Hedera helix
Hedera helix, commonly known as English ivy, is a versatile evergreen climber celebrated for its ornamental beauty and medicinal potential. Traditionally used to treat respiratory ailments, this plant contains bioactive compounds that act as expectorants. Understanding its therapeutic properties and careful application is essential for its safe medicinal use.
- Scientific name: Hedera helix
- Family: Araliaceae
- 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 organized under the order Apiales and the family Araliaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Hedera.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Apiales | WCVP |
| Family | Araliaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Hedera | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several regions in Northern Europe. It is commonly found throughout the various landscapes of Great Britain and Ireland. The species also thrives within the territories of Denmark and Sweden. Furthermore, its presence extends northward into the coastal and forest areas of Norway. Consequently, these five nations represent a significant portion of its northern geographical range.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | 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 |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
Chemicals
Hedera helix has 25 reported phytochemicals identified across 41 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include hederacoside C, hederagenin, alpha-hederin, oleanolic acid, saponins.
- Total chemicals
- 25
- Scientific sources
- 41
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| hederacoside C | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| hederagenin | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| alpha-hederin | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| oleanolic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hederacoside-C | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| L-asparaginase | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ambroxol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| beta-hederin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Hedera helix has 13 reported activities identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Anthelmintic, Antibacterial, Antiinflammatory.
- Total activities
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 17
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antispasmodic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiinflammatory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitussive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Hedera helix has 20 reported medicinal uses identified across 23 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cough, respiratory diseases, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Leishmania mexicana.
- Total uses
- 20
- Scientific sources
- 23
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cough | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| respiratory diseases | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Escherichia coli | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Klebsiella pneumoniae | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leishmania mexicana | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Staphylococcus aureus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| acute monocytic leukemia | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| body temperature | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bronchial asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |