large-leaved lime

Tilia platyphyllos · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (25 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Large-leaved lime, scientifically known as Tilia platyphyllos, is a deciduous tree prized for its fragrant, heart-shaped leaves and nectar-rich blossoms. Often used in herbal medicine, its flowers produce soothing infusions traditionally utilized to relieve anxiety, aid sleep, and alleviate common respiratory ailments through their gentle, calming properties.

Family
Malvaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Flower · Leaf
Common names
Big-Leaved Linden · Large-Leaved Linden · 6 more
Scientific synonyms
Not available

Names

Common Names

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • tilo comun
  • tilo de hoja grande
  • tilo de hoja ancha
  • aveneiro blanco

German:

  • Sommer-Linde
  • Sommerlinde
  • Großblättrige Linde
  • Sommerlinde
  • Sommer-Linde

French:

  • Tilleul à grandes feuilles
  • Tilleul à feuilles larges
  • Tilleul à grandes feuilles
  • Tilleul à larges feuilles
  • tilleul à grandes feuilles
  • tilleul à larges feuilles
  • tilleul de Hollande
  • Tilleul a larges feuilles

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Tilia platyphyllos

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is situated in the order Malvales and the family Malvaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Tilia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malvales WCVP
Family Malvaceae WCVP
Genus Tilia WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is documented in Denmark and the United Kingdom. It can also be found naturally throughout the landscape of Ireland. Further north, the species extends its range into Sweden. Finally, its geographical reach includes parts of Middle Europe, specifically within Austria.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland 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, commonly known as the large-leaved lime, utilizes several distinct components for its medicinal applications. The broad, heart-shaped leaves are a characteristic feature of the species, but the most therapeutically significant parts are found within the inflorescence. Each individual flower is small and fragrant, contributing to the plant's sweet aroma. These blossoms are uniquely accompanied by specialized, pale-colored bracts that extend from the stem. When harvested, it is typically these flowers and their attached bracts that are dried to create soothing herbal infusions.
Plant Part Sources Consensus
flower Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis (and other 2 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
leaf Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Tilia platyphyllos has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, CHLOROGENIC ACID, Coumarins, Flavonoid, Fraxin.

Chemicals reported in Tilia platyphyllos
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Flavonoids 2 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
CHLOROGENIC ACID 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Coumarins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Flavonoid 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Fraxin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Procyanidins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Steroids 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Tannins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
catechins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
kaempferol 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Flavonoids

  1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
  2. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

CHLOROGENIC ACID

  1. Phytochemistry

Coumarins

  1. Phytochemistry

Flavonoid

  1. Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis

Fraxin

  1. Phytochemistry

Procyanidins

  1. Phytochemistry

Steroids

  1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

Tannins

  1. BMC complementary medicine and therapies

catechins

  1. Phytochemistry

kaempferol

  1. Phytochemistry

Activities

Tilia platyphyllos has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Sedative, Tranquilizer.

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Consensus
Sedative Frontiers in pharmacology (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Tranquilizer Frontiers in pharmacology (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Tilia platyphyllos has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include alcoholic liver disease, influenza A virus, mental disorders.

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Consensus
alcoholic liver disease Current drug metabolism (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
influenza A virus BMC complementary medicine and therapies (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
mental disorders Frontiers in pharmacology (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆