Prunus mahaleb
Prunus mahaleb, commonly known as Mahaleb cherry, is a versatile deciduous shrub valued in both traditional and modern herbalism. Renowned for its aromatic seeds, it is frequently utilized for its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. This resilient plant serves as a vital resource in holistic wellness and natural medicine.
- Scientific name: Prunus mahaleb
- Family: Rosaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Rosales, falling within the family Rosaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is established under 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 mahaleb, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Dhivehi, it is called މަހުލުނބޯ, while in Kurdish, it is referred to as کەنێر (using Arabic script) or Kenêr (using Latin script). In Polish, the plant is known as Wiśnia wonna, and in Turkish, it is commonly called Mahlep.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| dv | މަހުލުނބޯ | Wikidata |
| ku-arab | کەنێر | Wikidata |
| ku-latn | Kenêr | Wikidata |
| pl | Wiśnia wonna | Wikidata |
| tr | Mahlep | Wikidata |
| ca | cirerer de guineu | Wikidata |
| fi | veikselinkirsikka | Wikidata |
| de | Steinweichsel | Wikidata |
| ml | പുണ്യാവ | Wikidata |
| bg | махалебка | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of Europe. In Northern Europe, its presence can be found in Denmark and Great Britain. The species also extends further north into the territories of Norway and Sweden. Additionally, its range reaches into Middle Europe, specifically within Austria. Together, these locations define the documented habitats for Prunus mahaleb in these areas.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | 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 |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Prunus mahaleb, possesses several distinct components that contribute to its botanical profile. The structure is characterized by woody twigs that form the framework of its shrub or small tree form. Its foliage consists of green leaves that play a vital role in photosynthesis, while the plant produces a small, fleshy fruit that typically matures into a dark color. Contained within these fruits are the seeds, which are often the focus of interest in various traditional applications.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| twigs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruit | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Prunus mahaleb has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ferulic acid, herniarin, choline, citric acid, coumarin.
- Total chemicals
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 13
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ferulic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| herniarin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| choline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| citric acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coumarin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| glutaryl carnitine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoleucine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| naringenin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| nonamide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |