Mallotus japonicus

Mallotus japonicus, commonly known as Kamala, is a versatile medicinal shrub native to Southeast Asia. Renowned for its unique reddish-brown powder, it possesses significant antimicrobial, insecticidal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally used to treat skin infections and intestinal parasites, this plant offers promising therapeutic potential in modern pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Mallotus japonicus
  • Family: Euphorbiaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Mallotus japonicus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Mallotus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Malpighiales WCVP
Family Euphorbiaceae WCVP
Genus Mallotus WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several regions in Eastern Asia. In China, its presence is specifically noted within the Southeast portion of the country. Its range extends significantly through the island nation of Japan, including the Nansei-shotō archipelago. The species is also found throughout the Korean Peninsula. Finally, its geographical reach encompasses the island of Taiwan.

Region Area Source
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
Eastern Asia Nansei-shoto WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP

Chemicals

Mallotus japonicus has 23 reported phytochemicals identified across 27 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include bergenin, 2,6-dihydroxy-3-methyl-4-methoxyacetophenone, 5-methylene-bis-2,6-dihydroxy-3-methyl-4-methoxyacetophenone, acetylbergenin, butyrylmallotochromene.

Total chemicals
23
Scientific sources
27

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
bergenin 5 ★★★☆☆
2,6-dihydroxy-3-methyl-4-methoxyacetophenone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
5-methylene-bis-2,6-dihydroxy-3-methyl-4-methoxyacetophenone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
acetylbergenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
butyrylmallotochromene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isobutyrylmallotochromene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isomallotochroman 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isomallotochromanol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isomallotochromene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
isomallotolerin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Mallotus japonicus has 3 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Cytotoxic, Antitumor, Hepatoprotective.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Cytotoxic 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antitumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Mallotus japonicus has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas salmonicida, anal fistula, cancer, leukemia P388.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Aeromonas hydrophila 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Aeromonas salmonicida 1 ★☆☆☆☆
anal fistula 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leukemia P388 1 ★☆☆☆☆
xanthine oxidase 1 ★☆☆☆☆