spurred gentian
Halenia elliptica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (15 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Spurred gentian, scientifically known as Halenia ellipticia, is a rare, perennial herb native to the coastal wetlands of the southeastern United States. Distinguished by its unique, spurred flowers and elliptical leaves, this botanical treasure holds significant value in traditional herbalism and remains a subject of interest for biodiversity conservation.
- Family
- Gentianaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Temperate
- Parts used
- Leaf · Root
- Common names
- Spurred Gentian
- Scientific synonyms
- Halenia Elliptica F. Alboflavida · Swertia Peloria · 2 more
Names
Common Names
- spurred gentian
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Halenia ellipticaSynonyms
- Halenia elliptica f. alboflavida
- Swertia peloria
- Tetragonanthus centrostemma
- Halenia vaniotii
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianales, it is classified under the family Gentianaceae. Its specific taxonomic placement is defined by the genus Halenia.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Gentianaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Halenia | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within Central Asia, it can be found growing in both Kazakhstan and Kirgizstan. Its presence extends significantly into China, specifically throughout the South-Central territories. Furthermore, the species is documented in the northern reaches of China, including the Inner Mongolia region. Finally, its habitat reaches into the Manchuria area, completing its wide regional range.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Central Asia | Kazakhstan | WCVP |
| Central Asia | Kirgizstan | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Inner Mongolia | WCVP |
| China | Manchuria | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | Qinghai | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| China | Tibet | WCVP |
| China | Xinjiang | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Haleania elliptica, exhibits a distinct morphological structure where each part contributes to its overall biological identity. The sturdy stem serves as the central support, elevating the foliage and reproductive organs toward the light. Its green, elliptical leaf structures are characteristic of the species, providing the necessary surface area for photosynthesis. The reproductive process is supported by a slender pedicel, which holds the flower in place, while the protective sepal ensures the delicate floral components are shielded during their developmental stages. Beneath the surface, the root system anchors the plant firmly into the soil, absorbing the essential nutrients and water required for its medicinal properties.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | Microscopy research and technique (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | Microscopy research and technique (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | Microscopy research and technique (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Halenia elliptica has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1-Hydroxy-2,3,5-trimethoxyxanthone.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Hydroxy-2,3,5-trimethoxyxanthone | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
1-Hydroxy-2,3,5-trimethoxyxanthone
- Journal of natural products
Activities
Halenia elliptica has 4 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antiaging, Free-Radical Scavenging, Hepatoprotective.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiaging | Carbohydrate polymers (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Free-Radical Scavenging | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Halenia elliptica has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include aging, hepatitis, liver diseases, virus hepatitis.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| aging | Carbohydrate polymers (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hepatitis | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| liver diseases | Frontiers in pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| virus hepatitis | Evolutionary bioinformatics online (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| ME | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| crude polysaccharide | Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ethyl acetate extract | Zhongguo yi xue ke xue yuan xue bao. Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methanolic extract | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |