Ophiorrhiza pumila
Ophiorrhiza pumila, commonly known as the dwarf ophiorrhiza, is a medicinal herbaceous plant native to various tropical regions. Valued in traditional medicine, its roots contain bioactive alkaloids used to treat diverse ailments, including inflammation and digestive issues. This resilient species serves as a vital resource in ethnobotanical studies.
- Scientific name: Ophiorrhiza pumila
- Family: Rubiaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, placing it within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Gentianaales and is a member of the Rubiaceae family. Within this family, its specific taxonomic designation is 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 pumila, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Chinese, it is called 短小蛇根草 (zh), 短小蛇根草 (zh-cn), and 短小蛇根草 (zh-hans), while in Taiwan, it is specifically known as 白花蛇根草 (zh-tw). In Japan, the species is commonly called チャボイナモリ (ja).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 短小蛇根草 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 白花蛇根草 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 短小蛇根草 | Wikidata |
| ja | チャボイナモリ | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 短小蛇根草 | Wikidata |
| zh | 小蛇根草 | Wikidata |
| zh | 琼崖蛇根草 | Wikidata |
| zh | 溪畔蛇根草 | Wikidata |
| zh | 绿蛇根草 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific range across several regions in East Asia. In China, its presence is documented in the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. Moving further east, the species can also be found in Japan. Additionally, its distribution extends to the Nansei-shotō islands. Together, these locations define its primary geographical footprint.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Nansei-shoto | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Ophiorrhiza pumila, is characterized by its distinct morphological features used in traditional medicine. The underground structure consists of a specialized root system that includes fleshy roots which often exhibit a characteristic texture, sometimes described as hairy roots depending on the specific developmental stage or variety. Above the soil, the plant develops slender stems that support a lush arrangement of green leaves, which are essential for the plant's photosynthetic processes and the production of its medicinal compounds.- Total parts
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 18
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| hairy roots | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seed pod | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ovary | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hairy-root systems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flower | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Ophiorrhiza pumila has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 25 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include camptothecin, loganin, Anthraquinones, CPT, d-tryptophan.
- Total chemicals
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 25
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| camptothecin | 13 | ★★★★★ |
| loganin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anthraquinones | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| CPT | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| d-tryptophan | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| l-tryptophan | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| monoterpene indole alkaloids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pumiloside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pyridoxal-5'-phosphate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| strictosamide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Ophiorrhiza pumila has 1 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Ophiorrhiza pumila has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, tumor.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| tumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |