Chamaecyparis obtusa
Hinoki cypress
Chamaecypressus obtusa, commonly known as Hinoki cypress, is a revered evergreen prized in East Asian traditional medicine. Renowned for its aromatic, therapeutic essential oils, it is utilized to promote relaxation, support skin health, and enhance respiratory well-being. This elegant coniferous species remains a cornerstone of holistic wellness practices.
- Scientific name: Chamaecyparis obtusa
- Family: Cupressaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Pinidae. Within the order Pinales, it is classified under the family Cupressaceae. Finally, it is identified by its scientific genus, Chamaecyparis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Pinidae | WCVP |
| Order | Pinales | WCVP |
| Family | Cupressaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Chamaecyparis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Chamaecyparis obtusa, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Chinese, it is called 日本扁柏 in Simplified Chinese (zh-hans), Traditional Chinese (zh-hant), and in the Hong Kong dialect (zh-hk). In Polish, it is known as cyprysik japoński (pl), while in Korean, it is called 편백 (ko).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 日本扁柏 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 日本扁柏 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 日本扁柏 | Wikidata |
| pl | cyprysik japoński | Wikidata |
| ko | 편백 | Wikidata |
| hu | hinoki hamisciprus | Wikidata |
| uk | Кипарисовик туполистий | Wikidata |
| de | Hinoki-Scheinzypresse | Wikidata |
| ja | ヒノキ | Wikidata |
| da | Solcypres | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily found within the diverse landscapes of Eastern Asia. Its natural range is notably centered in the islands of Japan. Furthermore, the species extends its presence across the Korean Peninsula. It is also documented to grow within the subtropical regions of Taiwan. Collectively, these locations define the specific geographical distribution of this medicinal species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Chamaecyparis obtusa, is a coniferous species valued for its various therapeutic components. The most frequently utilized parts are the scale-like leaves, which are often harvested in bulk to extract the potent essential oil known for its aromatic and medicinal properties. Whether studying a single leaf or the entire foliage, researchers focus on these structures to understand their chemical makeup. Additionally, the bark and the plant sap contain significant bioactive compounds that contribute to the plant's overall medicinal profile, making every part of the specimen useful in traditional and modern applications.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 8
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| essential oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Plant sap | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Leaf Extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Chamaecyparis obtusa has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include amentoflavone, bornyl acetate, catechins, flavonoids, gallic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| amentoflavone | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bornyl acetate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| catechins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gallic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ginkgetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hinokiflavone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hinokinin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lignans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| myricetin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Chamaecyparis obtusa has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antiwrinkle, Neuroprotective.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiwrinkle | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Chamaecyparis obtusa has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, allergies, allergy, antioxidant, asthma.
- Total uses
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| inflammation | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| allergies | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| allergy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dental caries | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lung inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| plant disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin aging | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |