Opopanax
Panax
Opopanax, commonly known as oshrak or storax, is a perennial herb cherished in traditional medicine for its aromatic, resinous properties. Belonging to the Apiaceae family, this plant offers potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. Its fragrant gum resin has been utilized for centuries to support digestive health and respiratory wellness.
- Scientific name: Opopanax
- Family: Apiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Apiales, it is classified in the family Apiaceae and is placed in the genus Panax.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Apiales | WCVP |
| Family | Apiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Panax | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known by various regional designations, is referred to as женьшень in Russian and is commonly called Panax in German, Swiss German (de-ch), and Catalan. In Danish, it is categorized under the broader term Ginseng-slægten.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ru | женьшень | Wikidata |
| de | Panax | Wikidata |
| de-ch | Panax | Wikidata |
| ca | Panax | Wikidata |
| da | Ginseng-slægten | Wikidata |
| es | Panax | Wikidata |
| pl | Wszechlek | Wikidata |
| th | โสม | Wikidata |
| zh | 人参属 | Wikidata |
| vi | Chi Sâm | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical range primarily concentrated within the Mediterranean and Balkan regions. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing in France as well as across the island of Sardegna. Its presence is also well-documented throughout the coastal landscapes of Spain. Moving toward Southeastern Europe, the species extends its reach into the territory of Albania. Finally, its distribution continues further east into the country of Bulgaria.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Bulgaria | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Romania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Opopanax, possesses a distinct morphological structure that contributes to its medicinal properties. The underground portion consists of robust roots, where the main roots serve as the primary storage organs for the plant's essential compounds. Above the ground, the stem provides the necessary structural support to elevate the foliage toward sunlight. Each leaf is typically divided into smaller segments, and these are attached to the central structure via a distinct petiole, which facilitates the transport of nutrients and water throughout the plant's canopy.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| petiole | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| main roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lateral root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Opopanax has 21 reported activities identified across 29 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiaging, Adaptogenic, Anticancer, Antitumor, Neuroprotective.
- Total activities
- 21
- Scientific sources
- 29
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antiaging | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Adaptogenic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tonic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticoagulant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidepressant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimutagenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |