Gastrodia
Gastrodia, commonly known as the jelly orchid, is a unique, holoparasitic medicinal plant native to East Asia. Lacking chlorophyll, it relies on symbiotic fungi for nutrients. Highly valued in traditional medicine, its tubers are prized for nourishing the body, enhancing cognitive function, and promoting overall vitality and longevity.
- Scientific name: Gastrodia
- Family: Orchidaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and is classified under the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asparagales, it falls into the family Orchidaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Gastrodia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asparagales | WCVP |
| Family | Orchidaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Gastrodia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across various regions of the African continent. In West-Central Tropical Africa, its presence has been documented in Cameroon and Rwanda. Moving toward the southern part of the continent, the species is also found in South Tropical Africa. Specifically, it inhabits the territories of Malawi and Mozambique. Additionally, the geographical range of this medicinal plant extends into Zimbabwe.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon | WCVP |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Rwanda | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Malawi | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique | WCVP |
| South Tropical Africa | Zimbabwe | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Comoros | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Madagascar | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Réunion | WCVP |
| Russian Far East | Khabarovsk | WCVP |
Chemicals
Gastrodia has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Gastrodin, cyclic peptides, phenols, steroids, triterpenoids.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrodin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cyclic peptides | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| steroids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Gastrodia has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include motion sickness.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| motion sickness | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |