Bryonia aspera
Bryonia aspera, commonly known as the rough bryony, is a climbing herbaceous vine native to various subtropical regions. Characterized by its sandpaper-like foliage and distinctive white flowers, this plant holds significant historical importance in traditional medicine, though its potent bioactive compounds require careful handling due to inherent toxicity.
- Scientific name: Bryonia aspera
- Family: Cucurbitaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Cucurbitaleales, it is situated in the family Cucurbitaceae. It is further identified by the genus Bryonia, specifically under the species Bryonia aspera.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Cucurbitales | WCVP |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Bryonia | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Bryonia aspera, is known by several different common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as white bryony, while in German, it is known as Weißer Einzelsitz. In French, the plant is called bryone blanche, and in Spanish, it is commonly called bryonia blanca.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several key regions of Asia. In Central Asia, its presence is documented within the borders of Turkmenistan. Moving toward the Caucasus, it can be found throughout both the North Caucasus and the Transcaucasus regions. Its range extends further into Western Asia, where it inhabits parts of Afghanistan. Additionally, the species is well-established within the territory of Iran.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central Asia | Turkmenistan | WCVP |
| Caucasus | North Caucasus | WCVP |
| Caucasus | Transcaucasus | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Afghanistan | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Iran | WCVP |
| Western Asia | Türkiye | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Pakistan | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | West Himalaya | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Bryonia aspera, is a climbing herbaceous vine where the most significant medicinal component is the root. The root system is typically thick and fleshy, containing various bioactive compounds that are often utilized in traditional medicinal practices. Due to its potent chemical composition, the root must be handled with great care, as it serves as a concentrated source of the plant's therapeutic—and sometimes toxic—properties.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Bryonia aspera has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Bryonia aspera has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| head and neck squamous cell carcinoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |