Botanical Overview
Alnus crispa is a species in the Betulaceae family. The birch family (Betulaceae) includes trees and shrubs with simple, alternate leaves with serrated margins and prominent stipules. The flowers are arranged in catkins, and the fruits are small nuts or samaras. The bark of many species contains phenolic compounds with antiseptic properties. Phytochemical data for this species are limited at present.
General Description
Many sources refer to it as Alnus viridis but this is a later name, synonymous with Alnus alnobetula subsp. alnobetula. The species was first described by Jakob Friedrich Ehrhart in 1783 as Betula alnobetula, while the name viridis was first used later, as Betula viridis, in 1785.
Family Context
The Betulaceae family is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. Notable medicinal members include:
- Alnus rubra — 20 documented uses
- Betula alba — 17 documented uses
- Cherry Birch — 16 documented uses
- Black Alder — 10 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Alnus crispa has been recorded in 9 countries and territories worldwide, including Canada, Germany, Spain, Greenland, Poland, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 1 compound in this species: betulin.
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. Additional phytochemical investigation could identify novel bioactive compounds in this plant.