Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora

Sources: Wikidata

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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora is defined by its specialized adaptation to high-altitude alpine environments, specifically thriving within the harsh climatic conditions of mountain ecosystems. This species occupies a distinct vertical niche, characterized by a specific elevational range that spans from a minimum of 3500 m AMSL to a maximum of 4900 m AMSL. Within these high-elevation belts, the plant is adapted to withstand intense ultraviolet radiation, significant temperature fluctuations, and seasonal snow cover. Its distribution is typically constrained to rocky slopes, alpine meadows, or scree areas where the soil composition and drainage patterns support its rhizomatous growth pattern under the rigorous environmental pressures of the high Himalayas and surrounding mountainous regions.

Elevational range max:

4900 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

3500 m AMSL

Morphology

The morphology of Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, functioning as a terrestrial organism rather than an aquatic or epiphytic species. It is an independent plant that does not exhibit parasitic behavior, relying on its own biological processes for sustenance. In terms of structure, the plant is self-supporting, lacking the climbing or vining characteristics of lianas or obligate climbers. As a herbaceous species, it maintains a non-woody stem structure, distinguishing it from shrubs or trees.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora has 3 reported plant parts identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include rhizome, root, leaf.

Rhizome

1. Phytochemistry
2. Critical reviews in biotechnology
3. Ecology and evolution

Root

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
2. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin
3. Critical reviews in biotechnology

Leaf

1. Critical reviews in biotechnology

Chemicals

Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Iridoid, Picroside I, Picroside II, Piscrocin D.

Flavonoids

1. Frontiers in plant science

Iridoid

1. Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Picroside I

1. Frontiers in plant science

Picroside II

1. Frontiers in plant science

Piscrocin D

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Piscrocin E

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Piscrocin F

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Piscrocin G

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Piscroside A

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Piscroside B

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Activities

Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora has 6 reported activities identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antidiabetic, Antimalarial, Antimicrobial.

Antibacterial

1. Frontiers in plant science

Anticancer

1. Frontiers in plant science

Antidiabetic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antimalarial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antimicrobial

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Hepatoprotective

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 7 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antidiabetic, antimalarial, digestive system, musculoskeletal system, nervous system.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations