heavenly bamboo

Nandina domestica · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Extensive (288 studies) · ★★★★★

Heavenly bamboo, scientifically known as Nandina domestica, is a versatile evergreen shrub cherished in both ornamental gardens and traditional medicine. Renowned for its striking foliage and red berries, it offers diverse therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a significant plant in various holistic healing practices.

Family
Berberidaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Leaf
Common names
Chinese-Bamboo · Heavenly-Bamboo · 4 more
Scientific synonyms
Nandina Domestica F. Gigantea · Nandina Domestica F. Purpurea · 7 more

Names

Common Names

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Nandina
  • Nandinoideae
  • Bambú asiático sagrado

German:

  • Himmelsbambus
  • Nandinoideae
  • Heiliger Bambus

French:

  • Bambou sacré
  • Nandine
  • bambou sacré

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Nandina domestica

Synonyms

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Nandina domestica, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the Berberidaceae family within the genus Nandina.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ranunculales WCVP
Family Berberidaceae WCVP
Genus Nandina WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several distinct regions of Asia and Europe. In China, its presence is noted throughout the South-Central, North-Central, and Southeast territories. Moving eastward, the species is also naturally occurring within Japan as part of Eastern Asia. Furthermore, its range extends into Southeastern Europe, specifically within the country of Italy. These diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to inhabit various climates across the continent.

Region Area Source
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Australia New South Wales WCVP
Northwestern Pacific Caroline Is. WCVP
South-Central U.S.A. Texas WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as sacred bamboo, is frequently utilized in traditional medicine, with its leaves serving as a significant component in various preparations. These compound leaves are characterized by their delicate, lance-shaped leaflets that can transition from a vibrant green to striking shades of red or bronze depending on the season. In medicinal applications, the leaves are often harvested to create infusions or decoctions, valued for their specific chemical properties and therapeutic potential.
Plant Part Sources Consensus
leaf Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Nandina domestica has 27 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-Nantenine, (-)-Episyringaresinol, Amentoflavone, Ash, Dehydronantenine.

Chemicals reported in Nandina domestica
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
(+)-Nantenine 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
(-)-Episyringaresinol 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Amentoflavone 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Ash 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Dehydronantenine 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Domesticine 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
FAT 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
HCN 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Isoboldine 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Isocorydine 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

(+)-Nantenine

  1. Infectious disorders drug targets

(-)-Episyringaresinol

  1. Dr. Duke

Amentoflavone

  1. Dr. Duke

Ash

  1. Dr. Duke

Dehydronantenine

  1. Dr. Duke

Domesticine

  1. Dr. Duke

FAT

  1. Dr. Duke

HCN

  1. Dr. Duke

Isoboldine

  1. Dr. Duke

Isocorydine

  1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Nandina domestica has 257 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include (+)-Inotropic, ACE-Inhibitor, Abortifacient, Acidulant, Adrenolytic.

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Consensus
(+)-Inotropic Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
ACE-Inhibitor Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Abortifacient Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Acidulant Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Adrenolytic Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Allergenic Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Amebicide Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Amphicholeretic Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
Analgesic Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Preparations

Preparations Sources Consensus
ethanol extracts Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆