Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora

Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora, commonly known as the Himalayan bitterroot, is a potent medicinal herb native to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas. Renowned for its intense bitterness, it contains bioactive compounds like picroside, which offer significant anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties, making it vital in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

  • Scientific name: Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora
  • Family: Plantaginaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Lamiales and the family Plantaginaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Neopicrorhiza.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Plantaginaceae WCVP
Genus Neopicrorhiza WCVP

Distribution

This plant, Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora, exhibits a specific distribution across several key mountainous regions. Within China, it is primarily found throughout the South-Central areas as well as the high altitudes of Tibet. Its range extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it thrives in the East Himalaya. Furthermore, the species is documented to grow within the borders of Nepal. Finally, it can also be located throughout the West Himalaya region.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China Tibet WCVP
Indian Subcontinent East Himalaya WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Nepal WCVP
Indian Subcontinent West Himalaya WCVP

Chemicals

Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, iridoid, picroside I, picroside II, piscrocin D.

Total chemicals
12
Scientific sources
12

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
iridoid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
picroside I 1 ★☆☆☆☆
picroside II 1 ★☆☆☆☆
piscrocin D 1 ★☆☆☆☆
piscrocin E 1 ★☆☆☆☆
piscrocin F 1 ★☆☆☆☆
piscrocin G 1 ★☆☆☆☆
piscroside A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
piscroside B 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antimalarial, Antimicrobial.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antidiabetic, antimalarial, digestive system, musculoskeletal system, nervous system.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antimalarial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
digestive system 1 ★☆☆☆☆
musculoskeletal system 1 ★☆☆☆☆
nervous system 1 ★☆☆☆☆
respiratory system 1 ★☆☆☆☆