Linum album
Linum album, commonly known as white flax, is a perennial herb distinguished by its delicate white blossoms and slender stems. Found primarily in European meadows, this plant holds historical significance in textile production and traditional herbalism, valued for its resilient nature and its role within diverse botanical ecosystems.
- Scientific name: Linum album
- Family: Linaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Malpighiales, it is situated in the family Linaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Linum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Linaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Linum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Linum album, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently called white flax, while in German, it is known as Weißes Leinen. Moving to other European languages, it is identified as lin blanc in French, blanc lino in Italian, and lin blanco in Spanish.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is known to have a specific and limited geographical range within the natural world. According to botanical records, its presence is noted in the region of Western Asia. Specifically, the distribution of Linum album can be found within the borders of Iran. This indicates that the species thrives under the particular environmental conditions offered by this Middle Eastern territory. Consequently, its occurrence is closely tied to the unique ecological landscape of this specific area.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western Asia | Iran | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Linum album, exhibits distinct morphological characteristics across its various developmental stages. The stem serves as the primary structural axis, which undergoes noticeable changes during the reproductive phase; specifically, the stem at anthesis often displays a more robust or specialized form to support the flowering process. Below the surface, the plant utilizes a rhizome for vegetative spreading and nutrient storage. The leaves are typically arranged along the stem, providing the necessary surface area for photosynthesis. Finally, as the plant transitions into its reproductive maturity, the appearance of the leaf and stem at fruiting reveals the structural modifications necessary to support and protect the developing seeds.- Total parts
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| stem at anthesis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizome | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf and stem at fruiting | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf and stem at anthesis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruit at fruiting | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Linum album has 31 reported phytochemicals identified across 45 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include lignans, podophyllotoxin, Phe, SOD, caffeic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 31
- Scientific sources
- 45
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| lignans | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| podophyllotoxin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Phe | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| SOD | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caffeic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catechin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cinnamic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coumaric acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kaempferol | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Linum album has 4 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antitumor, Antiviral, Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Linum album has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antiviral, gastric cancer, oxidative stress.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastric cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |