Chinese holly
Ilex cornuta · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (17 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Chinese holly, scientifically known as Ilex cornuta, is a versatile evergreen shrub prized in traditional medicine and ornamental landscaping. Renowned for its glossy foliage and dark berries, it offers therapeutic potential in treating inflammation and various ailments, making it a significant botanical treasure in both cultural and medicinal practices.
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Temperate
- Parts used
- Leaf · Root
- Common names
- Horned Holly
- Scientific synonyms
- Ilex Cornuta Var. Fortunei · Ilex Fortunei F. Aureovariegata · 3 more
Names
Common Names
- Horned Holly
Regional and Traditional Names
German:
- Chinesische Stechpalme
- chinesische Stechpalme
French:
- houx
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Ilex cornutaSynonyms
- Ilex cornuta var. fortunei
- Ilex fortunei f. aureovariegata
- Ilex furcata
- Ilex cornuta f. gaetana
- Ilex fortunei
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and order Aquifoliales, it is positioned in the family Aquifoliaceae. Finally, it is identified under the genus Ilex.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Aquifoliales | WCVP |
| Family | Aquifoliaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Ilex | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant is widely distributed across several specific regions within East Asia. In China, its presence is noted in the South-Central and North-Central territories. It can also be found growing in the Southeast regions of China as well as on the island of Hainan. Beyond mainland China, the species extends its range into the neighboring country of Korea. Together, these locations define the primary geographical footprint of Ilex cornuta.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
| Southwestern U.S.A. | California | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Alabama | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Arkansas | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Florida | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Louisiana | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Ilex cornuta, possesses several distinct components that are utilized in various traditional applications. The sturdy stems provide the structural framework for the shrub, while the roots anchor the plant and are often studied for their chemical properties. Its glossy, evergreen leaves are a prominent feature, and when prepared as dried leaves, they can be processed for specific medicinal uses. Additionally, the plant produces small, dark fruits that complete its reproductive cycle and contribute to its overall botanical profile.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruit | Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Ilex cornuta has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, triterpenoids, Glycosides.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Flavonoids | 2 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenoids | 2 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Glycosides | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Flavonoids
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
triterpenoids
- Journal of ethnopharmacology
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
Glycosides
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
Medicinal Uses
Ilex cornuta has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Magnaporthe grisea, hyperuricemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Magnaporthe grisea | Ying yong sheng tai xue bao = The journal of applied ecology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hyperuricemia | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| non-alcoholic fatty liver disease | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| obesity | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| "Kuding tea" | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| EtOAc extract of the culture filtrate of the endophytic fungus Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae LPS-1 | Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dried leaves | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | Current medical science (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |