Rhodiola bupleuroides
Rhodiola bupleuroides · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
, scientifically known as Rhodiola bupleuroides, is a resilient medicinal herb native to the high-altitude regions of East Asia. Renowned for its adaptogenic properties, this plant is traditionally utilized to enhance physical endurance, reduce fatigue, and support mental clarity, offering a natural way to bolster the body's stress resilience.
- Family
- Not available
- Native range
- Asia-Temperate
- Parts used
- Rhizome · Root
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names and Synonyms
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Rhodiola bupleuroidesDistribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it is primarily found in the South-Central areas as well as throughout Tibet. Its distribution also extends significantly into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically within the state of Assam. Furthermore, the species is commonly located throughout the East Himalaya region. Finally, its presence is well-documented across the mountainous landscapes of Nepal.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| China | China South-Central |
| China | Tibet |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam |
| Indian Subcontinent | East Himalaya |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal |
| Indian Subcontinent | West Himalaya |
| Indo-China | Myanmar |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Botanical Identification
Ecology
The ecology of Rhodiola bupleuroides is defined by its specialization in high-altitude alpine environments, where it thrives within a specific vertical distribution. This species is primarily found in montane and subalpine zones, occupying a distinct elevational range that begins at 3,000 m AMSL and extends to a maximum of 5,100 m AMSL. Within these high-elevation habitats, the plant is adapted to the physiological stresses associated with extreme altitudes, including intense UV radiation, fluctuating temperatures, and thin, rocky substrates. Its presence in these specific altitudinal bands suggests a niche requirement for the unique microclimates and soil conditions found in high-mountain ecosystems, often occurring in rocky crevices or scree slopes where drainage is rapid and the growing season is relatively short.
- Elevational range max:
- 5100 m AMSL
- Elevational range min:
- 3000 m AMSL
Morphology
The morphology of Rhodiola bupleuroides is characterized by its growth form as a herb, which lacks any woody structure, making it a strictly non-woody plant. It functions as a terrestrial species, establishing itself in soil rather than living as an epiphyte. In terms of its physical habit, the plant is classified as self-supporting, meaning it does not rely on external structures for support through climbing mechanisms, whether obligatory or facultative.
- Climber :
- self-supporting
- Epiphyte :
- terrestrial
- Growth form :
- herb
- Woodiness :
- non-woody
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Plant Parts
Rhodiola bupleuroides has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include rhizome, root.
| Plant part | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Rhizome | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Root | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Rhizome
- Journal of Asian natural products research
Root
- Journal of Asian natural products research
Preparations
Rhodiola bupleuroides has 1 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include 70% ethanol extract of the roots and rhizomes.
| Preparation | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| 70% ethanol extract of the roots and rhizomes | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
70% ethanol extract of the roots and rhizomes
- Journal of Asian natural products research