Larrea nitida
Larrea nitiida, commonly known as the creosote bush, is a resilient shrub native to the arid landscapes of the American Southwest. Renowned for its distinctive resinous scent, this hardy plant possesses significant medicinal properties, traditionally utilized in folk remedies for its potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant therapeutic qualities.
- Scientific name: Larrea nitida
- Family: Zygophyllaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Zygophyllales, it is classified under the family Zygophyllaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Larrea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Zygophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Zygophyllaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Larrea | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range across the southern regions of South America. It can be found extensively throughout Argentina, spanning the northeast, south, and northwest territories. Additionally, its distribution extends into the Chilean landscape. Specifically, the species is located within both central and northern Chile. Together, these locations define the primary habitat for Larrea nitida.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southern South America | Argentina Northeast | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Argentina South | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Argentina Northwest | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Chile Central | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Chile North | WCVP |
Chemicals
Larrea nitida has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone, Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, lignans, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA).
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Nordihydroguaiaretic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Larrea nitida has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Dermatophytes, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, vulvovaginal candidiasis, yeasts.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Dermatophytes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Schizosaccharomyces pombe | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vulvovaginal candidiasis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| yeasts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |