Japanese Balanophora
Balanophora japonica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (12 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Japanese Balanophora, scientifically known as Balanophora japonica, is a distinctive medicinal plant native to East Asian wetlands. Renowned for its unique morphological features, it is valued in traditional practices for its potential therapeutic properties. Understanding its ecological role and pharmacological significance is essential for advancing natural medicine research.
- Family
- Balanophoraceae
- Native range
- Asia-Temperate
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Japanese Balanophora
- Scientific synonyms
- Balania Japonica
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- Japanese Balanophora
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Balanophora japonicaSynonyms
- Balania japonica
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Balanophora japonica, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae within the order Santalales. Ultimately, it is a member of the family Balanophoraceae and the genus Balanophora.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Santalales |
| Family | Balanophoraceae |
| Genus | Balanophora |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant is found exclusively within the specific region of Eastern Asia. Its natural habitat is restricted primarily to the islands of Japan. Within this geographic range, it serves as a unique component of the local flora. Because its distribution is so localized, it is considered an endemic species to this area. Therefore, the presence of this medicinal plant is closely tied to the Japanese landscape.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Eastern Asia | Japan |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Botanical Identification
Morphology
The morphology of Balanophora japonica is characterized by its growth form as a herb, presenting a delicate structure typical of non-woody species. As a non-woody plant, it lacks significant lignification, resulting in a soft, flexible stem architecture that distinguishes it from woody shrubs or trees.
- Growth form :
- herb
- Woodiness :
- non-woody
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Chemicals
Balanophora japonica has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ellagitannins, Flavonoids, Lignans, Sterols, Tannins.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Ellagitannins | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Flavonoids | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Lignans | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sterols | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tannins | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Terpenes | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Ellagitannins
- Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin
Flavonoids
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Lignans
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Sterols
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Tannins
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Terpenes
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
Medicinal Uses
Balanophora japonica has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gonorrhea, syphilis, uterine prolapse, wounds.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| gonorrhea | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| syphilis | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| uterine prolapse | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wounds | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| extracts of fresh aboveground and underground parts | Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |