English holly
Ilex aquifolium
Ilex aquifolium, commonly known as holly, is a traditional plant with origins in Europe and western Asia. While it has been used historically for various purposes such as ornamental gardening and hedging, its specific medicinal uses are not well-documented in traditional practices. Scientific studies suggest that Ilex aquifolium contains flavonoids like rutin and kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoglucoside, which may have potential as α-glucosidase inhibitors; however, further experimental validation is needed to confirm these findings. Additionally, research has developed a high-molecular-weight DNA extraction protocol using Percoll™ from Ilex aquifolium and isolated a novel carbon monoxide-oxidizing bacterial species, Foliimonas ilicis, from its leaves. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant to date.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study suggests Ilex aquifolium flavonoids, particularly rutin and kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoglucoside, may have potential as α-glucosidase inhibitors, but requires experimental validation.
- The study found that an optimized Percoll™-based protocol could extract high-quality and high molecular weight DNA from Ilex aquifolium, among other species.
- Ilex aquifolium showed similar acclimation capacity to temperature changes as other species, without conferring a significant carbon budget advantage.
- A novel carbon monoxide-oxidizing bacterial species, Foliimonas ilicis, was isolated from Ilex aquifolium leaves.
Frequently asked questions
What is English holly?
English holly (Ilex aquifolium) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about English holly?
4 sourced findings are recorded for English holly; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study suggests Ilex aquifolium flavonoids, particularly rutin and kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoglucoside, may have potential as α-glucosidase inhibitors, but requires experimental validation.
How strong is the evidence for English holly?
The strongest finding for English holly carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is English holly safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for English holly in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does English holly interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for English holly in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of English holly?
English holly is also known as: Падуб остролистный, houx.
Is English holly a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Foliimonas ilicis gen. nov., sp. nov., a carbon monoxide-oxidizing bacterium belonging to a novel genus of the family Phyllobacteriaceae isolated from leaves of Ilex aquifolium. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Thermal acclimation fails to confer a carbon budget advantage to invasive species over natives. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Efficient high-quality and high molecular weight plant DNA extraction protocol using Percoll™. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Molecular docking, DFT analysis, pharmacokinetic profiling and MD simulation of Ilex aquifolium L. flavonoids as potential α-glucosidase predicted inhibitors for diabetes. literature abstract metadata