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Sassafras

Sassafras · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (3 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Sassafras, scientifically known as Sassafras, is a versatile deciduous tree native to North America. Renowned for its aromatic leaves and roots, it has long been used in traditional medicine and culinary arts. While prized for its unique scent, certain components require careful handling due to evolving safety regulations.

Family
Lauraceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Not available
Scientific synonyms
Pseudosassafras · Yushunia · 1 more

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sassafras

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Pseudosassafras
  • Sasafrás
  • Sasafras
  • Sasafrás

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Laurales and the family Lauraceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Sassafras.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Laurales
Family Lauraceae
Genus Sassafras

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse range of locations across several major regions in Asia and Europe. In Southeastern Europe, its presence can be specifically identified within Romania. Its distribution extends significantly into China, where it is found in both the South-Central and Southeast regions. Moving toward Eastern Asia, the species is also native to Taiwan. Finally, the plant can be located within the Indo-China region, specifically in Vietnam.

Region Area
Southeastern Europe Romania
China China South-Central
China China Southeast
Eastern Asia Taiwan
Indo-China Vietnam
Eastern Canada Ontario
North-Central U.S.A. Illinois
North-Central U.S.A. Iowa
North-Central U.S.A. Kansas
North-Central U.S.A. Missouri

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Chemicals

Sassafras has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include safrole.

Chemicals reported in Sassafras
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
safrole 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

safrole

  1. Chemico-biological interactions

Activities

Sassafras has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Chemopreventive, Genotoxic.

Activities reported in Sassafras
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
Chemopreventive 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Genotoxic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Chemopreventive

  1. Chemico-biological interactions

Genotoxic

  1. Chemico-biological interactions

Preparations

Sassafras has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include sassafras oil, sassafras tea.

Preparations reported for Sassafras
Preparation Supporting sources Consensus
Sassafras oil 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Sassafras tea 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Sassafras oil

  1. Chemico-biological interactions

Sassafras tea

  1. Postgraduate medicine