Populus tremula
Populus tremula · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Populus tremula is a notable plant species known for the medicinal potential found within its stem. Research into its aqueous-ethanolic, alcoholic, and EtOAc-soluble extracts has revealed a rich profile of bioactive compounds, including salicylates, ferulic acid, grandidentatin, and coumaroyl beta-D-glucoside. These chemical constituents contribute to significant antioxidant and antirheumatic activities that protect against biological stressors. Specifically, the plant's extracts demonstrate an ability to mitigate oxidative damage caused by enzymes such as lipoxygenase and xanthine oxidase. Furthermore, these preparations show promise in modulating environments involving Lactobacillus acidophilus, highlighting their complex pharmacological utility.
- Synonyms
- Populus Tremula Var. Pendula · Populus Pseudotremula · 45 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Salicaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Stem
Classification
Common Names
Populus tremula is a versatile species known by a diverse array of regional and common names. Depending on the local dialect, it may be referred to as Aethnen or Aethnenni. In some linguistic traditions, the tree is also recognized by the name Aethwydden. It is frequently identified by its popular English moniker, the Aspen. Additionally, many people simply call the plant Aspe for short.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Populus tremula is a complex species that has been documented under several different botanical names throughout history. Scientific literature identifies various synonyms for this plant, including Populus australis and Populus bonatii. The taxonomic landscape also includes references to Populus cilicica and the widely recognized Populus davidiana. Furthermore, certain specialized variations are classified as Populus davidiana f. foliotardus. Understanding these overlapping designations is essential for accurate identification and study within the genus.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Populus tremula belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, marking its place among the diverse life forms on Earth. Within this kingdom, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida, showcasing its fundamental botanical structure. This species is further categorized into the order Malpighiales, a group that highlights its evolutionary lineage. As a member of the Salicaceae family, it shares close biological ties with other willow-like plants. Ultimately, it is defined by its specific genus, Populus, which distinguishes it within the natural world.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Genus | Populus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Populus tremula exhibits a remarkably broad geographical range that spans across several diverse continents and climates. In the African region, its presence is noted specifically within Northern Africa and Algeria. Moving into the temperate zones of Asia, the species thrives throughout the Caucasus and the Transcaucasus regions. Its reach extends further into Central Asia, where it can be found inhabiting the landscapes of Kazakhstan. Finally, the distribution continues through the mountainous terrains of Tadzhikistan, showcasing the plant's adaptability.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Populus tremula is a self-supporting species characterized by its distinct tree growth form. This robust plant can reach impressive heights, often scaling up to a maximum of 50 meters. While it is frequently seen as a towering specimen, its stature can vary significantly depending on environmental conditions. In many instances, the height may only reach a minimum of 19.87375 meters. However, smaller individuals can still be found with a minimum height of approximately 6 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Populus tremula is a plant species recognized for its diverse and significant pharmacological properties. Research indicates that this species possesses notable antioxidant activity, which contributes to its protective biological effects. Furthermore, the plant is highly valued for its antirheumatic capabilities, particularly when utilized in therapeutic combinations. These antirheumatic benefits are primarily attributed to the presence of well-investigated salicylates within its composition. Consequently, the chemical profile of Populus tremula makes it a valuable component in the development of natural anti-inflammatory treatments.
Compounds
Populus tremula is a plant species recognized for its rich profile of bioactive chemical constituents. Research indicates that this species contains various important compounds, including grandidentatin and coumaroyl beta-D-glucoside. Its medicinal value is further highlighted by the presence of salicylates, which contribute significantly to its anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the buds of this plant are characterized by unusually high amounts of phenolic acids such as ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid. These diverse phytochemical relationships underscore the plant's potential importance in natural product research and therapeutic applications.
Conditions
Populus tremula, through its resin and propolis, demonstrates significant antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms. The plant extracts show effective treatment capabilities against the phytopathogenic fungus Fusarium oxysporum. Additionally, these extracts exhibit strong antifungal properties against Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium sporotrichioides, and Fusarium subglutinans. Beyond fungal pathogens, the substances also impact bacterial isolates such as Lactobacillus acidophilus. These biological activities highlight the plant's potential as a source for new antimicrobial products.
Preparations
Populus tremula is prepared as alcoholic extracts to study its ability to inhibit dihydrofolate reductase and provide antioxidative properties. It is also prepared as aqueous-ethanolic extracts, which serve as a primary component in the phytomedicine known as Phytodolor N. These aqueous/alcoholic extracts contribute to the drug's antipyretic, analgesic, and antirheumatic activities. While the provided text discusses an EtOAc-soluble fraction for a related species, Populus tremula is specifically utilized in its various liquid extract forms for anti-inflammatory research. Consequently, the plant is essential to the formulation and efficacy of the Phytodolor N combination.
Parts used
Populus tremula is a species that shares botanical characteristics with other members of the poplar genus, such as the stem structure found in Populus davidiana. Research into these plants often focuses on the chemical properties extracted from the stem bark to identify beneficial compounds. For instance, studies on related species have successfully isolated various phenolic glycosides known for their significant antioxidant activity. These specific phytochemicals, such as populosides, demonstrate a notable ability to scavenge radicals in laboratory assays. Understanding these stem-derived constituents provides valuable insight into the complex chemical profiles shared across the Populus lineage.