Geum japonicum
What's the taxonomical classification of Geum japonicum?
Geum japonicum belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within this lineage, it is categorized under the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Following its taxonomic descent through the order Rosales and the family Rosaceae, the plant is further defined by its genus, Geum, and its specific species, japonicum.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Geum |
| Species | japonicum |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Geum japonicum has a perennial growth habit characterized by a creeping rhizome and basal leaves that are typically kidney-shaped with serrated margins and long petioles. The flowering stems rise from the base and are covered in fine, soft hairs that give the plant a slightly pubescent texture. Each stem eventually produces small, five-petaled flowers that range in color from pale yellow to a deep, reddish-orange hue. The petals are often slightly asymmetrical, and the central reproductive structures are surrounded by numerous stamens. After pollination, the plant produces small, ribbed achenes that facilitate its dispersal.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to East Asia, specifically occurring in the wild throughout Japan, Korea, and parts of China. Within these regions, it typically thrives in moist environments such as meadows, forest edges, and mountain slopes. Its range extends across various elevations, allowing it to inhabit both lowland areas and higher altitudes. While primarily found in its indigenous territory, it is sometimes encountered in cultivated gardens elsewhere. This specific distribution patterns reflect its preference for temperate climates with sufficient moisture.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant thrives in well-drained, moist soil within full sun to partial shade conditions and requires regular watering to prevent the root ball from drying out.
It is a perennial herb that spreads through underground rhizomes, making it a good groundcover for woodland gardens. To ensure healthy growth, gardeners should divide the clumps every few years to prevent overcrowding. Deadheading the small yellow flowers will encourage continuous blooming throughout the growing season.
This species is generally hardy and requires minimal fertilization once established in its environment.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant, Geum japonicum, is used medicinally in its whole plant form to treat various ailments. The entire organism, including the roots, stems, and leaves, contains bioactive compounds that contribute to its therapeutic effects. Practitioners often utilize the whole plant to address issues related to inflammation and digestive discomfort. These medicinal properties are traditionally harnessed through decoctions or infusions made from the gathered botanical material. By using the complete plant, the full spectrum of its natural chemical constituents can be utilized for healing.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", the MeOH extract of the whole plant of Geum japonicum was used to isolate seven known tannins. These tannins include penta-O-galloyl-beta-glucoside (1), pedunculagin (2), 2, 3-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-D-glucose (3), tellimagrandin II (4), 2, 6-di-O-galloyl-D-glucose (5), casuariin (6), and 5-desgalloylstachyurin (7). Compounds 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 showed potent anticoagulant activity by prolonging the clotting of rabbit plasma. For the inhibition of the enzymatic activity of thrombin on synthetic substrate and fibrinogen, compound 2 had IC50 values of 0.18 and 0.15 microM, respectively. Compounds 1, 4, 6, and 7 acted as mixed noncompetitive inhibitors of thrombin with IC50 values for fibrinogen hydrolysis that were twofold to sevenfold lower than those for synthetic substrate hydrolysis. Furthermore, factor Xa was competitively inhibited by compounds 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- whole plant
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Japanese avens, has been used extensively in traditional East Asian medicine to treat various ailments related to digestion and inflammation.
Historically, practitioners utilized the roots of the species to address gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and dysentery. The plant was also valued for its astringent properties, which helped in managing wounds and skin irritations. In some regional practices, decoctions made from the root were administered to reduce fever and alleviate pain.
These traditional applications highlight the long-standing role of Geum japonicum in folk healing practices across Japan.
What are the pharmacological activities of Geum japonicum?
This plant has anti-HIV, anti-herpes simplex virus, antioxidant, and inhibitory activities against the enzymes MMP-2 and MMP-9. The specific phytochemicals found within Geum japonicum contribute to its ability to combat viral infections such as HIV and herpes simplex virus. Additionally, the plant demonstrates significant antioxidant properties that help protect cells from oxidative stress. It also functions by providing inhibition of MMP-2 activity and inhibition of MMP-9 activity, which is relevant in managing tissue remodeling processes. These diverse pharmacological profiles suggest that the species holds considerable potential for medicinal development.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", the methanol extract from the whole plant of Geum japonicum was found to inhibit the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) protease. Through bioassay-directed fractionation of the extract, a new triterpene acid was isolated along with 5 known triterpene acids. The structure of the new compound was determined to be 2 alpha, 19 alpha-dihydroxy-3-oxo-12-ursen-28-oic acid (1). Of the isolated compounds, 1, ursolic acid, and maslinic acid showed potent inhibitory activity against HIV-1 protease.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-HIV
- anti-herpes simplex virus activity
- antioxidant
- inhibition of MMP-2 activity
- inhibition of MMP-9 activity
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive phenolic compounds including ellagic acid, tormentic acid, tellimagrandin II, pedunculagin, and casuariin. These specific constituents are primarily categorized as hydrolyzable tannins that contribute to the medicinal properties of the species. The presence of tormentic acid and ellagic acid is particularly significant for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Furthermore, the ellagitannins such as tellimagrandin II, pedunculagin, and casuariin play crucial roles in the plant's chemical defense and therapeutic profile. These diverse chemical compounds collectively support the traditional uses of Geum japonicum in various medicinal practices.
According to a study published by "Frontiers in nutrition", Geum japonicum is used as functional vegetables or as a type of folk medicine. Ellagic acid is one of the main active ingredients in Geum japonicum and is utilized in food, cosmetics, and medicinal goods worldwide. Choline chloride-oxalic acid was identified as the most effective natural deep eutectic solvent for the ultrasound assisted extraction of ellagic acid from Geum japonicum. Under optimal conditions, this extract produced higher ellagic acid yields than common organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, and acetone. The ChCl:Oa-UAE treatment could destroy the tissue structure of Geum japonicum to improve the yield of ellagic acid.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- ellagic acid
- pedunculagin
- tellimagrandin II
- tormentic acid
- ursolic acid
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating atherosclerotic lesions, blood coagulation, cancer cell invasion, herpes simplex virus, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1). Researchers have identified specific bioactive compounds within the plant that exhibit significant inhibitory effects against these diverse ailments. In cardiovascular studies, the extracts demonstrate an ability to mitigate the buildup of plaque in arteries and regulate clotting processes. Furthermore, the plant shows potential in oncology by disrupting the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to invade surrounding tissues. Its antiviral properties are also notable, as it has shown efficacy in suppressing the replication of both herpes simplex and HIV-1.
According to a study published by "Journal of cellular biochemistry", 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzaldehyde purified from Geum japonicum exerts a dual inhibitory effect on matrix metalloproteinase 9. This substance addresses conditions involving the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic lesions, where MMP-9 and MMP-2 production and smooth muscle cell migration play key roles. The plant derivative inhibits the gelatinolytic activity and expression of MMP-9 in TNF-alpha induced HASMCs. Additionally, it targets cancer cell invasion and SMC migration through vascular walls, which are directly associated with inducible MMP-9 expression. THBA also inhibits the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) induced by TNF-alpha.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- atherosclerotic lesions
- blood coagulation
- cancer cell invasion
- herpes simplex virus
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1)
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Geum japonicum, which is processed into various medicinal herbal preparations such as decoctions, tinctures, and MeOH extract to harness its bioactive compounds. The MeOH extract is particularly valued in pharmacological research for its ability to isolate specific phenolic compounds and tannins. These preparations are traditionally used in East Asian medicine to address issues related to inflammation and digestive health. Researchers often study these different forms to determine how solvent polarity affects the therapeutic efficacy of the plant's constituents. By utilizing different extraction methods, practitioners can tailor the potency and intended physiological effect of the herbal remedy.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", bioassay-guided fractionation of the MeOH extract of the whole plant of Geum japonicum led to the isolation of seven known tannins. These identified compounds included penta-O-galloyl-beta-glucoside (1), pedunculagin (2), 2, 3-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-D-glucose (3), tellimagrandin II (4), 2, 6-di-O-galloyl-D-glucose (5), casuariin (6), and 5-desgalloylstachyurin (7). Compounds 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 showed potent anticoagulant activity, with compound 2 specifically showing IC50 values for inhibition of thrombic activity on synthetic substrate and fibrinogen of 0.18 and 0.15 microM, respectively. For compounds 1, 4, 6, and 7, the IC50 values for inhibition of fibrinogen hydrolysis were twofold to sevenfold lower than those for the inhibition of synthetic substrate hydrolysis. Additionally, factor Xa was competitively inhibited by compounds 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- MeOH extract
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause significant health side effects due to its potent anticoagulant activity which interferes with the body's natural blood clotting processes. Consuming Geum japonicum may increase the risk of excessive bleeding or bruising if taken in large quantities. Individuals who are already taking prescription blood thinners should avoid this plant to prevent dangerous drug interactions. These effects are particularly concerning for people scheduled for upcoming surgical procedures. Careful monitoring is necessary because the chemical compounds in the plant can alter how blood behaves in the circulatory system.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", the MeOH extract of the whole plant of Geum japonicum contains seven known tannins, specifically 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Compounds 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 exhibit potent anticoagulant activity by prolonging the clotting of rabbit plasma. Compound 2 competitively inhibits thrombin with IC50 values of 0.18 microM on a synthetic substrate and 0.15 microM on fibrinogen. Compounds 1, 4, 6, and 7 act as mixed noncompetitive inhibitors of thrombin, with IC50 values for fibrinogen hydrolysis that are twofold to sevenfold lower than those for synthetic substrate hydrolysis. Additionally, compounds 1, 2, 4, 6, and 7 competitively inhibit factor Xa.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- anticoagulant activity
What herbs are paired with Geum japonicum?
This plant pairs effectively with aromatic herbs like lavender, sage, and chamomile to create a balanced sensory garden.
Its delicate, yellow nodding flowers complement the silvery foliage of sage, providing a beautiful visual contrast. Planting it alongside lavender helps mask the earthy scent of the soil while enhancing the garden's overall fragrance profile. Chamomile also works well in these combinations because both species share a preference for similar sunlight and soil moisture levels.
Together, these pairings establish a cohesive ecosystem that supports various pollinators.