Hydrangea macrophylla
Bigleaf hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly known as Bigleaf Hydrangea, is a popular ornamental shrub celebrated for its vibrant, color-changing blooms. While primarily grown for beauty, various cultures have historically explored its leaves for medicinal properties, including diuretic and anti-inflammatory uses, though it should be handled with caution and professional guidance.
- Scientific name: Hydrangea macrophylla
- Family: Hydrangeaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed in the order Cornales and the family Hydrangeaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Hydrangea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Cornales | WCVP |
| Family | Hydrangeaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Hydrangea | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Hydrangea macrophylla, is recognized by various common names across different languages and cultures. In Esperanto, it is referred to as Hortensio, while in Polish, it is called Hortensja ogrodowa. In Russian, the name used is гортензия крупнолистная, and in Turkish, it is known as Ortanca. Finally, in Catalan, the plant is called Hortènsia.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| eo | Hortensio | Wikidata |
| pl | Hortensja ogrodowa | Wikidata |
| ru | гортензия крупнолистная | Wikidata |
| tr | Ortanca | Wikidata |
| ca | Hortènsia | Wikidata |
| hu | kerti hortenzia | Wikidata |
| de | Gartenhortensie | Wikidata |
| ml | ഹൈഡ്രാഞ്ചിയ | Wikidata |
| cs | hortenzie velkolistá | Wikidata |
| vi | Tú cầu lá to | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence can be found specifically within Great Britain. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species is also established in Germany. The distribution extends into Southwestern Europe, where it inhabits the landscapes of France. Finally, its range reaches further south to include the territories of both Portugal and Spain.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Central European Russia | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Azores | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Hydrangea macrophylla, utilizes various components for its medicinal properties, primarily focusing on its foliage. The large, green leaves are the most prominent feature of the shrub and contain the active compounds sought after in traditional remedies. When prepared as a leaf extract, these chemical constituents are concentrated to enhance their therapeutic potential. Whether administered as a concentrated leaf-extract or a more diluted leaf extract, the botanical components found within the leaf serve as the essential foundation for its biological effects.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf-extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Hydrangea macrophylla has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include phyllodulcin.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| phyllodulcin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Hydrangea macrophylla has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium berghei, Plasmodium falciparum, malaria.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Plasmodium berghei | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Plasmodium falciparum | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| malaria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |