Pinus

The pine genus

Pinus, commonly known as pine, is a resilient genus of coniferous trees widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. Renowned for their needle-like leaves and woody cones, these plants offer significant medicinal value. Their resins, essential oils, and bark contain bioactive compounds used for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory therapeutic applications.

  • Scientific name: Pinus
  • Family: Pinaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Pinidae and order Pinales, it is placed in the family Pinaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Pinus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Pinidae WCVP
Order Pinales WCVP
Family Pinaceae WCVP
Genus Pinus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known by various names across different cultures and languages, is a significant medicinal resource. In English, it is referred to by the archaic term Pīntrēoƿ, while in French, it is simply called le pin. German speakers identify it as Kiefern, and in Azerbaijani, it is known as Şam ağacı. Furthermore, in Arabic, the plant is called صنوبر.
Language Common Name Source
fr pin Wikidata
de Kiefern Wikidata
ang Pīntrēoƿ Wikidata
ar صنوبر Wikidata
az Şam ağacı Wikidata
bar Kiefan Wikidata
be хвоя Wikidata
bg бор Wikidata
bo ཐང་ཤིང་། Wikidata
ca pi Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Pinus, exhibits a specific distribution across several regions in Northern Europe. It can be found growing within the landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its presence extends to the islands of Føroyar and Iceland. The species also inhabits various parts of Great Britain. Together, these locations highlight its ability to thrive in diverse Northern European environments.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known as Pinus, possesses various components that are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The long, slender needles are often harvested to create infusions or extracts rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Within the structure of the tree, the knotwood can be processed for specific chemical compounds, while the most potent medicinal value is frequently found in the essential oils extracted from the plant. These oils are highly valued in aromatherapy and traditional medicine for their antiseptic and calming effects.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
needles 1 ★☆☆☆☆
knotwood 1 ★☆☆☆☆
essential oils 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Pinus has 21 reported phytochemicals identified across 25 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include lignin, 3-carene, Al, N, PPE.

Total chemicals
21
Scientific sources
25

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
lignin 5 ★★★☆☆
3-carene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Al 1 ★☆☆☆☆
N 1 ★☆☆☆☆
PPE 1 ★☆☆☆☆
alpha-pinene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
beta-pinene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
borneol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bornylacetate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
camphor 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Pinus has 10 reported activities identified across 16 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antitumor, Analgesic, Antiapoptotic.

Total activities
10
Scientific sources
16

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 4 ★★☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antitumor 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiapoptotic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiinflammatory 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Pinus has 18 reported medicinal uses identified across 20 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Escherichia coli, breast cancer, Candida albicans, Hymenolepis nana, Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Total uses
18
Scientific sources
20

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Escherichia coli 2 ★☆☆☆☆
breast cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Candida albicans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hymenolepis nana 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Klebsiella pneumoniae 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ascites 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bacterial infection 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bone resorption 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆