Populus tremula

Aspen

Populus tremula, commonly known as the aspen, is a deciduous tree valued for its medicinal properties. Traditionally, its bark has been utilized in herbal remedies to treat inflammation and fever. Rich in bioactive compounds, this resilient species continues to be a subject of interest in ethnobotanical and pharmacological research.

  • Scientific name: Populus tremula
  • Family: Salicaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Malpighiales, it is classified under the family Salicaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Populus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Salicaceae WCVP
Genus Populus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, scientifically known as Populus tremula, is widely recognized by several common names across different linguistic contexts. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 杨树 (zh-hans), a name also used in mainland China (zh-cn) and Singapore (zh-sg). In Traditional Chinese, the name is written as 楊樹 (zh-hant), which is the standard designation used in Hong Kong (zh-hk).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 杨树 Wikidata
zh-hant 楊樹 Wikidata
zh-hk 楊樹 Wikidata
zh-cn 杨树 Wikidata
zh-sg 杨树 Wikidata
zh-tw 楊樹 Wikidata
eu Lertxun Wikidata
pl topola osika Wikidata
hu rezgő nyár Wikidata
et harilik haab Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Populus tremula, exhibits a widespread presence throughout the northern reaches of the European continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing naturally across the landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Its distribution also extends westward to include the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. Additionally, the species is well-established within the mountainous and coastal regions of Norway. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in various northern habitats.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as the aspen, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional herbalism. The stem bark is a key part of the specimen, often harvested for its chemical properties which can provide relief for inflammatory conditions. Additionally, the buds contain concentrated nutrients and bioactive compounds, making them a significant element of the plant's medicinal profile.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stem bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆
buds 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Populus tremula has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2-acetyl-1,3-di-p-coumaroylglycerol, chrysin, esters, ferulic acid, flavonoids.

Total chemicals
14
Scientific sources
14

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
2-acetyl-1,3-di-p-coumaroylglycerol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chrysin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
esters 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ferulic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
galangin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
laccase 1 ★☆☆☆☆
naringenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
p-coumaric acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
peroxidase 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Populus tremula has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antimicrobial, Antipyretic, Antirheumatic.

Total activities
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antipyretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antirheumatic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Populus tremula has 14 reported medicinal uses identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, Helicobacter pylori, analgesic, antipyretic, edema.

Total uses
14
Scientific sources
15

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
inflammation 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Helicobacter pylori 1 ★☆☆☆☆
analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antipyretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
edema 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fever 1 ★☆☆☆☆
osteoarthritis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
oxidative damage 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pain 1 ★☆☆☆☆
peptic ulcers 1 ★☆☆☆☆