Complete and detailed information on the medicinal plant Iberis: taxonomy, properties, and cultivation

Introduction to the medicinal plant Iberis

Iberis It is a genus of herbaceous and shrubby plants belonging to the family Brassicaceae, also known as the cruciferous family. Within this genus, the best-known and most valued species for its medicinal properties is Iberia bitter, famous for its widespread use in traditional medicine and garden decoration. Popularly called oak sap or "silver basket", Iberis stands out both for its beauty and for its pharmacological applications, which have grown since ancient times and have continued to modern phytotherapy.

Name "Iberis" comes from the Greek, referring to the region of Iberia, in the present-day Iberian Peninsula, where these species grow wild. The term "amara" is related to its characteristic flavor, since in Latin "amarus" means bitter.

Botanical description of Iberis

Iberis It groups approximately 50 species of herbs and shrubs, with annual, biennial, or perennial cycles. Their stems can be woody at the base and usually branch from below, forming dense, low clumps. Leaves They are simple, alternate, and can vary from oblong to lanceolate or even pinnatifid depending on the species, normally deep green in color and fleshy in texture.

Flowers of Iberis, especially of Iberia bitter y iberis sempervirens, are grouped in corymb-like terminal inflorescences. Each flower has four petals of unequal size, the outer two being larger than the inner ones, and their colors range from pure white to pale violet and pink. This asymmetry gives the flowers a distinctive appearance, resembling a small bow. The aroma is usually sweet, contrasting with the plant's bitter taste.

The fruit It is a compressed, dehiscent sillicle with specially developed winged valves in the upper half, and each cavity normally contains one seed. The seeds may have membranous wings that facilitate their germination. dispersion.

Some of the best-known species of the genus Iberis are:

• Iberia bitter (bitter carraspic)
• iberis sempervirens (silver basket)
• Iberis umbellata
• Iberis gibraltarica
• Iberis carnosa

Origin, habitat and distribution

Iberis It is native to the Mediterranean basin, especially abundant in rocky areas, slopes, sunny slopes and mountain pasturesIts species thrive on well-drained soils, growing in limestone crevices and along roadsides, from the Iberian Peninsula to southern Europe and western Asia.

The species Iberia bitter prefers sunny environments and light soils, while iberis sempervirens It adapts perfectly to gardens, pots and planters, withstanding both drought and occasional frosts.

Currently, due to the agricultural transformation of their habitats, some Iberis species are at risk of extinction in several regions, posing a threat to European and Mediterranean natural biodiversity.

Chemical composition and active ingredients

The medicinal interest of Iberis is mainly due to the presence of glycosides, sulfur compounds, and essential oils concentrated in leaves and seeds. Among the most studied compounds are:

• Glucoiberoside y glucocheiroloside: When hydrolyzed, they produce isothiocyanates, compounds with recognized antioxidant and liver-protective action.
• Glucorhamnoside: present in the flowers, with antispasmodic and digestive effects.
• Other minor components such as essential oils, resins and saponins.

This combination of phytocompounds gives Iberis its appreciated therapeutic properties, especially in the digestive and hepatic areas.

Medicinal properties and therapeutic uses

Iberis, especially Iberis amara, has been traditionally used as a medicinal plant due to its digestive, carminative and choleretic propertiesIts main applications are:

• relief from gastrointestinal trastornos, such as indigestion, bloating, gas, and dyspepsia.
• Stimulation of liver and gallbladder, promoting bile secretion and helping with the digestion of fats.
• Support in the complementary treatment of drops y rheumatism, thanks to its moderate anti-inflammatory capacity.
• Use in homeopathy for anxiety and the Muscle pain.
• In some traditions, as an adjuvant in cases of bronchitis, asthma and even cardiac hypertrophy.

Currently, its extracts are ingredients in herbal products to treat mild digestive discomfort and regulate intestinal transit. However, it is important to note that in high doses It can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, so its consumption is always recommended under professional supervision.

Indications, contraindications and precautions

Iberia bitter is indicated to relieve:

• Functional dyspepsia
• Feeling of heaviness after meals
• Mild digestive spasms and discomfort
• Support for mild liver disorders

It is essential not to exceed the recommended amount since in large doses it can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and vertigo. It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women or young children unless strictly prescribed by a doctor. It should be avoided by people with a known allergy to cruciferous vegetables.

Methods of preparation and administration

The parts used are mainly fresh or dried aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers). Methods of use include:

• Infusion: Use one teaspoon of the dried plant per cup of water, letting it sit for a few minutes before filtering.
• Liquid extract: It is found in standardized phytotherapeutic products, only available in herbalists and pharmacies.
• Tincture: obtained by macerating the plant in food alcohol for internal use under specialized control.
• Homeopathy: in low doses, used in combinations for various digestive problems.

Its bitter taste can be softened by mixing it with other digestive herbs such as lemon balm, chamomile or anise.

Varieties and taxonomy of the genus Iberis

The gender Iberis It is very diverse and has been divided into numerous varieties and subspecies throughout botanical history. Some of the most relevant varieties and subspecies of Iberia bitter include:

• Iberis amara var. sabauda
• Iberis amara var. orbicularis
• Iberis amara var. latifolia
• Iberis amara var. ceratophylla
• Iberis amara var. arvatica
• Iberis amara subsp. forestieri
• Iberis amara subsp. affinis

In addition, there are other popular species such as iberis sempervirens, used mainly as an ornamental plant in gardens for its white flower clusters that decorate rockeries, slopes and roadsides.

Growing and caring for Iberis

Plants of the Iberis genus are highly valued in gardening for their resistance and easy maintenance. iberis sempervirens and other ground cover species are ideal for slopes, rockeries, pots and planters. Cultivation requires:

• Sunny location: It tolerates semi-shade but its flowering is more abundant in full sun.
• Well-drained soils: It does not tolerate saturation and prefers light, calcareous soils that are slightly poor in organic matter.
• Moderate watering: Drought resistant once established, but the substrate should be kept slightly moist during germination.
• Light pruning: After flowering or in autumn, it helps maintain the compact shape and stimulates more intense flowering the following season.
• Siembra: In spring, lightly covering the seeds and keeping them moist until germination (in 2-3 weeks at a warm temperature).
• Subscriber: It hardly requires any, just a small addition if the soil is very poor.

As for pests, it can be affected by thrips, mildew and root rot if watered excessively.

Curiosities and ornamental uses

In addition to its medicinal value, Iberis is widely cultivated as ornamental plant in gardens around the world. Its dense, long-flowering blooms in spring and summer make it perfect for borders, paths, and dry Mediterranean garden areas. iberis sempervirens It is especially decorative due to its evergreen foliage and its resistance to heat and drought.

Due to its pleasing appearance, Iberis has been included in numerous botanical gardens and medicinal plant collections. Furthermore, its resilience allows it to grow in adverse environments, such as rocky and impoverished soils, helping to stabilize slopes and beautify difficult spaces.

Some species can be found in rockeries, planters, and pots, providing contrast to outdoor decor thanks to their white flowers and compact size.

Taxonomy and botanical classification

The gender Iberis It belongs to the Brassicaceae family and has been the subject of numerous taxonomic studies due to the variety and uniqueness of its species. Broadly speaking, its classification is:

• Kingdom: Plant
• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopside
• Order: brassicales
• Family: Brassicaceae
• Gender: Iberis

Among the most relevant and documented species within the genus are, in addition to Iberia bitter y iberis sempervirens, others like Iberis umbellata, Iberis gibraltarica, Iberis carnosa, Iberis linifolia, Iberis saxatilis, Iberis ciliata y Iberis procumbens, each with specific morphological characteristics.