Styrax
Storax
Styrax, commonly known as storax or benzoin, is a versatile medicinal plant prized for its aromatic resin. Renowned in traditional medicine, it possesses potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Often used to treat respiratory ailments and skin conditions, this resinous powerhouse remains a vital component in holistic healing practices.
- Scientific name: Styrax
- Family: Styracaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Ericales, it is classified under the family Styracaceae and is specifically identified by the genus Styrax.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Styracaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Styrax | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant is known by various names depending on the language, including Storaxbäume in German (de), Stiraks in Azerbaijani (az), sturač in Czech (cs), Stirakas in Lithuanian (lt), and Стиракс in Russian (ru).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Storaxbäume | Wikidata |
| az | Stiraks | Wikidata |
| cs | sturač | Wikidata |
| lt | Stirakas | Wikidata |
| ru | Стиракс | Wikidata |
| sv | Storaxsläktet | Wikidata |
| vi | Chi Bồ đề | Wikidata |
| zh | 安息香属 | Wikidata |
| ja | エゴノキ属 | Wikidata |
| yue | 老溫 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several Mediterranean regions. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing within the borders of France. Its presence extends into Southeastern Europe, where it is native to Albania. The species is also well-established in the country of Greece. Furthermore, it is located in Italy and on the island of Kriti.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Türkiye-in-Europe | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | NW. Balkan Pen. | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Mauritius | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Cyprus | WCVP |
Chemicals
Styrax has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include betulinic acid, betulonic acid, epibetulinic acid, lignans, maslinic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 7
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| betulinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| betulonic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epibetulinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| maslinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oleanonic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Styrax has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antiphlogistic, Antiseptic.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiphlogistic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiseptic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Styrax has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cardiovascular diseases.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cardiovascular diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |