Polygonatum odoratum
Polygonatum odoratum, commonly known as Solomon's seal, is a perennial herb cherished in traditional medicine. Characterized by its elegant, arching stems and bell-shaped white flowers, it thrives in woodland settings. Historically used to treat inflammation and promote healing, this versatile plant remains a fascinating subject of botanical study.
- Scientific name: Polygonatum odoratum
- Family: Asparagaceae
- 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 Asparagales and the family Asparagaceae, it is classified under the genus Polygonatum. Specifically, Polygonatum odoratum represents a distinct species within this botanical lineage.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asparagales | WCVP |
| Family | Asparagaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Polygonatum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Polygonatum odoratum, is recognized by several common names across different regions and linguistic contexts. In simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 玉竹 (zh-hans), as is the case in mainland China (zh-cn), Singapore (zh-sg), and Hong Kong (zh-hk). Similarly, in traditional Chinese characters, the name is written as 玉竹 (zh-hant).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 玉竹 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 玉竹 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 玉竹 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 玉竹 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 玉竹 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 玉竹 | Wikidata |
| pl | Kokoryczka wonna | Wikidata |
| fr | Sceau de Salomon odorant | Wikidata |
| ko | 둥굴레 | Wikidata |
| ru | Купена аптечная | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several Northern European territories. It can be found growing within the borders of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, the species is present in the natural landscapes of Great Britain. Its range also extends into the northern reaches of Norway. Finally, the plant is documented to inhabit various regions throughout Sweden.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | 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 |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as fragrant Solomon's seal, is characterized by its distinctive underground structure. The medicinal properties are primarily concentrated in the rhizomes, which serve as the plant's storage organs. These fleshy, creeping rhizome structures allow the plant to spread horizontally through the soil. Because of this rhizomatous growth habit, the plant forms dense colonies over time. When harvesting the roots for therapeutic use, one is actually collecting these thickened, nutrient-rich horizontal stems that anchor the plant and store its vital energy.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 6
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| roots | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizome | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizomes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizomatous | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Polygonatum odoratum has 44 reported phytochemicals identified across 46 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include kaempferol, polysaccharide, (3R)-5,7-dihydroxyl-3-(2',4'-dihydroxylbenzyl)-chroman-4-one, (3R)-5,7-dihydroxyl-6-methyl-3-(4'-hydroxylbenzyl)-chroman-4-one, (3R)-5,7-dihydroxyl-6-methyl-8-methoxyl-3-(4'-hydroxylbenzyl)-chroman-4-one.
- Total chemicals
- 44
- Scientific sources
- 46
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| kaempferol | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polysaccharide | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (3R)-5,7-dihydroxyl-3-(2',4'-dihydroxylbenzyl)-chroman-4-one | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (3R)-5,7-dihydroxyl-6-methyl-3-(4'-hydroxylbenzyl)-chroman-4-one | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| (3R)-5,7-dihydroxyl-6-methyl-8-methoxyl-3-(4'-hydroxylbenzyl)-chroman-4-one | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 3-beta-D-galactosyl-sn-glycerol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ABA | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| CTK | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| D-fructose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| D-glucose | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Polygonatum odoratum has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antioxidant, Antitumor, Hepatoprotective, Hypoglycemic.
- Total activities
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatoprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypoglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Neuroprotective | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Polygonatum odoratum has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include abiotic stresses, antidiabetic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, influenza A virus.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| abiotic stresses | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypoglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| influenza A virus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| influenza a virus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pruritus | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| respiratory diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |