Ligustrum lucidum
Ligustrum lucidum, commonly known as Chinese Privet, is a versatile evergreen shrub native to East Asia. Beyond its ornamental appeal, this plant holds significant value in traditional medicine. Its leaves and berries are frequently utilized for their diverse pharmacological properties, offering potential therapeutic benefits in various healing practices worldwide.
- Scientific name: Ligustrum lucidum
- Family: Oleaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Lamiales and the family Oleaceae. Finally, its specific 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 lucidum, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Japan, it is called トウネズミモチ, while in German-speaking areas, including Germany and Switzerland, it is known as Glänzender Liguster. In Poland, the species is called Ligustr lśniąccy, and in Portuguese, it is simply referred to as Ligustro.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ja | トウネズミモチ | Wikidata |
| de | Glänzender Liguster | Wikidata |
| de-ch | Glänzender Liguster | Wikidata |
| pl | Ligustr lśniący | Wikidata |
| pt | Ligustro | Wikidata |
| pt-br | Ligustro | Wikidata |
| sv | Glansliguster | Wikidata |
| zh | 女貞 | Wikidata |
| fa | لیگاستروم لوسیدم | Wikidata |
| az | Parlaq birgöz | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing in both Portugal and Spain. Its presence also extends into Southeastern Europe, specifically within Italy. Furthermore, the species inhabits parts of Northern Africa, notably in Algeria. Finally, its range reaches the Macaronesian islands, including the Canary Islands.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Algeria | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Lesotho | WCVP |
| Southern Africa | Free State | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Ligustrum lucidum, contains various components that are utilized for their therapeutic potential. The small, dark berries produced by the species are classified as its fruits, with the individual fruit often being harvested once it reaches a state of ripeness. Specifically, the mature fruit is sought after for its concentrated bioactive compounds, which are often processed into a dried fruit form to ensure stability and ease of storage. Ultimately, these components are frequently processed into a potent LL extract, which serves as the primary medium for medicinal applications and standardized supplementation.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 10
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruits | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| fruit | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mature fruit | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dried fruit | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| LL extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fructus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Ligustrum lucidum has 45 reported phytochemicals identified across 54 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include oleanolic acid, flavonoids, luteolin, salidroside, specnuezhenide.
- Total chemicals
- 45
- Scientific sources
- 54
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| oleanolic acid | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| luteolin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| salidroside | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| specnuezhenide | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ursolic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 19alpha-hydroxyl acetylursolic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3-O-acetyl oleanolic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3-O-acetylursolic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3-O-cis-P-coumaroyl maslinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Ligustrum lucidum has 3 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antiosteoporotic, Hepatoprotective.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiosteoporotic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Ligustrum lucidum has 9 reported medicinal uses identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include osteoporosis, cancer, apoptosis, hypercalciuria, kidney.
- Total uses
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 12
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| osteoporosis | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| apoptosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypercalciuria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kidney | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| liver | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mitochondrial dysfunction | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative injury | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |