Juniperus polycarpos

Juniperus polycarpos, commonly known as the Polycarp Juniper, is a resilient evergreen shrub native to the arid regions of the Middle East. Renowned for its aromatic foliage and medicinal properties, it is traditionally utilized in herbal remedies to support digestive health, reduce inflammation, and provide potent antioxidant benefits.

  • Scientific name: Juniperus polycarpos
  • Family: Cupressaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Pinidae. Within the order Pinales, it is classified under the family Cupressaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Juniperus as Juniperus polycarpos.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Pinidae WCVP
Order Pinales WCVP
Family Cupressaceae WCVP
Genus Juniperus WCVP

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the diverse landscapes of Central and Western Asia. In Central Asia, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Turkmenistan. The species also extends into the Caucasus region, inhabiting both the North Caucasus and the Transcaucasus areas. Its range continues through Western Asia, where it is found growing in Iran. Finally, the distribution reaches the Levant, covering the territory of Lebanon and Syria.

Region Area Source
Central Asia Turkmenistan WCVP
Caucasus North Caucasus WCVP
Caucasus Transcaucasus WCVP
Western Asia Iran WCVP
Western Asia Lebanon-Syria WCVP
Western Asia Türkiye WCVP

Chemicals

Juniperus polycarpos has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include deoxypodophyllotoxin, isocupressic acid.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
deoxypodophyllotoxin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isocupressic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Juniperus polycarpos has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HepG2 cells.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
HepG2 cells 1 ★☆☆☆☆