Ophiorrhiza mungos

Ophiorrhiza mungos, commonly known as White Ophiorrhiza, is a significant medicinal herb native to South Asia. Renowned in Ayurvedic medicine, this plant possesses potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. It is widely utilized to treat various ailments, including fever, skin disorders, and gastrointestinal issues, serving as a vital therapeutic resource.

  • Scientific name: Ophiorrhiza mungos
  • Family: Rubiaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Gentianaales and the family Rubiaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by 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, Ophiorrhiza mungos, is known by several names across different linguistic contexts, including the Chinese designation 蛇根草, which is also used in its simplified forms as zh-hans: 蛇根草 and zh-cn: 蛇根草.
Language Common Name Source
zh 蛇根草 Wikidata
zh-hans 蛇根草 Wikidata
zh-cn 蛇根草 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the vast expanse of the Indian Subcontinent. Within this region, it can be found growing in the specific territories of India and Bangladesh. Its presence is also well-documented throughout the diverse landscapes of Nepal. Furthermore, the species inhabits the lush environments of Assam. Finally, it is commonly located within the high-altitude regions of the East Himalaya.

Region Area Source
Indian Subcontinent Assam WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Bangladesh WCVP
Indian Subcontinent East Himalaya WCVP
Indian Subcontinent India WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Nepal WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Sri Lanka WCVP
Indo-China Myanmar WCVP
Indo-China Nicobar Is. WCVP
Indo-China Thailand WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Ophiorrhiza mungos, is a medicinal herb where the most significant therapeutic component is the root. The roots are typically used in traditional medicine due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds, which contribute to the plant's various healing properties. In many pharmacological applications, the root is processed to extract essential elements used to treat various ailments, making it the primary part of interest for both herbalists and researchers.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
root 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Ophiorrhiza mungos has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include camptothecin, quinoline alkaloid.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
camptothecin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
quinoline alkaloid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Ophiorrhiza mungos has 3 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Ophiorrhiza mungos has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, hemorrhage, skin diseases.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hemorrhage 1 ★☆☆☆☆
skin diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆