Picrasma javanica
Picrasma javaica, commonly known as Java bitterwood, is a significant medicinal plant native to tropical regions. Renowned for its intense bitterness, the plant contains potent bioactive compounds like quassinoids. Traditionally used in herbal medicine, it serves as an effective emetic, febrifuge, and treatment for various intestinal parasitic infections.
- Scientific name: Picrasma javanica
- Family: Simaroubaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Sapindales, it is positioned in the family Simaroubaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Picrasma, within which the species Picrasma javanica is found.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Sapindales | WCVP |
| Family | Simaroubaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Picrasma | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Picrasma javanica, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In English, it is frequently referred to as Java bitterwood, while in Japanese, it is commonly called nanten or kusa-nikki. Additionally, in Chinese, the plant is known as jia-ku-pi.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant is native to several regions within the Indian Subcontinent. It can be found growing in the diverse landscapes of India and its neighboring country, Bangladesh. Its distribution also extends across the mountainous terrain of the East Himalaya. Specific populations are known to thrive in the state of Assam. Furthermore, the species is documented to inhabit the country of Nepal.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Andaman Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Cambodia | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Laos | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Picrasma javanica, possesses various morphological components that are utilized for their medicinal properties. The medicinal compounds are primarily concentrated in the root barks, which are often harvested for their bitter principles, as well as in the woody parts of the plant. The stem provides the structural framework for the species, supporting the development of the leaves, which are significant components of the plant's overall biology. Additionally, the seeds represent another distinct part of the plant's reproductive system, contributing to its life cycle and the overall chemical profile of the species.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| wood | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root barks | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Picrasma javanica has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (16R)-methoxyjavanicin B, (16S)-methoxyjavanicin B, compound 8.
- Total chemicals
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| (16R)-methoxyjavanicin B | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (16S)-methoxyjavanicin B | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| compound 8 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Picrasma javanica has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |