Common names | small-leaved lime, small-leaved linden, littleleaf linden, linden

Scientific name | Tilia cordata

Used part | Flower

Known active compounds | protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercitrin, tiliroside

Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant, anti-microbial

Product name | Linden Flower-APD, Linden Flower-ANB

Plant Story

Tilia cordata, commonly known as small-leaved lime, littleleaf linden, or simply linden, is a deciduous tree native to Europe and western Asia. Linden trees are known for their heart-shaped leaves and small yellowish-white fragrant flowers that are arranged in clusters. Linden flowers can be eaten raw but more commonly are made into a flower tea. Its nectar-rich flowers attract honey bees, and linden honey is prized for its unique flavor. T. cordata flowers have a rich history of traditional use in herbal medicine, particularly for its potential therapeutic properties related to relaxation and calming the nerves. Linden flower tea has been used to alleviate digestive discomfort. It was also believed to have calming effect for promoting relaxation and relieving stress and anxiety. Traditionally, infusions and extracts of linden flowers have been applied topically to alleviate skin redness and inflammation.

Various polyphenols were isolated from T. cordata flowers including protocatehuic acid, chlorogenic acid, rutin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, quercitrin, and tiliroside. It was reported that T. cordata flowers show anti-oxidant activity by scavenging free radicals and anti-microbial activity against several strains of bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Listeria ivanovii.