Phytolacca acinosa
Phytolacca acinosa, commonly known as Indian pokeweed, is a perennial herb valued in traditional medicine. Native to tropical regions, it contains bioactive compounds used to treat skin ailments, inflammation, and various infections. While therapeutically potent, careful handling is essential due to its inherent toxicity in concentrated forms.
- Scientific name: Phytolacca acinosa
- Family: Phytolaccaceae
- Native range: Europe
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 Caryophyllales and the family Phytolaccaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Phytolacca, specifically the species Phytolacca acinosa.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Caryophyllales | WCVP |
| Family | Phytolaccaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Phytolacca | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Phytolacca acinosa, is recognized by various common names across different languages and regions. In Chinese, it is referred to as 商陆 (zh-hans), 商陸 (zh-hant), and 商陸 (zh-hk). In German-speaking areas, it is called Indische Kermesbeere (de), while in Czech, it is known as líčidlo jedlé (cs).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 商陆 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 商陸 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 商陸 | Wikidata |
| de | Indische Kermesbeere | Wikidata |
| cs | líčidlo jedlé | Wikidata |
| nl | Oosterse karmozijnbes | Wikidata |
| zh | 商陸 | Wikidata |
| ru | Лаконос ягодный | Wikidata |
| sv | Phytolacca esculenta | Wikidata |
| ko | 자리공 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several European regions. In Northern Europe, its presence is documented in Denmark, Great Britain, and Sweden. Moving toward the center of the continent, it can also be found throughout Middle Europe. Specifically, its range extends to include the nation of Austria. Additionally, this medicinal species is known to grow within Belgium.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Phytolacca acinosa, is highly valued in traditional medicine, particularly for the therapeutic properties found within its various components. The roots serve as the primary source of medicinal compounds, often processed as dry roots to ensure stability for long-term use. In pharmacognosy, this part is formally referred to as radix, which is frequently utilized to prepare a potent root extract for topical or internal applications. Beyond the underground structures, the plant also produces distinctive dark berries, which contribute to its overall botanical profile.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| radix | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dry roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| berries | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Phytolacca acinosa has 21 reported phytochemicals identified across 23 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, triterpenoids, 3 beta-acetoxy-11 alpha,23-dihydroxytaraxer-14-en-28-oic acid, acinospesigenin-A, acinospesigenin-B.
- Total chemicals
- 21
- Scientific sources
- 23
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| triterpenoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3 beta-acetoxy-11 alpha,23-dihydroxytaraxer-14-en-28-oic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| acinospesigenin-A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| acinospesigenin-B | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| acinospesigenin-C | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cochliophilin A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| esculentoside A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| esculentoside B | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| esculentoside C | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Phytolacca acinosa has 9 reported activities identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antifungal, Antimalarial, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimalarial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Molluscicide | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Phytolacca acinosa has 15 reported medicinal uses identified across 19 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include edema, inflammation, bacteria, bronchitis, cancer.
- Total uses
- 15
- Scientific sources
- 19
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| edema | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| bacteria | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bronchitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dermatitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| eye disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fungi | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hepatocellular carcinoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| infectious diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |