Cleyera japonica
Cleyera japonica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cleyera japonica is a versatile evergreen shrub known for its distinct foliage and functional botanical properties. The plant's leaves and fruits serve as the primary parts used in various traditional preparations. Scientific analysis has identified key chemical constituents within the species, including ursolic acid, jacaranone, and acetylated forms of oleanolic and ursolic acids. Researchers often utilize fresh leaves and fresh fruits to extract these bioactive compounds for study. Understanding these chemical profiles provides valuable insight into the potential medicinal and biological significance of this plant.
- Synonyms
- Mokof Japonica · Ternstroemia Japonica · 4 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Pentaphylacaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Cleyera japonica is a versatile evergreen shrub known by several distinct names across different cultures. In many traditional contexts, it is widely recognized by its common name, Sakaki. It is also frequently referred to as hong dan bi in certain regional dialects. Those looking for its Scandinavian designation might search for it under the name spärrbuske. Understanding these various names helps enthusiasts identify this plant regardless of their geographic location.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Cleyera japonica is a botanical species that is frequently identified by several different scientific names in various literature. Throughout different taxonomic studies, it has been recognized under synonyms such as Adinandra japonica and Dupinia japonica. Researchers may also encounter this plant referred to as Mokof japonica or Taonabo japonica depending on the regional classification used. Furthermore, the name Ternstroemia cleyera serves as another valid synonym for this particular specimen. Understanding these multiple nomenclatures is essential for anyone studying the diverse botanical relationships surrounding this plant.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Cleyera japonica is a distinctive species belonging to the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast botanical realm, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida. The plant further belongs to the order Ericales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. It is nested within the family Pentaphylacaceae, which defines its structural characteristics. Finally, this resilient shrub is identified by its specific genus, Cleyera.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Pentaphylacaceae |
| Genus | Cleyera |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Cleyera japonica is a resilient species primarily distributed throughout the temperate regions of Asia. Its natural range spans across various parts of China, including the South-Central, Southeast, and Tibetan territories. Beyond mainland China, this plant is also well-established throughout Eastern Asia. Specifically, it can be found thriving in the diverse landscapes of both Japan and Korea. This wide geographic spread highlights the plant's adaptability to different temperate environments across the continent.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Cleyera japonica is a self-supporting plant characterized by its distinct shrub growth form. This hardy species typically reaches a maximum height of 6 meters as it matures. Its sturdy structure makes it an excellent choice for adding lush, vertical interest to any landscape.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Cleyera japonica is a plant species known to harbor a variety of significant chemical constituents. Research indicates that this plant contains several important triterpenes, including ursolic acid and 3-O-acetyloleanolic acid. Furthermore, the presence of 3-O-acetylursolic acid has also been identified within its chemical profile. In addition to these acids, the plant contains jacaranone, a compound of interest regarding its biological properties. Together, these substances highlight the complex phytochemical makeup of the species.
Conditions
Cleyera japonica demonstrates significant antioxidative properties through various chemical interactions. The plant exhibits a capacity to treat the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Additionally, it provides hydroxyl radical (OH) inhibitory activity. Its medicinal profile includes peroxynitrite (ONOO-) scavenging activity. Finally, the plant contributes to total ROS (reactive oxygen species) inhibitory activity.
Preparations
Cleyera japonica is prepared as fresh fruits to isolate various triterpenoidal monodesmosides and bisdesmosides. These specific saponins, such as ternstroemiasides A-F, are extracted directly from the fruit. Additionally, Cleyera japonica is prepared as fresh leaves to study its antioxidative phenolic compounds. The leaves yield new phenylethanoid glucosides and kaempferol derivatives that demonstrate potent scavenging activity. Both the fruit and leaf preparations serve as essential sources for identifying these bioactive chemical structures.
Parts used
Cleyera japonica is a plant species that possesses both distinct fruits and leaves. Scientific investigations into its various components have revealed a wealth of bioactive chemical compounds. For instance, the fresh fruits are a rich source of triterpenoid saponins and jacaranone derivatives. Additionally, the fresh leaves contain significant amounts of antioxidative phenolics, such as phenylethanoid glucosides and kaempferol derivatives. These findings highlight the diverse chemical profiles found within the different parts of the plant.