Callicarpa
Callicarpa, commonly known as beautyberry, is a versatile genus of flowering shrubs celebrated for its striking, jewel-like purple berries. Beyond its ornamental appeal, many species hold significant medicinal value in traditional practices, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties used to treat various skin conditions and promote overall wellness.
- Scientific name: Callicarpa
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae, it is classified under the genus Callicarpa.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Callicarpa | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across significant regions of Asia and the Indian Ocean. Within China, its presence is noted in the South-Central areas, the island of Hainan, and the northern region of Manchuria. Beyond the Asian continent, the species extends into the Western Indian Ocean. Specifically, it can be found growing in the diverse ecosystems of Madagascar. Additionally, its range includes the island of Réunion, completing its broad environmental footprint.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western Indian Ocean | Madagascar | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Réunion | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | Manchuria | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| China | Tibet | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
Chemicals
Callicarpa has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, terpenoids, triterpenoids.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Callicarpa has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antitubercular, Hemostatic.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitubercular | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hemostatic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Callicarpa has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include acne vulgaris, hematemesis, hematuria, inflammation, rheumatism.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| acne vulgaris | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hematemesis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hematuria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rheumatism | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| scrofula | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |