Prunus arabica

Prunus arabica, commonly known as the Arabian cherry, is a resilient medicinal shrub native to the arid regions of the Middle East. Renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, this plant is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat inflammatory conditions, digestive issues, and various skin ailments through its bioactive compounds.

  • Scientific name: Prunus arabica
  • Family: Rosaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Rosales and the family Rosaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is established within the genus Prunus.

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

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Prunus arabica, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Arabic, it is known by several names including لوز عربي, برقوق عربي, and خوخ عربي. In Persian, it is called بادام شیریں, and in Chinese, it is identified as 阿拉伯扁桃.
Language Common Name Source
ar لوز عربي Wikidata
fa بادام شیرازی Wikidata
zh 阿拉伯扁桃 Wikidata
ar برقوق عربي Wikidata
ar خوخ عربي Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the diverse landscapes of Western Asia. It can be found growing within the borders of Iran, extending its reach across the region. The species is also established in the territories of Iraq and the Levant, specifically in Lebanon and Syria. Furthermore, its natural habitat includes the areas of Palestine. Finally, the geographical range of this medicinal plant extends into Türkiye.

Region Area Source
Western Asia Iran WCVP
Western Asia Iraq WCVP
Western Asia Lebanon-Syria WCVP
Western Asia Palestine WCVP
Western Asia Türkiye WCVP
Arabian Peninsula Gulf States WCVP
Arabian Peninsula Oman WCVP
Arabian Peninsula Saudi Arabia WCVP

Chemicals

Prunus arabica has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include campesterol, catechin, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, terpenoids.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
campesterol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
catechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chlorogenic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ferulic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Prunus arabica has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
breast cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆