Tilia tomentosa
Tilia tomentosa · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Tilia tomentosa is a versatile plant species known for its significant therapeutic potential in traditional medicine. The leaves and flowers are the primary parts utilized, containing essential elements such as calcium, cadmium, copper, and iron. Through various preparations like teas, extracts, and even callus cultures, this plant offers powerful medicinal benefits. It is highly regarded for its sedative and anxiolytic properties, helping to calm the nervous system. Additionally, it serves as an effective natural remedy for soothing persistent coughs.
- Synonyms
- Tilia Rotundifolia · Tilia Pseudolongirostris · 14 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Flower · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Tilia tomentosa is a botanical species known by a variety of diverse common names across different languages and regions. In certain contexts, it is referred to as Ezki ilauntsu or Ezki ilauntsua. The tree is also frequently identified by its Hungarian name, Ezüsthárs. Furthermore, it carries the descriptive titles of Gümüşi ıhlamur and Gümüşü cökə. These various appellations highlight the plant's widespread cultural and linguistic significance.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Tilia tomentosa is a species characterized by a complex web of botanical synonyms that reflect its diverse taxonomic history. This plant is frequently identified in scientific literature under the name Lindnera alba, highlighting different classification perspectives. It is also widely recognized by the synonym Tilia alba, which sometimes includes the specific variation known as Tilia alba var. petiolaris. Furthermore, the species is closely linked to Tilia argentea, a name that encompasses various forms of the tree. This taxonomic breadth even extends to specialized classifications such as Tilia argentea f. subglobularis, illustrating the intricate relationships within the genus.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Tilia tomentosa is a fascinating botanical specimen that belongs to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant is further organized into the order Malvales, which helps scientists understand its evolutionary lineage. It specifically belongs to the genus Tilia, a group known for its distinctive characteristics. Finally, this species is a proud member of the family Malvaceae.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Tilia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Tilia tomentosa exhibits a broad geographical range that spans across several major regions. Within the Asia-Temperate zone, this species is widely distributed through Central Asia, including areas like Uzbekistan. Its presence also extends across Western Asia, encompassing the East Aegean Islands, Lebanon-Syria, and Türkiye. Moving toward the European continent, the plant can be found thriving in Eastern Europe, specifically within Ukraine. This diverse distribution highlights the adaptability of the species across varied temperate landscapes.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Tilia tomentosa is a distinctive species characterized by its robust tree growth form. As a self-supporting plant, it stands firmly within its natural ecosystem. This species can reach a maximum height of 40 m as it matures. Depending on its specific environmental conditions, its stature typically ranges from a minimum of 20 m to 30 m. Such impressive vertical development makes it a prominent feature of the landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Tilia tomentosa inflorescences contain a diverse array of secondary metabolites that provide a phytochemical basis for their traditional medicinal use. A primary component of this plant is flavonoid, which serves as a major chemical class within its flowers and bracts. Specific glycosides such as kaempferol 3-O-glucoside and quercetin 3-O-glucoside are also identified as key constituent compounds. Furthermore, the chemical profile of the species includes important pentacyclic triterpenes like maslinic acid and oleanolic acid. Together, these identified substances offer significant insights into the chemotaxonomy and pharmacological relevance of the species.
Conditions
Tilia tomentosa possesses medicinal properties that allow it to function as a sedative. The plant also serves as a bioaccumulator, meaning it treats or takes up various elements from its environment. Specifically, it is capable of accumulating cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) from contaminated soils. Additionally, the species processes iron (Fe) and potassium (K) through its biological systems.
Preparations
Tilia tomentosa is prepared as extracts to evaluate its antioxidant activity and its potential inhibitory effects on enzymes related to diabetes and obesity. This species is also prepared as callus cultures to serve as a productive source of various polyphenolic metabolites like catechins and coumarins. Furthermore, the infusion of its inflorescences is traditionally prepared as a tea for use as a sedative or tranquilizer. Through these different preparation methods, researchers can identify specific bioactive compounds and pharmacological ligands. These diverse applications highlight the plant's significant value in both traditional medicine and modern biochemical studies.
Parts used
Tilia tomentosa is a medicinal plant species that contains various bioactive components located within its different anatomical structures. Research indicates that the flowers of this species are particularly rich in specific polyphenols, such as flavonoid glycosides. In addition to these floral elements, the plant's leaves and bracts also serve as significant sources of secondary metabolites. Studies utilizing untargeted metabolomics have highlighted how the chemical fingerprints differ depending on whether the flowers or other parts are analyzed. Understanding these specific relationships between the plant and its parts is essential for ensuring quality control and optimizing the production of therapeutic compounds.