Bergenia purpurascens
Bergenia purpurascens, commonly known as the purple bergenia, is a resilient perennial herb native to high-altitude Himalayan regions. Renowned for its thick, fleshy leaves and vibrant blooms, this medicinal plant is highly valued in traditional practices for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and astringent properties, supporting various healing applications.
- Scientific name: Bergenia purpurascens
- Family: Saxifragaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following its placement in the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Saxifragales, it is further categorized under the family Saxifragaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is established within the genus Bergenia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Saxifragales | WCVP |
| Family | Saxifragaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Bergenia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Bergenia purpurascens, is recognized by various regional names across different languages and cultures. In German, it is referred to as the Purpurrötlice Bergenie, while in Swedish, it is called Rödbladig bergenia. The Upper Sorbian name for this species is Bahorowa bergenija, and in Chinese, it is known as 岩白菜. Additionally, in Arabic, it is identified as برغنية مسترجنة.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Purpurrötliche Bergenie | Wikidata |
| hsb | Bahorowa bergenija | Wikidata |
| sv | Rödbladig bergenia | Wikidata |
| zh | 岩白菜 | Wikidata |
| ar | برغنية مسترجنة | Wikidata |
| arz | برغنيه مسترجنه | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 岩白菜 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 岩白菜 | Wikidata |
| zh | 滇岩白菜 | Wikidata |
| zh | 岩七 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specialized distribution across several distinct mountainous regions of Asia. In China, it is primarily found within the South-Central provinces as well as the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Its presence extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it thrives in the state of Assam. Furthermore, the species is widely distributed throughout the East Himalaya range. Finally, it can be located within the rugged terrains of Nepal.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Tibet | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Bergenia purpurascens, possesses several distinct morphological features that contribute to its medicinal profile. Its thick, fleshy rhizomes serve as the primary storage organs, extending horizontally beneath the soil surface. From these rhizomes, a system of sturdy roots develops to anchor the plant and absorb nutrients. Above the ground, the plant features stems that support its growth, though they are often short or tucked near the base. Most notably, the plant is characterized by its large, leathery leaves, which are often tinted with a purplish hue and play a vital role in the plant's overall vitality.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Bergenia purpurascens has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include bergenin, arbutin, cuscutin, gallic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| bergenin | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| arbutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cuscutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Bergenia purpurascens has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimelanogenic, Antioxidant, Antitussive, Sunscreen.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimelanogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitussive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sunscreen | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Bergenia purpurascens has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include colitis, diuretic, melanogenesis, pigmentation, salt stress.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| colitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| melanogenesis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pigmentation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| salt stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ultraviolet rays | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |