Cirsium japonicum

Cirsium japonicum, commonly known as Japanese thistle, is a resilient perennial valued in traditional East Asian medicine. Renowned for its potent bioactive compounds, this plant is frequently utilized to support liver health, reduce inflammation, and manage blood sugar levels, offering a natural approach to holistic wellness and detoxification.

  • Scientific name: Cirsium japonicum
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • 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 Asterales, it is classified under the family Asteraceae and the genus Cirsium. Specifically, Cirsium japonicum represents a distinct species within this botanical hierarchy.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Cirsium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Cirsium japonicum, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Japan, it is called ノアザミ (ja), while in China, it is known as 大薊 (zh). Its counterparts in other languages include 薊 (zh-tw) in Taiwan, Ô rô cạn (vi) in Vietnam, and 개엉겅퀴 (ko) in Korea.
Language Common Name Source
ja ノアザミ Wikidata
zh 大薊 Wikidata
vi Ô rô cạn Wikidata
zh-tw Wikidata
ko 개엉겅퀴 Wikidata
zh-cn 大蓟 Wikidata
szy nipaluma-cicekaay sama Wikidata
zh-hans 大薊 Wikidata
vi Đại kế Wikidata
zh-tw 小薊 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution that spans across several distinct regions. In Europe, its presence can be recorded within the borders of Poland. Moving toward Asia, it is found extensively throughout various parts of China, including the South-Central area. Its range also extends into the northern territories, specifically within Inner Mongolia and North-Central China. Finally, the species can be located in the high-altitude landscapes of Qinghai.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP
China Inner Mongolia WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China Qinghai WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Cirsium japonicum, utilizes various anatomical structures for its biological functions and traditional medicinal applications. The roots extend into the soil to provide stability and absorb essential nutrients and water necessary for growth. The leaves are typically large and often feature serrated or prickly margins, serving as the primary site for photosynthesis to fuel the plant's development. Finally, the plant produces striking flowers, often arranged in dense heads, which play a crucial role in attracting pollinators and facilitating reproduction.
Total parts
3
Scientific sources
3
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flowers 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Cirsium japonicum has 20 reported phytochemicals identified across 22 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include linarin, pectolinarin, 8,9,10-triacetoxyheptadeca-1-ene-11,13-diyne, Cirsimaritin, beta-sitosterol.

Total chemicals
20
Scientific sources
22

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
linarin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
pectolinarin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
8,9,10-triacetoxyheptadeca-1-ene-11,13-diyne 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cirsimaritin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
beta-sitosterol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
caffeic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chlorogenic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cireneol G 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cirsimaritin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ciryneol A 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Cirsium japonicum has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antidepressant, Antioxidant, Antiviral, Hepatoprotective.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidepressant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Neuroprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Cirsium japonicum has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include inflammation, bleeding.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
inflammation 2 ★☆☆☆☆
bleeding 1 ★☆☆☆☆