Saposhnikovia divaricata

Chinese parsnip

Saposhnikovia divaricata, commonly known as Feng Yang Huo in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is a perennial herb valued for its therapeutic properties. Primarily utilized to expel wind and alleviate dampness, its roots contain bioactive compounds effective against skin ailments, joint pain, and respiratory issues, making it a cornerstone of herbal pharmacology.

  • Scientific name: Saposhnikovia divaricata
  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Apiales and the family Apiaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Saposhnikovia.

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

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Saposhnikovia divaricata, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Vietnamese, it is called Phòng phong, while in Chinese it is known as 防風, and in the Lezgian language, it is also referred to as 防風. In Japanese, the plant is known as ボウフウ, and in Dutch, it is commonly called Chinese parsnip root.
Language Common Name Source
vi Phòng phong Wikidata
zh 防風 Wikidata
ja ボウフウ Wikidata
nl Chinese parsnip root Wikidata
lzh 防風 Wikidata
zh-cn 防风 Wikidata
zh-tw 防風 Wikidata
ca Chinese parsnip Wikidata
en Chinese parsnip Wikidata
ja 防風 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions of Northern and Central Asia. In the vast territory of Siberia, it can be found specifically within the areas of Buryatiya and Chita. Its range extends further east into the Russian Far East, spanning the Amur and Primorye regions. Additionally, the species is documented in Central Asia, specifically within Kazakhstan. These diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in varying continental climates.

Region Area Source
Siberia Buryatiya WCVP
Siberia Chita WCVP
Russian Far East Amur WCVP
Russian Far East Primorye WCVP
Central Asia Kazakhstan WCVP
China Inner Mongolia WCVP
China Manchuria WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
Mongolia Mongolia WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Saposhnikovia divaricata, is highly valued in traditional medicine primarily for its underground structures. The most significant part utilized for therapeutic purposes is the roots, which are harvested and processed to create the medicinal dried root used in various formulations. While the primary medicinal component is the root, the botanical structure includes complex underground systems such as rhizomes that facilitate growth and nutrient storage. Furthermore, the internal anatomy of the plant's woody components contains the xylem, which plays a crucial role in transporting water and minerals upward to support the plant's vitality.
Total parts
11
Scientific sources
26
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 9 ★★★★☆
root 7 ★★★★☆
dried root 2 ★☆☆☆☆
xylem 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rhizomes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rhizome 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phloem 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dried roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial part 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Saposhnikovia divaricata has 78 reported phytochemicals identified across 117 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include cimifugin, prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, chromones, sec-O-glucosylhamaudol, chromone.

Total chemicals
78
Scientific sources
117

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
cimifugin 9 ★★★★☆
prim-O-glucosylcimifugin 9 ★★★★☆
chromones 7 ★★★★☆
sec-O-glucosylhamaudol 7 ★★★★☆
chromone 3 ★★☆☆☆
coumarins 3 ★★☆☆☆
3'-O-acetylhamaudol 2 ★☆☆☆☆
4'-O-beta-D-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol 2 ★☆☆☆☆
5-O-methylvisammioside 2 ★☆☆☆☆
anomalin 2 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Saposhnikovia divaricata has 8 reported activities identified across 18 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antioxidant, Antiproliferative, Antipyretic, Antitumor.

Total activities
8
Scientific sources
18

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 5 ★★★☆☆
Antioxidant 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antiproliferative 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antipyretic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitumor 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiinflammatory 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Free-Radical Scavenging 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Saposhnikovia divaricata has 32 reported medicinal uses identified across 37 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, inflammation, nervous system diseases, respiratory diseases, COVID-19.

Total uses
32
Scientific sources
37

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
analgesic 3 ★★☆☆☆
inflammation 2 ★☆☆☆☆
nervous system diseases 2 ★☆☆☆☆
respiratory diseases 2 ★☆☆☆☆
COVID-19 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Colon Cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
acne 1 ★☆☆☆☆
acne vulgaris 1 ★☆☆☆☆
acute lung injury 1 ★☆☆☆☆
allergic contact dermatitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆