Litsea coreana

Litsea coreana, commonly known as the Korean Litsea, is a versatile evergreen shrub native to East Asia. Valued in traditional practices, this botanical species offers unique aromatic properties. Its distinct foliage and medicinal potential make it a subject of interest for researchers exploring natural compounds for holistic wellness and pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Litsea coreana
  • Family: Lauraceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Laurales, falling into the family Lauraceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Litsea as the species Litsea coreana.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Laurales WCVP
Family Lauraceae WCVP
Genus Litsea WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Litsea coreana, is known by various regional common names depending on the language. In Chinese, it is referred to as 朝鲜木姜子 (zh) or 朝鲜木姜子 (zh-hans), while in Taiwan, it is specifically called 鹿皮斑木薑子 (zh-tw). In Japanese, the species is known as カゴノキ (ja), and in Korean, it is called 육박나무 (ko).
Language Common Name Source
zh 朝鲜木姜子 Wikidata
zh-tw 鹿皮斑木薑子 Wikidata
ja カゴノキ Wikidata
ko 육박나무 Wikidata
zh-hans 朝鲜木姜子 Wikidata
zh-cn 朝鲜木姜子 Wikidata
zh 鹿皮斑木薑子 Wikidata
zh 鹿皮斑木姜子 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions of Eastern Asia. Within China, it is specifically found in both the South-Central and Southeast territories. Its presence extends across the Korean Peninsula, covering the area identified as Korea. The species is also widely distributed throughout Japan within the Eastern Asian region. Finally, its geographical range includes the island of Taiwan.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Litsea coreana, is often studied for its diverse phytochemical profile, which contributes significantly to its therapeutic potential. While various organs of the plant may contain different bioactive compounds, a key focus of pharmacological research involves the quantification of its total flavonoids. These flavonoid compounds, distributed throughout the plant's tissues, are recognized for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, playing a crucial role in the plant's medicinal efficacy.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
total flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Litsea coreana has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include astragalin, flavonoids, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, polyphenols.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
astragalin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hyperoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isoquercitrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Litsea coreana has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Litsea coreana has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Leptin, free fatty acid, hyperlipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Leptin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
free fatty acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hyperlipidemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
impaired glucose tolerance 1 ★☆☆☆☆
insulin resistance 1 ★☆☆☆☆
liver diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆