Castanea crenata
Japanese chestnut
Castanea crenata, commonly known as the Japanese chestnut, is a significant medicinal plant in East Asian traditional medicine. Renowned for its nutritional density, its nuts and various plant parts are utilized to support digestive health, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidant benefits, playing a vital role in holistic wellness practices.
- Scientific name: Castanea crenata
- Family: Fagaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fagales and the family Fagaceae, it is classified under the genus Castaenea. Specifically, Castaenea crenata represents a unique species within this botanical hierarchy.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fagales | WCVP |
| Family | Fagaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Castanea | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant is known by various common names depending on the region and language, including каштаan городчатый in Russian, 밤나무 in Korean, and Japanische Kastanie in German. In Japanese, it is referred to as クリ, while in Thai, it is commonly called เกาลัดญี่ปุ่น.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ru | каштан городчатый | Wikidata |
| ko | 밤나무 | Wikidata |
| de | Japanische Kastanie | Wikidata |
| ja | クリ | Wikidata |
| th | เกาลัดญี่ปุ่น | Wikidata |
| ca | castanyer japonès | Wikidata |
| eu | Japoniar gaztainondo | Wikidata |
| zh | 日本栗 | Wikidata |
| pl | Kasztan japoński | Wikidata |
| gl | castiñeiro do Xapón | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution that spans across both Europe and Asia. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing in the regions of Portugal and Spain. Its presence extends into Southeastern Europe, specifically within the borders of Italy. Moving toward Eastern Asia, the species is naturally established in Japan. Finally, the distribution reaches Korea, completing its range across these diverse continental territories.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | New York | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known as Castaña crenata, offers various components that are utilized for their medicinal properties. The medicinal value is often found within the kernel, which is protected by a protective inner skin located just beneath the outer layer. When preparing traditional remedies, practitioners may work with the whole shell to extract essential nutrients or use the whole shells in decoctions. Additionally, the leaf of the plant is frequently harvested and processed to harness its unique therapeutic benefits.- Total parts
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| whole shells | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| whole shell | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kernel | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inner skin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inner shell | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Castanea crenata has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechin, ellagic, ellagitannins, flavonoid, flavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| catechin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ellagic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ellagitannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| isoquercitrin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| myricetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rutin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Castanea crenata has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include blood circulation, diarrhea, digestion.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| blood circulation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| digestion | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |