Hydrocotyle javanica
Hydrocotyle javanica, commonly known as Java pennywort, is a versatile medicinal herb found in tropical wetlands. Renowned for its bioactive properties, this plant is traditionally used to treat skin ailments, inflammation, and digestive issues. Its unique phytochemical profile offers significant therapeutic potential in supporting overall wellness and healing.
- Scientific name: Hydrocotyle javanica
- Family: Araliaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Apiales. Finally, it is a member of the family Araliaceae and is specifically identified by the genus Hydrocotyle.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Apiales | WCVP |
| Family | Araliaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Hydrocotyle | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Hydrocotyle javanica, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Indonesia, it is known as Pegagan gajah (id), while in Malaysia, it is called Pokok Pegaga Gajah (ms). In Japan, the species is identified as オオバチドメ (ja), and in Persian, it is referred to as قدح مریم جاوهای (fa). Additionally, in Chinese, the plant is called 爪哇天胡荽 (zh).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| id | Pegagan gajah | Wikidata |
| ms | Pokok Pegaga Gajah | Wikidata |
| ja | オオバチドメ | Wikidata |
| fa | قدح مریم جاوهای | Wikidata |
| zh | 爪哇天胡荽 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 爪哇天胡荽 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 爪哇天胡荽 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across several distinct regions of China. It can be found growing within the diverse landscapes of China South-Central and China North-Central. Additionally, its distribution extends to the tropical environment of Hainan. The species is also documented to inhabit the areas of China Southeast. Finally, its presence is noted in the high-altitude regions of Tibet.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| China | Tibet | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Java pennywort, is primarily recognized for the medicinal properties found within its leaf. The leaf of Hydrocotyle javanica is typically characterized by its rounded or kidney-shaped structure with scalloped margins, serving as the main site for the concentration of bioactive compounds. In traditional herbal practices, these leaves are often harvested and utilized in various preparations to harness their therapeutic potential.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Hydrocotyle javanica has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ethyl acetate.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ethyl acetate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Hydrocotyle javanica has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include snakebite envenomation.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| snakebite envenomation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |