Gastrodia
Gastrodia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (6 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Scientifically known as Gastrodia, is a genus of holoparasitic orchids native to East Asia. Lacking chlorophyll, these plants derive nutrients from underground fungi. Highly valued in traditional medicine, especially Gastrodia elata, they are prized for enhancing cognitive function, boosting vitality, and supporting overall neurological health and longevity.
- Family
- Orchidaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Leptogastrodia · Neoclemensia · 2 more
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
GastrodiaSynonyms
- Leptogastrodia
- Neoclemensia
- Gamoplexis
- Demorchis
Regional and Traditional Names
Spanish:
- Demorchis
- Gamoplexis
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
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 |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Genus | Gastrodia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (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 |
|---|---|
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Rwanda |
| South Tropical Africa | Malawi |
| South Tropical Africa | Mozambique |
| South Tropical Africa | Zimbabwe |
| Southern Africa | Cape Provinces |
| Western Indian Ocean | Comoros |
| Western Indian Ocean | Madagascar |
| Western Indian Ocean | Réunion |
| Russian Far East | Khabarovsk |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Chemicals
Gastrodia has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cyclic peptides, Gastrodin, Phenols, Steroids, triterpenoids.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclic peptides | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gastrodin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Phenols | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Steroids | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenoids | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Cyclic peptides
- Natural products and bioprospecting
Gastrodin
- Phytotherapy research : PTR
Phenols
- Natural products and bioprospecting
Steroids
- Natural products and bioprospecting
triterpenoids
- Natural products and bioprospecting
Conditions
Gastrodia has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include motion sickness.
| Condition | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Motion sickness | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Motion sickness
- Hang tian yi xue yu yi xue gong cheng = Space medicine & medical engineering
Preparations
Gastrodia has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include gastrodin.
| Preparation | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Gastrodin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Gastrodin
- Phytotherapy research : PTR