Platycladus orientalis

Oriental arbor-vitae

Platycladus orientalis, commonly known as the Oriental Arborvitae, is a resilient evergreen conifer valued in traditional medicine. Renowned for its aromatic foliage, it is frequently utilized to treat skin conditions, inflammation, and respiratory ailments. This versatile plant serves as a vital botanical resource in various holistic healing practices worldwide.

  • Scientific name: Platycladus orientalis
  • Family: Cupressaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Pinidae and order Pinales, it is a member of the Cupressaceae family. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Platycladus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Pinidae WCVP
Order Pinales WCVP
Family Cupressaceae WCVP
Genus Platycladus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Platycladus orientalis, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In Chinese, it is called 侧柏 (cèbǎi), while in Korean, it is referred to as 측백나무 (cheukbaengnamu). Its European presence is reflected in the Polish name biota wschodnia and the French name Thuya de Chine. Additionally, in the Tibetan language, it is identified as ཤུག་པ་.
Language Common Name Source
zh 侧柏 Wikidata
bo ཤུག་པ་ Wikidata
pl biota wschodnia Wikidata
fr Thuya de Chine Wikidata
ko 측백나무 Wikidata
hu keleti tuja Wikidata
et Ida-elupuu Wikidata
de Morgenländischer Lebensbaum Wikidata
ja コノテガシワ Wikidata
hsb Narańši dušan Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse distribution across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Middle Europe, its presence is noted within the borders of Austria. It can also be found spanning the territories of Czechia and Slovakia. Furthermore, the species extends its reach into the nation of Hungary. Finally, its geographical range stretches to Southwestern Europe, specifically covering Portugal and Spain.

Region Area Source
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Southeastern Europe Albania WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Southeastern Europe Italy WCVP
Southeastern Europe Romania WCVP
Southeastern Europe NW. Balkan Pen. WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Platycladus orientalis, possesses various components that are utilized in traditional medicine. The scale-like leaves are the most prominent feature, often serving as the primary source for medicinal preparations. From these, a potent leaf extract can be derived to harness its bioactive compounds. The plant also produces small, woody fruits that contain the reproductive elements of the species. Within these fruits, the seeds develop, eventually reaching a state where the mature seeds can be harvested for specific therapeutic applications.
Total parts
11
Scientific sources
15
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 4 ★★☆☆☆
fruits 2 ★☆☆☆☆
seeds 1 ★☆☆☆☆
mature seeds 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf extract 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
essential oils 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dried ripe seed 1 ★☆☆☆☆
branches 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Platycladus orientalis has 25 reported phytochemicals identified across 27 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, quercitrin, AFB1, Afzelin, Amentoflavone.

Total chemicals
25
Scientific sources
27

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
quercitrin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
AFB1 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Afzelin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Amentoflavone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
CHL 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hinokiflavone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Quercitrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Terpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
acacetin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Platycladus orientalis has 6 reported activities identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Anticancer, Antiinflammatory.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
10

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antifungal 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiinflammatory 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Platelet-Activating-Factor-Inhibitor 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Platycladus orientalis has 13 reported medicinal uses identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Plasmodium falciparum, alopecia, angiogenesis, antioxidant, antioxidant activity.

Total uses
13
Scientific sources
13

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Plasmodium falciparum 1 ★☆☆☆☆
alopecia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
angiogenesis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antioxidant activity 1 ★☆☆☆☆
asthma 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chronic bronchitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
constipation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
coughs 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hair loss 1 ★☆☆☆☆