Asarum himalaicum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Piperales, it is classified under the family Aristolochiaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Asarum, and its specific species, Asarum himalaycum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several key mountainous regions in Asia. In China, it can be found inhabiting both the South-Central and North-Central territories. Its presence is also well-documented within the high-altitude landscapes of Tibet. Moving toward the Indian Subcontinent, the species is native to the East Himalaya region. Finally, its geographical range extends significantly into the country of Nepal.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Asarum himalaycum is characterized by its specific distribution within high-altitude montane ecosystems, where it thrives across a broad vertical gradient. This medicinal plant is typically found inhabiting temperate forest understories, occupying an elevational range that spans from a minimum of 1300 m AMSL to a maximum of 3500 m AMSL. Within this altitudinal belt, the species reaches its optimal growing conditions at a mean elevation of approximately 2200 m AMSL, where the environmental variables such as moisture levels, soil composition, and temperature profiles are most conducive to its biological requirements.

Elevational range max:

3500 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

2200 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1300 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Asarum himalaicum is characterized by its status as a perennial herb, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. As a long-lived perennial, the plant establishes a robust presence within its montane habitats, utilizing its underground structures to survive unfavorable environmental conditions and regrow during favorable periods. This perennial nature allows it to develop a more stable ecological footprint over time, contributing to the persistence of its population within its specific niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Asarum himalayicum is characterized by its herbaceous growth form, functioning as a non-woody herb. It exhibits a terrestrial habit, growing directly from the soil rather than as an epiphyte. Although it possesses a climbing tendency, it is specifically identified as a self-supporting climber within its ecological niche.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Asarum himalaicum has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Aristolochic acid I, 4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID, 4-Hydroxycinnamic acid, 7-methoxyaristololactam IV, Aristolic acid II.

Aristolochic acid I

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica
2. Planta medica

4-HYDROXYBENZOIC ACID

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

4-Hydroxycinnamic acid

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

7-methoxyaristololactam IV

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Aristolic acid II

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Aristolochic acid IV

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Aristolochic acid Ia

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Aristololactam I

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

BETA-SITOSTEROL

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Debilic acid

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica

Preparations

Asarum himalaicum has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include 70% ethanol extract.

70% ethanol extract

1. Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica