Trauslais krūklis | Wikidata |
| it | Rhamnus frangula | Wikidata |
| gl | Sanguiño | Wikidata |
| et | harilik paakspuu | Wikidata |
| de | Faulbaum | Wikidata |
| ba | Этмуйыл | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the northern regions of Europe. It can be found growing across various landscapes in Denmark and Finland. Additionally, the species is present in the territories of Great Britain and Ireland. Its range also extends further north into the country of Norway. Together, these locations define the primary habitat for Frangula alnus across Northern Europe.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Chemicals
Frangula alnus has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include emodin, frangulin, polyphenol.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| emodin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| frangulin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Frangula alnus has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cardioprotective, Hepatoprotective, Laxative.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cardioprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Laxative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Frangula alnus has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include constipation, laxative.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| constipation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| laxative | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |