Cryptocarya chinensis

Cryptocarya chinensis, commonly known as the Chinese Cryptocarya, is a significant medicinal plant valued in traditional practices. Native to subtropical regions, it contains diverse bioactive compounds. Researchers study its phytochemical profile for potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, highlighting its importance in developing future natural therapeutic treatments.

  • Scientific name: Cryptocarya chinensis
  • Family: Lauraceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Laurales and the family Lauraceae, it is classified under the genus Cryptocarya. Specifically, the medicinal species is known as Cryptocarya chinensis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Laurales WCVP
Family Lauraceae WCVP
Genus Cryptocarya WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Cryptocarya chinensis, is recognized by various common names across different linguistic contexts. In Mandarin Chinese, it is referred to as 厚壳桂 (hòukéguì) or 香果 (xiāngguǒ). Specifically, in Simplified Chinese used in mainland China, it is written as 厚壳桂, while in Traditional Chinese used in Taiwan, it is documented as 厚殼桂. Additionally, in Cantonese (Yue), it is commonly known as 厚殼桂.
Language Common Name Source
zh 厚壳桂 Wikidata
zh-tw 厚殼桂 Wikidata
yue 厚殼桂 Wikidata
zh-cn 厚壳桂 Wikidata
zh 香果 Wikidata
zh 山饼斗 Wikidata
zh 华厚壳桂 Wikidata
zh 铜锣桂 Wikidata
zh 香花桂 Wikidata
zh 硬壳槁 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several key regions of East Asia. Within China, it can be found growing in the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. Its presence also extends to the island nation of Japan. Furthermore, the species is documented within the Nansei-shotō archipelago. Collectively, these locations define the natural geographical range of Cryptocarya chinensis.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China Hainan WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Nansei-shoto WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Cryptocarya chinensis, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional medicinal practices. The leaves are frequently employed for their therapeutic properties, often being prepared as decoctions or infusions to treat different ailments. Additionally, the wood of the tree is also recognized for its medicinal value, contributing to the overall pharmacological profile of the species.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
wood 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Cryptocarya chinensis has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-8,9-dihydrostepharine, (+)-eschscholtzidine-N-oxide, (-)-12-hydroxycrychine, crychine, cryptocaryanone A.

Total chemicals
9
Scientific sources
9

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(+)-8,9-dihydrostepharine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
(+)-eschscholtzidine-N-oxide 1 ★☆☆☆☆
(-)-12-hydroxycrychine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
crychine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cryptocaryanone A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
infectocaryone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isoamuronine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isocryprochine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
prooxocryptochine 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Cryptocarya chinensis has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆