Three-leaved Eleutherococcus

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Three-leaved Eleutherococcus

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Acanthopanax aculeatus
• Aralia trifoliata
• Panax loureiroanus
• Panax aculeatus
• Eleutherococcus spinifolius
• Eleutherococcus trifoliatus var. integerrimus
• Acanthopanax trifoliatus
• Acanthopanax spinifolius
• Acanthopanax sepium
• Plectronia chinensis

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Apiales and falls into the family Araliaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Eleutherococcus and the specific species name Eleutherococcus trifoliatus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several key regions within East and South Asia. In China, its presence is specifically noted in the South-Central and Southeast territories. Moving eastward, the species can also be found throughout Taiwan. Its range extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it inhabits the region of Assam. Finally, the geographical footprint of this medicinal plant includes the mountainous terrain of Nepal.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Eleutherococcus trifoliatus is characterized by its specific distribution within high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a specialized niche. This species thrives within a distinct vertical belt, maintaining a presence across a defined altitudinal gradient. Specifically, its habitat begins at an elevation of 1510 m AMSL and extends upward to a maximum elevation of 2000 m AMSL. This restricted elevational range suggests that the plant is adapted to the specific climatic conditions, temperature regimes, and soil compositions found within these subalpine or montane zones, likely requiring the unique moisture levels and sunlight exposure characteristic of these mid-to-high altitude ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1510 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Eleutherococcus trifoliatus is characterized by its distinct growth strategies and structural classifications within its ecosystem. As a perennial woody species, it primarily functions as a phanerophyte, maintaining its persistent, elevated stems above the ground level throughout its developmental stages. Depending on the specific environmental conditions and the height of its reproductive structures, its life form can also be characterized as a nanophanerophyte, representing a subset of phanerophytes that maintain relatively short but woody stems. This botanical life history allows the plant to establish a stable presence in its habitat, utilizing its perennial nature to endure seasonal shifts while relying on its elevated shoot system for successful nutrient transport and reproductive output.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Eleutherococcus trifoliatus is characterized by its growth habit as a woody plant that functions as a facultative climber, utilizing surrounding structures for support when necessary rather than being strictly obligatory. It is an independent organism that does not exhibit parasitic behavior, maintaining its own nutritional processes without relying on a host. Furthermore, the plant is terrestrial in its ecological placement, establishing itself within the soil rather than growing as an epiphyte.

Climber :

facultative

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Eleutherococcus trifoliatus is characterized by its efficient utilization of the C3 photosynthetic pathway, a metabolic strategy where carbon dioxide is fixed directly into a three-carbon compound through the enzyme Rubisco during the Calvin cycle. This C3 pathway is typical for woody perennial species inhabiting temperate or shaded forest environments, allowing the plant to optimize gas exchange and light harvesting under varying canopy conditions. The metabolic processes within the plant involve the complex regulation of secondary metabolites, which are synthesized as part of its physiological response to environmental stressors. These biochemical pathways are integrated with the plant's vascular system to facilitate the transport of nutrients and synthesized compounds throughout its structural tissues, supporting its overall growth and resilience.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

Reproduction in Eleutherococcus trifoliatus is characterized by a complex dispersal strategy that utilizes multiple mechanisms to ensure species propagation. The plant exhibits a multifaceted dispersal syndrome, primarily functioning through zoochory, where seeds are distributed by animals that consume the fleshy fruits. However, its reproductive success is further supported by a diverse range of secondary dispersal methods, including anemochory (wind dispersal), hydrochory (water dispersal), and autochory (self-dispersal), alongside unspecialized movement patterns. This combination of zoochorous and various abiotic dispersal traits allows the plant to colonize diverse habitats and expand its range effectively across different environmental landscapes.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Eleutherococcus trifoliatus has 3 reported plant parts identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, root, stem.

Leaf

1. Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology & research
2. Archives of pharmacal research
3. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Root

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Stem

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Chemicals

Eleutherococcus trifoliatus has 21 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include triterpenoids, Ash, CALCIUM, CHLOROGENIC ACID, Flavonoid.

triterpenoids

1. Chinese herbal medicines
2. Archives of pharmacal research

Ash

1. Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology & research

CALCIUM

1. Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology & research

CHLOROGENIC ACID

1. Food science & nutrition

Flavonoid

1. Food science & nutrition

Flavonoids

1. Chinese herbal medicines

IRON

1. Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology & research

Impressic Acid

1. Food & function

Isochlorogenic acid A

1. Food science & nutrition

Isochlorogenic acid C

1. Food science & nutrition

Activities

Eleutherococcus trifoliatus has 6 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antibacterial, Hemostatic, Hypoglycemic, Anticancer.

Analgesic

1. Chinese herbal medicines
2. Food science & nutrition

Antibacterial

1. Chinese herbal medicines
2. Food science & nutrition

Hemostatic

1. Chinese herbal medicines
2. Food science & nutrition

Hypoglycemic

1. Chinese herbal medicines
2. Drug design, development and therapy

Anticancer

1. Chinese herbal medicines

Antioxidant

1. Chinese herbal medicines

Medicinal Uses

Eleutherococcus trifoliatus has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include bacteria, bleeding, cancer, cough, fatigue.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations