Ligustrum japonicum

L. japonicum

Ligustrum japonicum, commonly known as Japanese privet, is a versatile evergreen shrub valued in traditional medicine. Renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its leaves and fruits are utilized to support metabolic health and immune function. This resilient plant remains a significant subject in both ethnobotany and pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Ligustrum japonicum
  • Family: Oleaceae
  • Native range: Africa

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Lamiales and the family Oleaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is established within the genus Ligustrum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Oleaceae WCVP
Genus Ligustrum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Ligustrum japonicum, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Chinese, it is identified as 日本女贞 (zh-hans), 日本女貞 (zh-hant), or 日本女貞 (zh-hk). In German, the species is called Japanischer Liguster (de), while in Japanese, it is commonly known as ネズミモチ (ja).
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 日本女贞 Wikidata
zh-hant 日本女貞 Wikidata
zh-hk 日本女貞 Wikidata
de Japanischer Liguster Wikidata
ja ネズミモチ Wikidata
eu Japoniar arbustu Wikidata
fr Troène du Japon Wikidata
ko 광나무 Wikidata
zh 日本女贞 Wikidata
ar تمرحنة يابانية Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several distinct regions of the world. In East Asia, its presence is noted in Japan and the Nansei-shotō islands. It is also commonly found throughout the Korean peninsula. Moving towards the mainland, the species can be located in Southeast China. Additionally, its range extends much further south to include Lesotho in Southern Africa.

Region Area Source
Southern Africa Lesotho WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
Eastern Asia Nansei-shoto WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP
Northwestern Pacific Marianas WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. Alabama WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. Arkansas WCVP
Southeastern U.S.A. Maryland WCVP

Chemicals

Ligustrum japonicum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include oleuropein.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
oleuropein 1 ★☆☆☆☆