Home > Herbs > Akebia Trifoliata

Akebia trifoliata

Akebiia trifolia, commonly known as Akebia or Chocolate Vine, is a versatile climbing woody vine native to East Asia. Highly valued in traditional medicine, its fruits, roots, and leaves possess significant therapeutic properties, often utilized to treat inflammation, promote circulation, and support respiratory health through its unique bioactive compounds.

  • Scientific name: Akebia trifoliata
  • Family: Lardizabalaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ranunculales. Finally, it falls within the family Lardizabalaceae and is identified by the genus Akebiia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ranunculales WCVP
Family Lardizabalaceae WCVP
Genus Akebia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Akebia trifoliata, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Lithuania, it is called Trilapė akebija, while in Germany, it is known as Kleeblättrige Akebie. The species is recognized in Japan as ミツバアケビ, and in Chinese, it is identified as 三叶木通 (also written as 三叶木通 in simplified Chinese characters).
Language Common Name Source
lt Trilapė akebija Wikidata
de Kleeblättrige Akebie Wikidata
ja ミツバアケビ Wikidata
zh 三叶木通 Wikidata
zh-cn 三叶木通 Wikidata
zh-tw 三葉木通 Wikidata
sl trilistna akebija Wikidata
de Dreiblättrige Akebie Wikidata
zh 八月瓜 Wikidata
zh 八月炸 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions of Eastern Asia. Within China, its presence is noted in the South-Central, North-Central, and Southeast territories. Beyond the mainland, the species is also found throughout the islands of Japan. Additionally, the plant's range extends to the island of Taiwan. Together, these locations define the specific geographical footprint of Akebia trifoliata.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Akebiia trifoliata, exhibits a complex structural morphology where the woody stems serve as the primary climbing framework. When examining a specific stem section under closer inspection, one can observe the intricate vascular patterns that support its vigorous growth habit. The long, sprawling stem reaches toward light sources, providing a sturdy base for its distinctive foliage. The leaves are trifoliate, meaning they are composed of three separate leaflets that are essential for photosynthesis. Each individual leaf is attached to the main branch by a specialized leafstalk, which facilitates the efficient transport of nutrients and water throughout the plant's canopy.
Total parts
6
Scientific sources
6
Plant Part Sources Confidence
stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stem section 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stem 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leafsstalk 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dried stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Akebia trifoliata has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include L-Isoleucyl-l-Aspartate, Madasiatic acid, galactose, glucose.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
L-Isoleucyl-l-Aspartate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Madasiatic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
galactose 1 ★☆☆☆☆
glucose 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Akebia trifoliata has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆