Inula japonica

Inula japonica, commonly known as the Japanese elecampane, is a perennial herb valued in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. Rich in inulin and essential oils, this plant is primarily utilized to support respiratory health, alleviate inflammation, and promote digestive wellness, making it a significant botanical in herbal pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Inula japonica
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Asterales and is a member of the family Asteraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Inula.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Inula WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution stretching across several distinct regions. In Southeastern Europe, its presence is noted within the borders of Türkiye in Europe. Moving into Eastern Europe, the species can be found inhabiting the Crimea region. Its range extends significantly into Siberia, where it is documented in the Altay mountains. Furthermore, the plant is distributed throughout other Siberian territories, specifically in Buryatiya and Chita.

Region Area Source
Southeastern Europe Türkiye-in-Europe WCVP
Eastern Europe Krym WCVP
Siberia Altay WCVP
Siberia Buryatiya WCVP
Siberia Chita WCVP
Siberia Irkutsk WCVP
Siberia Krasnoyarsk WCVP
Siberia Tuva WCVP
Siberia Yakutiya WCVP
Russian Far East Amur WCVP

Chemicals

Inula japonica has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include terpenes, alantolactone, compound 1, compound 14, compound 3.

Total chemicals
7
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
terpenes 2 ★☆☆☆☆
alantolactone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
compound 1 1 ★☆☆☆☆
compound 14 1 ★☆☆☆☆
compound 3 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isoalantolactone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sesquiterpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Inula japonica has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antimicrobial.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Inula japonica has 11 reported medicinal uses identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, belching, hepatocellular carcinoma, inflammation, metastasis.

Total uses
11
Scientific sources
12

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
belching 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hepatocellular carcinoma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
metastasis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
nausea 1 ★☆☆☆☆
neuroinflammatory diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sputum 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ulcer 1 ★☆☆☆☆