Reynoutria japonica

Reynoutria japonica, commonly known as Japanese knotweed, is a robust, perennial plant celebrated in traditional medicine. Renowned for its high concentration of resveratrol, it offers potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This resilient species is widely studied for its potential benefits in supporting metabolic health and cardiovascular wellness.

  • Scientific name: Reynoutria japonica
  • Family: Polygonaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Caryophyllales, it is a member of the family Polygonaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Reynoutria.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Caryophyllales WCVP
Family Polygonaceae WCVP
Genus Reynoutria WCVP

Distribution

This plant exhibits a significant presence across several regions within Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Its distribution extends further north to include the territories of Finland and the Faroe Islands. Additionally, the species is well-established throughout the landscapes of Great Britain. Finally, its range reaches the emerald landscapes of Ireland.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP

Chemicals

Reynoutria japonica has 38 reported phytochemicals identified across 55 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include stilbenes, resveratrol, anthraquinones, emodin, piceid.

Total chemicals
38
Scientific sources
55

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
stilbenes 6 ★★★☆☆
resveratrol 5 ★★★☆☆
anthraquinones 3 ★★☆☆☆
emodin 3 ★★☆☆☆
piceid 2 ★☆☆☆☆
polydatin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 2 ★☆☆☆☆
procyanidins 2 ★☆☆☆☆
(+)-catechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Reynoutria japonica has 6 reported activities identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative, Antitumor, Cytotoxic.

Total activities
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Anticancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hepatoprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Reynoutria japonica has 18 reported medicinal uses identified across 18 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include COVID-19, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Staphylococcus aureus, burns, cancer.

Total uses
18
Scientific sources
18

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
COVID-19 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Mycobacterium smegmatis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Staphylococcus aureus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
burns 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cervical cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
constipation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diabetes mellitus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
favus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hyperlipidemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆