Lycium europaeum
Lycium europaeum, commonly known as the European Boxthorn, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to the Mediterranean. Renowned for its antioxidant properties, this plant offers therapeutic potential through its berries and bark. It is traditionally utilized in herbal medicine to support immune function and promote overall holistic wellness.
- Scientific name: Lycium europaeum
- Family: Solanaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and order Solanales, it is further categorized under the family Solanaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Lycium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Solanales | WCVP |
| Family | Solanaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Lycium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Lycium europaeum, is recognized by various regional names across different languages and cultures. In Hebrew, it is known as אטד אירופי, while in Polish, it is referred to as Kolcowój europejski. Its names also vary significantly in other regions, such as piikkipukinpensas in Finnish, سكّوم in Arabic (ae b-arab), and حضض أوربي in Arabic (ar).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| he | אטד אירופי | Wikidata |
| pl | Kolcowój europejski | Wikidata |
| aeb-arab | سكّوم | Wikidata |
| fi | piikkipukinpensas | Wikidata |
| ar | حضض أوربي | Wikidata |
| fr | Lyciet d'Europe | Wikidata |
| es | Arcinos | Wikidata |
| es | Espino-cambrón | Wikidata |
| es | Lycium mediterraneum | Wikidata |
| es | Lycium europaeum var. ramulosum | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse presence across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, its range extends into the territory of Germany. Moving toward the Mediterranean, it can be found throughout Southwestern Europe, specifically within France and Portugal. Its distribution also reaches the island of Corse in the Southwestern European region. Additionally, the species is documented in the Baleares archipelago.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Lycium europaeum, is characterized by its distinct reproductive structures, most notably its fruits. The fruit typically develops as small, fleshy berries that appear along the stems, serving as a vital component of the plant's life cycle and ecological interaction. These fruits are often utilized in traditional medicinal contexts, where the specific properties of the fruit are studied for their potential health benefits.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruit | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Lycium europaeum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechin, condensed tannins, ferulic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| catechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| condensed tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ferulic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Lycium europaeum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Lycium europaeum has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |