Paliurus spina-christi

Paliurus spina-christi, commonly known as Christ's Thorn, is a resilient, thorny shrub native to Mediterranean and Asian regions. Renowned in traditional medicine, its leaves, bark, and fruits possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, offering significant therapeutic potential for treating various ailments and supporting overall metabolic health.

  • Scientific name: Paliurus spina-christi
  • Family: Rhamnaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Rosales, it is classified under the family Rhamnaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Paliurus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Rosales WCVP
Family Rhamnaceae WCVP
Genus Paliurus WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several European regions. In Middle Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of Hungary. Its presence extends to Southwestern Europe, where it is located in France, Spain, and the island of Corse. Additionally, the species is documented in Southeastern Europe, specifically in Albania. Together, these locations highlight the varied habitats where the plant thrives.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Southwestern Europe Corse WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Southeastern Europe Greece WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Romania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Türkiye-in-Europe WCVP

Chemicals

Paliurus spina-christi has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include rutin, Sodium, Zn, calcium, catechin.

Total chemicals
11
Scientific sources
12

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
rutin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Sodium 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Zn 1 ★☆☆☆☆
calcium 1 ★☆☆☆☆
catechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gallocatechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
magnesium 1 ★☆☆☆☆
malic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phosphorus 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Paliurus spina-christi has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antigenotoxic, Antimicrobial.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antigenotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Paliurus spina-christi has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida albicans, diabetes mellitus, oxidative DNA damage.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Candida albicans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diabetes mellitus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oxidative DNA damage 1 ★☆☆☆☆