Gelsemium

Gelsemium, commonly known as jasmine vine or sempervirent, is a climbing evergreen shrub valued in traditional medicine. Renowned for its potent alkaloids, this plant is utilized in various cultures for its sedative and analgesic properties. However, careful handling is essential due to its significant toxicity if ingested improperly.

  • Scientific name: Gelsemium
  • Family: Gelsemiaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

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 Gentianales, it is positioned within the family Gelsemiaceae. Specifically, it is identified under the genus Gelsemium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Gelsemiaceae WCVP
Genus Gelsemium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, belonging to the genus Gelsemium, is known by several regional names depending on the linguistic context. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 钩吻属 or 钩吻属, while in Traditional Chinese, it is identified as 胡蔓藤屬. Specifically, in Hong Kong, the name 胡蔓藤屬 is used, and in Mainland China, it is commonly called 钩吻属. Additionally, in Singapore, the name 胡蔓藤属 is the standard designation.
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 钩吻属 Wikidata
zh-hant 胡蔓藤屬 Wikidata
zh-hk 胡蔓藤屬 Wikidata
zh-cn 钩吻属 Wikidata
zh-sg 胡蔓藤属 Wikidata
zh-tw 胡蔓藤屬 Wikidata
ja ゲルセミウム属 Wikidata
vi Chi Lá ngón Wikidata
ru Гельземий Wikidata
te gelsimium Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range primarily concentrated within East and South Asia. In China, its presence is widespread, spanning the South-Central regions and the Southeast provinces. It can also be found growing on the tropical island of Hainan. Moving further east, the species is documented across Taiwan in Eastern Asia. Additionally, its distribution extends into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the Assam region.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China Hainan WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Indo-China Laos WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP
Malesia Borneo WCVP

Chemicals

Gelsemium has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include monoterpene indole alkaloids, Koumine, humantenirine, humantenmine, iridoids.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
monoterpene indole alkaloids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Koumine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
humantenirine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
humantenmine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
iridoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
koumine 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Gelsemium has 2 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Anxiolytic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anxiolytic 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Gelsemium has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, anxiolytic, cancer, migraines, neuralgia.

Total uses
7
Scientific sources
7

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anxiolytic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
migraines 1 ★☆☆☆☆
neuralgia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sciatica 1 ★☆☆☆☆
skin diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆