Ligustrum vulgare
Wild privet
Ligustrum vulgare, commonly known as Wild Privet, is a deciduous shrub valued for its diverse medicinal properties. Historically used in traditional practices, its leaves and berries contain bioactive compounds with potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. Understanding its phytochemical profile is essential for exploring its therapeutic applications in herbal medicine.
- Scientific name: Ligustrum vulgare
- Family: Oleaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales. Finally, it resides in the family Oleaceae and is identified by the genus Ligustrum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Oleaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Ligustrum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant is known by various names depending on the region and language. In the Netherlands, it is called wilde liguster (nl), while in the Czech Republic, it is referred to as ptačí zob obecný (cs). In Denmark, the common name is Almindelig Liguster (da), and in Germany, it is known as Gewöhnlicher Liguster (de). Additionally, in the Basque language, it is called Arbustu (eu).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| nl | wilde liguster | Wikidata |
| cs | ptačí zob obecný | Wikidata |
| da | Almindelig Liguster | Wikidata |
| de | Gewöhnlicher Liguster | Wikidata |
| eu | Arbustu | Wikidata |
| fi | aitalikusteri | Wikidata |
| fr | Troène commun | Wikidata |
| nn | Liguster | Wikidata |
| pl | ligustr pospolity | Wikidata |
| pt | Alfeneiro | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions in Northern Europe. It can be found growing naturally within the borders of Denmark. Additionally, its presence extends to the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Moving further north, the species is also established in Norway. Finally, the geographical range of this medicinal plant includes Sweden.
| 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 |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as privet, utilizes various components for its biological functions and medicinal potential. The lush, dark green leaves are a prominent feature of its foliage, often studied for their chemical properties. During its growing season, the young shoots emerge as tender, flexible stems that contribute to the plant's rapid expansion. The reproductive cycle is marked by the appearance of fragrant white flowers, which eventually give way to the development of small, dark fruits. These fleshy berries serve as the primary dispersal mechanism, containing concentrated compounds that have historically been of interest in traditional herbal applications.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 7
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| young shoots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| berries | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Ligustrum vulgare has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, oleuropein, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, apigenin-7-O-rutinoside, echinacoside.
- Total chemicals
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 13
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oleuropein | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| apigenin-7-O-glucoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| apigenin-7-O-rutinoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| echinacoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| iridoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ligustroflavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| luteolin-4'-O-glucoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| luteolin-7-O-glucoside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oleacein | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Ligustrum vulgare has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antirheumatic, Diuretic, Hypotensive.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antirheumatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypotensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Ligustrum vulgare has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Helicobacter pylori, diuretic, hypertension, inflammation, sore throats.
- Total uses
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Helicobacter pylori | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sore throats | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |