Polyscias filicifolia

Polyscias filicifolia, commonly known as the fern-leaved sedge, is a versatile medicinal plant cherished in traditional healing practices. Renowned for its unique foliage, this species offers therapeutic properties used to treat various ailments. Understanding its botanical characteristics and bioactive potential is essential for exploring its significant role in herbal medicine.

  • Scientific name: Polyscias filicifolia
  • Family: Araliaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Tropical

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized under the order Apiales and the family Araliaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identification is placed within the genus Polyscias.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Apiales WCVP
Family Araliaceae WCVP
Genus Polyscias WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Polyscias filiciifolia, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Vietnamese, it is known as Đinh lăng ráng, while in Russian, it is commonly called Полисциас папоротниколрисный or полисциас остролистный.
Language Common Name Source
vi Đinh lăng ráng Wikidata
ru Полисциас папоротниколистный Wikidata
ru полисциас остролистный Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the diverse landscapes of Papuasia, specifically within New Guinea. Its presence extends significantly into the Southwestern Pacific region, where it can be found in Fiji. Additionally, this medicinal species inhabits the Gilbert Islands located in the same oceanic area. The geographical range further encompasses the islands of New Caledonia. Finally, the distribution of this plant includes the Wallis-Futuna Islands within the Southwestern Pacific.

Region Area Source
Papuasia New Guinea WCVP
Southwestern Pacific Fiji WCVP
Southwestern Pacific Gilbert Is. WCVP
Southwestern Pacific New Caledonia WCVP
Southwestern Pacific Wallis-Futuna Is. WCVP
South-Central Pacific Tuamotu WCVP
Northwestern Pacific Marshall Is. WCVP
Caribbean Dominican Republic WCVP
Caribbean Haiti WCVP
Caribbean Leeward Is. WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Polyscias filiciifolia, is characterized by its distinct structural components that contribute to its overall medicinal potential. The shoot system serves as the primary framework, supporting the lush, fern-like foliage that defines its appearance. Each individual leaf is finely divided, forming dense clusters that significantly increase the total biomass of the organism. When analyzing the plant for pharmacological studies, researchers often focus on the cell biomass to extract specific bioactive compounds. Ultimately, the accumulation of healthy leaves is essential for maintaining the plant's vitality and ensuring a high yield of therapeutic material.
Total parts
11
Scientific sources
13
Plant Part Sources Confidence
cell biomass 2 ★☆☆☆☆
biomass 2 ★☆☆☆☆
shoot 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hairy roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dry shoots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Shoots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Shoot 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Polyscias filicifolia cells 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Polyscias filicifolia has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include chlorogenic acid, oleanolic acid, OA, caffeic acid, hederagenin.

Total chemicals
10
Scientific sources
12

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
chlorogenic acid 2 ★☆☆☆☆
oleanolic acid 2 ★☆☆☆☆
OA 1 ★☆☆☆☆
caffeic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hederagenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
methyl jasmonate 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phenolic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
salicylic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
saponin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ursolic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Polyscias filicifolia has 5 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Adaptogenic, Antigenotoxic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
5
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Adaptogenic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antigenotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Polyscias filicifolia has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include anoxia, endocrine system.

Total uses
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
anoxia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
endocrine system 1 ★☆☆☆☆