thorny almond
Prunus spinosissima · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Thorny almond, scientifically known as Prunus spinosissima, is a resilient deciduous shrub valued in traditional medicine. Native to East Asia, its fruits and bark possess significant therapeutic potential. Rich in bioactive compounds, this plant is frequently utilized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties in various herbal remedies.
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Temperate
- Parts used
- Root
- Common names
- Thorny Almond
- Scientific synonyms
- Amygdalus Spinosissima
Names
Common Names
- thorny almond
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Prunus spinosissimaSynonyms
- Amygdalus spinosissima
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 ordered under Rosales and falls into the family Rosaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by 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 |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution concentrated within the heart of Central Asia. Its natural habitat encompasses several key nations across this vast region. Specifically, it can be found growing in the territories of Kazakhstan and Kirgizstan. The species also populates the landscapes of Turkmenistan and Tadzhikistan. Finally, its range extends through the country of Uzbekistan, completing its regional presence.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central Asia | Kazakhstan | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Kirgizstan | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Turkmenistan | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Tadzhikistan | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Uzbekistan | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Afghanistan | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Prunus spinosissima, utilizes its root part as a vital component in traditional medicinal practices. The root serves as a foundational element of the plant's structure, absorbing essential nutrients and water from the soil to support its growth. In various herbal preparations, the root is harvested and processed to extract its bioactive compounds, which are believed to possess specific therapeutic properties.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| root | Metabolic brain disease (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Prunus spinosissima has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | Metabolic brain disease (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| root extract | Metabolic brain disease (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root methanolic extract | Metabolic brain disease (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |