Ophiorrhiza japonica
Ophiorrhiza japonica, commonly known as Japanese Ophiorrhiza, is a perennial herb highly valued in traditional East Asian medicine. Often used to treat inflammation, swelling, and various skin ailments, this medicinal plant contains bioactive compounds that offer significant therapeutic potential, making it a subject of interest in modern pharmacological studies.
- Scientific name: Ophiorrhiza japonica
- Family: Rubiaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Gentianaales, it is classified under the family Rubiaceae. Its taxonomic identity is further defined by its placement within the genus Ophiorrhiza.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Gentianales | WCVP |
| Family | Rubiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Ophiorrhiza | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Ophiorrhiza japonica, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Chinese, it is identified as 日本蛇根草, a name used consistently across the simplified (zh-cn, zh-hans), traditional (zh-tw), and standard (zh) scripts. Additionally, in the Southern Min language, it is known as Choâ-kin-chháu.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 日本蛇根草 | Wikidata |
| nan | Choâ-kin-chháu | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 日本蛇根草 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 日本蛇根草 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 日本蛇根草 | Wikidata |
| nan | Choâ-kin-chhaú | Wikidata |
| zh | 散血草 | Wikidata |
| zh | 变黑蛇根草 | Wikidata |
| zh | 猪菜 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily distributed across various regions of East Asia. In China, its presence is widespread, spanning from the North-Central territories to the South-Central areas. It can also be found growing in the Southeast regions of China as well as on the island of Hainan. Beyond the Chinese mainland, the species has a significant distribution in Japan. Together, these locations highlight the plant's specific ecological range within the eastern part of the continent.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Nansei-shoto | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Chemicals
Ophiorrhiza japonica has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include camptothecin.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| camptothecin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |