Gaultheria leucocarpa
Gaultheria leucocarpa, commonly known as the white-fruited wintergreen, is a resilient perennial shrub native to high-altitude regions. Renowned for its medicinal properties, this plant contains bioactive compounds that offer anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits. It serves as a vital botanical resource in traditional healing practices for managing various ailments.
- Scientific name: Gaultheria leucocarpa
- Family: Ericaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Ericales, it is classified under the family Ericaceae. It is further identified by its genus, Gaultheria, specifically under the species Gaultheria leucocarpa.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ericales | WCVP |
| Family | Ericaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Gaultheria | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions of Asia. Within Eastern Asia, its presence is documented specifically in Taiwan. It can also be found extending into Indo-China, particularly within the borders of Vietnam. The species further populates the Malesia region, occurring in Jawa and Malaya. Finally, its range reaches into the Philippines, completing its widespread tropical footprint.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
| Malesia | Jawa | WCVP |
| Malesia | Malaya | WCVP |
| Malesia | Philippines | WCVP |
| Malesia | Sumatera | WCVP |
Chemicals
Gaultheria leucocarpa has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include APP, methyl salicylate.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| APP | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methyl salicylate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Gaultheria leucocarpa has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include oxidative stress, paralysis, respiratory diseases, trauma.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| paralysis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| respiratory diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| trauma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |