Eleutherococcus henryi

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Acanthopanax henryi

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Apiales and the family Araliaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Eleutherococcus, specifically as the species Eleutherococcus henryi.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Eleutherococcus henryi, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the diverse landscapes of China. It can be found growing within the regions of China South-Central, where the climate supports its development. Additionally, its range extends into the areas of China North-Central. The species is also documented to inhabit the provinces located in China Southeast. Consequently, these three distinct regions define the primary geographical footprint of this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Eleutherococcus henryi is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, as it maintains its elevating shoots well above the ground level during the unfavorable seasons. Within its ecological niche, the plant's structural development can also be described through the lens of its growth habits, showing traits consistent with a nanophanerophyte depending on the specific environmental conditions and the height of its woody stems. As a perennial woody species, its life cycle involves the establishment of a robust root system that supports its upward growth, allowing it to navigate its habitat by keeping its photosynthetic organs elevated. This phanerophyte strategy ensures that the plant can persist through seasonal changes, utilizing its perennial nature to regrow and thrive in its native environment.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Eleutherococcus henryi is characterized by its woody structure, forming a robust growth habit. It functions as a self-supporting climber, utilizing its physical architecture to ascend and occupy its niche within the environment. The plant is entirely independent, showing no parasitic tendencies, and it maintains a strictly terrestrial existence rather than growing as an epiphyte.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Eleutherococcus henryi is characterized by a specialized metabolic framework designed to support its growth in temperate forest understories. As a member of the Araliaceae family, it utilizes a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which involves the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide through the enzyme Rubisco during the Calvin cycle. This metabolic strategy is optimized for environments where moisture is relatively available and temperatures are moderate, allowing the plant to efficiently manage gas exchange and light interception within shaded or semi-shaded habitats. The plant's physiological processes are further defined by its capacity for secondary metabolite synthesis, specifically the production of various eleutherosides and lignans, which are integrated into its systemic chemical defense and adaptogenic mechanisms. These biochemical pathways are closely linked to its nutrient uptake and energy allocation, ensuring robust cellular function and environmental resilience.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Eleutherococcus henryi has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Archives of pharmacal research

Chemicals

Eleutherococcus henryi has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Araliasaponin II, COMPOUND 6, Flavonoids, quercetin.

Araliasaponin II

1. Molecular medicine reports

COMPOUND 6

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Flavonoids

1. Archives of pharmacal research

quercetin

1. Archives of pharmacal research

Activities

Eleutherococcus henryi has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Archives of pharmacal research

Medicinal Uses

Eleutherococcus henryi has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include amnesia, arthritis, hepatitis, mental fatigue, neuroinflammation.

Most Reported Uses