Rhamnus purpurea

Rhamnus purpurea · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (14 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Rhamnus purpurea, scientifically known as Rhamnus purpurea, is a deciduous shrub native to the Mediterranean region. Renowned for its medicinal properties, its bark contains anthraquinone glycosides, traditionally used as a potent stimulant laxative. This versatile plant plays a significant role in both traditional herbalism and modern pharmacological studies.

Family
Rhamnaceae
Native range
Asia-Tropical
Parts used
Leaf
Common names
Not available
Scientific synonyms
Not available

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Rhamnus purpurea

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Rhamnus purpureus

German:

  • Rhamnus purpureus

French:

  • Rhamnus purpureus

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Rosales, it is a member of the Rhamnaceae family. It is further identified by its genus, Rhamnus.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Rosales
Family Rhamnaceae
Genus Rhamnus

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the vast landscape of the Indian Subcontinent. It is primarily found inhabiting the rugged terrains of the East Himalaya. Furthermore, its presence is well-documented throughout the diverse elevations of Nepal. The species also extends its range into the mountainous regions of Pakistan. Finally, it can be located within the distinct ecological zones of the West Himalaya.

Region Area
Indian Subcontinent East Himalaya
Indian Subcontinent Nepal
Indian Subcontinent Pakistan
Indian Subcontinent West Himalaya

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Rhamnus purpurea is characterized by its specific adaptation to high-altitude montane environments, where it thrives within a specialized altitudinal niche. This species is primarily found in mountainous regions, occupying an elevational range that begins at 2100 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2900 m AMSL. This distribution suggests an ecological preference for subalpine or alpine zones, where the plant must withstand the unique climatic pressures associated with high-elevation habitats, such as lower temperatures, increased ultraviolet radiation, and potentially thinner soils. Its presence within this precise vertical gradient indicates a highly specialized environmental requirement, likely tied to specific temperature regimes and moisture availability found within these upper montane belts.

Elevational range max:
2900 m AMSL
Elevational range min:
2100 m AMSL

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Rhamnus purpurea has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Plant parts reported in Rhamnus purpurea
Plant part Supporting sources Consensus
Leaf 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Leaf

  1. ACS omega

Chemicals

Rhamnus purpurea has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Flavonoids, Glycosides, Phenols, Saponins, Tannins.

Chemicals reported in Rhamnus purpurea
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Flavonoids 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Glycosides 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Phenols 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Saponins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Tannins 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Flavonoids

  1. ACS omega

Glycosides

  1. ACS omega

Phenols

  1. ACS omega

Saponins

  1. ACS omega

Tannins

  1. ACS omega

Activities

Rhamnus purpurea has 3 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Cytotoxic.

Activities reported in Rhamnus purpurea
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
Antimicrobial 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Cytotoxic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Antimicrobial

  1. ACS omega

Antioxidant

  1. ACS omega

Cytotoxic

  1. ACS omega

Medicinal Uses

Rhamnus purpurea has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, infectious diseases.

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Consensus
cancer ACS omega (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
infectious diseases ACS omega (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆