Gnetum gnemon
Gnetum
Gnetum gnemon, commonly known as Melinjo, is a versatile tropical plant prized for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Native to Southeast Asia, its seeds and leaves are rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds, traditionally used to treat inflammation, improve digestion, and support overall metabolic health in various cultures.
- Scientific name: Gnetum gnemon
- Family: Gnetaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further organized into the subclass Gnetidae and the order Gnetales, falling under the family Gnetaeae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Gnetum, specifically as the species Gnetum gnemon.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Gnetidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gnetales | WCVP |
| Family | Gnetaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Gnetum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Gnetum gnemon, is recognized by various common names across different regions and languages. In Indonesia, it is frequently called Melinjo, while in Javanese, it is referred to as Mlinjo. In Thailand, the plant is known as ผักเหมียง, and in Telugu, it is called Sukau. Additionally, it is identified in Russian as Гнетум гнемон.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| jv | Mlinjo | Wikidata |
| ru | Гнетум гнемон | Wikidata |
| th | ผักเหมียง | Wikidata |
| to | Sukau | Wikidata |
| id | Melinjo | Wikidata |
| ja | グネモン | Wikidata |
| cs | liánovec jedlý | Wikidata |
| vi | Rau bép | Wikidata |
| nl | melindjoe | Wikidata |
| fa | ملینجو | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse range of habitats across several distinct Asian regions. Within China, its presence is documented in both the South-Central provinces and the high-altitude areas of Tibet. Moving toward the Indian Subcontinent, the species can be found specifically in the Assam region. Its distribution also extends into Indo-China, where it grows in the landscapes of Cambodia. Finally, the plant is also native to the forested territories of Myanmar.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Tibet | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Cambodia | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Nicobar Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
| Malesia | Borneo | WCVP |
| Malesia | Lesser Sunda Is. | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Gnetum gnemon, is widely studied for its pharmacological properties, particularly through the utilization of its vegetative components. Researchers often focus on the medicinal potential of the dried leaves, which are processed to preserve their bioactive compounds for various applications. Furthermore, scientific investigations frequently employ methanol leaf extracts to isolate specific phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which are believed to contribute to the plant's antioxidant and therapeutic activities.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| methanol leaf extracts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dried leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Gnetum gnemon has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include polyphenols, trans-resveratrol.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| polyphenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| trans-resveratrol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Gnetum gnemon has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Gnetum gnemon has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, type 2 diabetes.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| type 2 diabetes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |