Viburnum opulus
Viburnum opulus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Viburnum opulus is a notable plant species frequently studied for the diverse therapeutic potential of its fruit. Scientific investigations into its fruit extracts have revealed significant pharmacological activities, including antioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit enzymes like 11B-HSD, 5-alpha-reductase, and 5-lipoxygenase. These biochemical actions suggest the plant may play a role in addressing conditions such as oxidative damage, coughs, and endometriosis. Furthermore, research has explored its impact on arginase activity, highlighting its complex biological influence. By utilizing various preparations of the fruit, researchers aim to harness these natural compounds for various health applications.
- Synonyms
- Opulus Glandulosa · Viburnum Opulus Var. Variegatum · 34 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Viburnaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit
Classification
Common Names
Viburnum opulus is a versatile shrub known by a diverse array of names across different languages and cultures. In Turkish, it is frequently referred to as both Adi başınağacı and Aliguer. Moving to Northern Europe, the plant is recognized by its Danish name, Almindelig kvalkved. Its cultural significance extends to Indigenous traditions, where it is called Aniibmiin or Aniibiminagaawashk. Finally, the charming French name Boule de neige beautifully captures its characteristic snowy appearance.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Viburnum opulus is a versatile plant that has been documented under several different botanical names throughout history. Scientific literature frequently identifies the species through various synonyms, such as Opulus edulis and Opulus glandulosa. It is also commonly referred to in older texts as Opulus oxycoccos or Opulus palustris. Furthermore, the name Opulus rosea has been used to describe specific variations within its taxonomic range. Understanding these various nomenclatural relationships is essential for accurate plant identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Viburnum opulus belongs to the expansive kingdom Plantae, serving as a prime example of botanical diversity. Within this kingdom, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida, highlighting its structural evolutionary lineage. It further resides in the order Dipsacales, a group that links it to various other flowering plants. As a member of the Viburnaceae family, it shares distinct morphological traits with its close relatives. Ultimately, this plant is defined by its placement within the genus Viburnum, which characterizes its specific growth and flowering habits.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Viburnaceae |
| Genus | Viburnum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Viburnum opulus exhibits a diverse geographical range that spans across multiple continents and distinct climatic zones. In the African region, its presence is noted specifically within Algeria and parts of Northern Africa. The species also flourishes throughout the Asia-Temperate zone, particularly within the Caucasus and Transcaucasus regions. Moving further into Central Asia, the plant can be found established in the landscapes of both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This wide distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various environments across the Eurasian and African landmasses.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Viburnum opulus is a versatile shrub characterized by its robust and self-supporting growth form. This resilient plant typically reaches a modest height, ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 4 meters. While it often stays compact, some specimens can grow more substantial, frequently reaching heights of at least 3.24 meters. This adaptable size allows it to integrate seamlessly into various garden landscapes. Whether small or large, its sturdy structure makes it a reliable addition to any outdoor space.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Viburnum opulus is a versatile deciduous shrub widely valued for its decorative, medicinal, and culinary applications. Beyond its traditional uses in treating various ailments, recent scientific research has highlighted its significant biological potential. Specifically, many of the plant's health-promoting properties are attributed to its potent antioxidant activity. This beneficial effect has been successfully demonstrated across both in vitro and in vivo studies. Such antioxidant capabilities, driven by bioactive components like phenolic compounds and vitamin C, contribute to the plant's overall therapeutic profile.
Compounds
Viburnum opulus is a versatile deciduous shrub valued for its medicinal, decorative, and nutritional properties. The plant's significant health benefits are largely driven by a diverse array of bioactive components found within its tissues. Specifically, it contains essential nutrients and compounds such as vitamin C and carotenoids. Furthermore, the presence of iridoids contributes to its complex chemical profile. The inclusion of various flavonoids also provides the plant with potent antioxidant activity, supporting its traditional use in treating various ailments.
Conditions
Viburnum opulus demonstrates significant medicinal potential by acting as an inhibitor of arginase activity. This plant is traditionally utilized to provide relief for common ailments such as coughs and colds. Furthermore, in vivo studies have confirmed its clinical applicability in the treatment of endometriosis. The antioxidant properties of its extracts also allow it to be used for the prophylaxis and medical treatment of free radical pathologic conditions. Together, these diverse biological effects highlight the therapeutic versatility of the species.
Preparations
Viburnum opulus is prepared as fruit extracts to investigate its effects on arginase activity and arterial vasodilation. These specific extracts have demonstrated significant vasorelaxant activity and the ability to inhibit arginase in rat models. Furthermore, the plant is studied in its form as fruits to assess the accumulation of trace elements and minerals. Research indicates that Viburnum opulus fruits are characterized by high levels of tin and copper. These various preparations allow scientists to evaluate both the medicinal benefits and the elemental composition of the species.
Parts used
Viburnum opulus produces fruits that serve as a significant subject of interest in medicinal plant research. Scientific analysis indicates that these fruits contain high levels of the essential trace element copper. Furthermore, the fruit extract has demonstrated remarkable biological properties, including the highest vasorelaxant activity among several studied species. Research also highlights that the fruit possesses the ability to significantly inhibit arginase activity in laboratory models. These findings suggest that the fruit of Viburnum opulus may offer therapeutic benefits for conditions involving endothelial dysfunction.