Loranthus tanakae

Loranthus tanakae, commonly known as a species of mistletoe, is a fascinating hemiparasitic plant found across East Asia. Thriving on host trees, it plays a unique role in forest ecosystems. Traditionally utilized in various medicinal practices, this plant offers intriguing potential for pharmacological research and botanical studies.

  • Scientific name: Loranthus tanakae
  • Family: Loranthaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Santalales, it is classified under the family Loranthaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Loranthus as the species Loranthus tanakae.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Santalales WCVP
Family Loranthaceae WCVP
Genus Loranthus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Loranthus tanakae, is recognized by various regional common names depending on the linguistic context. In Chinese, it is frequently referred to as 北桑寄生 (including its variations 北桑寄生, 北桑寄生, and 北桑寄生), and it is also known by the name 枝子. In Korean, the species is identified as 꼬리겨우살이.
Language Common Name Source
zh 北桑寄生 Wikidata
ko 꼬리겨우살이 Wikidata
zh-hans 北桑寄生 Wikidata
zh-cn 北桑寄生 Wikidata
zh 枝子 Wikidata
zh 杏寄生 Wikidata
zh 宜枝 Wikidata
zh 北桑寄生 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions of East Asia. Within China, its presence is documented across the South-Central, North-Central, and Inner Mongolia provinces. Beyond the borders of China, the species is also found throughout the Japanese archipelago. Additionally, it extends its range into the Korean Peninsula. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's prevalence throughout the eastern territories of the continent.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China Inner Mongolia WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Loranthus tanakae, has been a subject of pharmacological interest, particularly concerning the bioactive compounds found within its MeOH extract. The methanol extract, derived from the plant's tissues, serves as a concentrated source of various secondary metabolites that contribute to its traditional medicinal uses. Research focusing on this specific extract aims to isolate the chemical constituents responsible for its potential therapeutic properties, providing insight into how the concentrated plant matter can influence biological processes.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
MeOH extract 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Loranthus tanakae has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside, quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
kaempferol 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin 3-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Loranthus tanakae has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include colon, melanoma, ovary.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
colon 1 ★☆☆☆☆
melanoma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ovary 1 ★☆☆☆☆