Lycium intricatum
Lycium intricatum, commonly known as wolfberry or desert wolfberry, is a resilient shrub native to arid regions. Highly valued in traditional medicine, it possesses potent antioxidant properties. This hardy plant is frequently utilized to support immune health, combat oxidative stress, and provide therapeutic benefits in various holistic healing practices.
- Scientific name: Lycium intricatum
- Family: Solanaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Solanales and the family Solanaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by 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, known scientifically as Lycium intricatum, is recognized by various local names depending on the region. In Finland, it is referred to by the Finnish name säkkäräpukinpensas, while in Croatia, it is commonly called Isprepletena kustovnica.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| fi | säkkäräpukinpensas | Wikidata |
| hr | Isprepletena kustovnica | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across several distinct regions in the Mediterranean basin. In Southwestern Europe, its presence is noted in the Balearic Islands, Portugal, and Spain. Its range also extends significantly into Northern Africa. Within this African region, the species can be found growing in both Algeria and Morocco. Consequently, its habitat spans a diverse geographical area encompassing both European and African territories.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Western Sahara | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Madeira | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mauritania | WCVP |
Chemicals
Lycium intricatum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Gallic acid, ferulic acid, flavonoids, gentisic acid, trans-cinnamic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ferulic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gentisic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| trans-cinnamic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Lycium intricatum has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include type-2 diabetes mellitus.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| type-2 diabetes mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |