Impatiens balsamina
Impatiens balsamina, commonly known as garden balsam, is a vibrant annual celebrated for its colorful, succulent blooms. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this plant holds traditional medicinal value, particularly in treating skin conditions and minor wounds. Its soothing properties make it a fascinating subject in both horticulture and herbal studies.
- Scientific name: Impatiens balsamina
- Family: Balsaminaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is categorized under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ericales, specifically falling into the family Balsaminaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Impatiens.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Balsaminaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Impatiens | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, its distribution is notable within the countries of Austria, Germany, and the Czechia-Slovakia region. Moving toward the Mediterranean, the species can also be found throughout Southwestern Europe, specifically in France. Additionally, its range extends into Southeastern Europe, where it is documented in Albania. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's ability to inhabit diverse European landscapes.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Romania | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | Central European Russia | WCVP |
| Eastern Europe | South European Russia | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Madeira | WCVP |
Chemicals
Impatiens balsamina has 19 reported phytochemicals identified across 21 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, lawsone, 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, Ag.
- Total chemicals
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 21
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lawsone | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ag | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ib-AMP1 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| alanine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coumarins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hosenkoside L | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hosenkoside M | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Impatiens balsamina has 7 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antipruritic, Anthelmintic, Antiallergic, Antidermatitic.
- Total activities
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antipruritic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anthelmintic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiallergic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidermatitic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Impatiens balsamina has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include atopic dermatitis, bruises, carbuncles, dermatitis, dysentery.
- Total uses
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| atopic dermatitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bruises | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| carbuncles | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dermatitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dysentery | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| foot diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pruritus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatism | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| scurvy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |