Prunus persica

Peach tree

Prunus persica, commonly known as the peach tree, is a versatile deciduous plant valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Beyond its sweet fruit, various parts of the tree, including bark and leaves, have been used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation, skin ailments, and promote overall digestive wellness.

  • Scientific name: Prunus persica
  • Family: Rosaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Rosales and the family Rosaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Prunus, where it is known as Prunus persica.

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 persica, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In English, it is referred to as a peach in the United Kingdom (en-gb) and as a Peach in Canada (en-ca). In French, it is called pêcher (fr), while in Arabic, it is known as دراق (ar), and in Abkhaz, it is called Атама (ab).
Language Common Name Source
fr pêcher Wikidata
en-ca Peach Wikidata
en-gb peach Wikidata
ab Атама Wikidata
ar دراق Wikidata
ast Pescal Wikidata
az Adi şaftalı Wikidata
be персік Wikidata
bg праскова Wikidata
bjn Persik Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, Prunus persica, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across various European regions. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in Great Britain and Ireland. Its presence extends into Middle Europe, where it is documented in Germany. Furthermore, the species is also located within the borders of Hungary. Finally, its geographical range includes the mountainous terrain of Switzerland.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Middle Europe Switzerland WCVP
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Corse WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Sardegna WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Prunus persica, is a versatile medicinal species where various components offer distinct therapeutic properties. The root is often utilized in traditional medicine for its potential calming and anti-inflammatory effects. Most notably, the peach seeds, which contain the internal pit or kernel, are highly valued in various pharmacological applications; however, the seed must be handled with care due to the presence of amygdalin. By understanding the specific medicinal uses of the root and the seed, practitioners can better harness the natural benefits provided by the entire peach plant.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
seed 1 ★☆☆☆☆
peach seeds 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Root 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Prunus persica has 38 reported phytochemicals identified across 41 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include amygdalin, flavonoids, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, 3-methylbutyl acetate, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one.

Total chemicals
38
Scientific sources
41

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
amygdalin 3 ★★☆☆☆
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
(Z)-3-hexenyl acetate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
3-methylbutyl acetate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one 1 ★☆☆☆☆
As 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Ca 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cd 1 ★☆☆☆☆
D-mandelonitrile-beta-gentiobioside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Fe 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Prunus persica has 6 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Estrogenic, Analgesic, AntiBPH, Antiestrogenic, Antinociceptive.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Estrogenic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
AntiBPH 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiestrogenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antinociceptive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antipyretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Prunus persica has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include E. coli, constipation, dysmenorrhea, histamine release, hormone replacement therapy.

Total uses
11
Scientific sources
11

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
E. coli 1 ★☆☆☆☆
constipation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dysmenorrhea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
histamine release 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hormone replacement therapy 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hyperpigmentation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
liver cirrhosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
myiasis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
plum pox virus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pulmonary embolism 1 ★☆☆☆☆