Scrophularia ningpoensis

Scrophularia ningpoensis, commonly known as Ningbo Figwort, is a significant medicinal herb in traditional East Asian medicine. Valued for its cooling and detoxifying properties, it is frequently utilized to treat inflammation, swelling, and skin conditions. This plant plays a crucial role in holistic approaches to managing various systemic ailments.

  • Scientific name: Scrophularia ningpoensis
  • Family: Scrophulariaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified under the order Lamiales and the family Scrophulariaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Scrophularia, as part of the species Scrophularia ningpoensis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Scrophulariaceae WCVP
Genus Scrophularia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Scrophularia ningpoensis, is known by various common names depending on the region and language. In Simplified Chinese (zh-hans), it is referred to as 宁波玄参, while in Traditional Chinese (zh-hant) and the Cantonese usage of Hong Kong (zh-hk), it is simply called 玄參. In mainland China (zh), the name 宁波玄参 is commonly used, and in Thailand (th), it is known as เอี้ยงเซียม.
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 宁波玄参 Wikidata
zh-hant 玄參 Wikidata
zh-hk 玄參 Wikidata
zh 宁波玄参 Wikidata
th เอี้ยงเซียม Wikidata
ja 玄參 Wikidata
zh-cn 宁波玄参 Wikidata
zh 水萝卜 Wikidata
zh 浙玄参 Wikidata
zh 元参 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range across several distinct regions of Asia. Within China, it can be found spanning from the Inner Mongolia region in the north to the Southeast provinces. Its presence is also well-documented throughout the North-Central and South-Central territories of the country. Beyond the borders of China, the species extends its reach into the Indo-China peninsula. Specifically, this medicinal plant is also known to grow within the country of Vietnam.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China Inner Mongolia WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Scrophularia ningpoensis, utilizes various anatomical structures to fulfill its biological and medicinal functions. The roots serve as the primary underground organ for nutrient absorption, while the individual root system provides essential stability within the soil. Above ground, the sturdy stems support the plant's upright structure, facilitating the connection between the stem-leaf arrangement that optimizes sunlight capture for photosynthesis. Additionally, the plant interacts with its immediate environment through root exudates, which are chemical compounds released into the rhizosphere to influence soil microbial activity.
Total parts
8
Scientific sources
12
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 3 ★★☆☆☆
root 3 ★★☆☆☆
stems 1 ★☆☆☆☆
stem-leaf 1 ★☆☆☆☆
root exudates 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dried root 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Radix 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Scrophularia ningpoensis has 24 reported phytochemicals identified across 40 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include harpagoside, harpagide, acteoside, angoroside C, aucubin.

Total chemicals
24
Scientific sources
40

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
harpagoside 6 ★★★☆☆
harpagide 4 ★★☆☆☆
acteoside 3 ★★☆☆☆
angoroside C 3 ★★☆☆☆
aucubin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cinnamic acid 2 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
iridoids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
4-methylcatechol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
As 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Scrophularia ningpoensis has 4 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidepressant, Antihypertensive, Antitumor, Neuroprotective.

Total activities
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antidepressant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antihypertensive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Neuroprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Scrophularia ningpoensis has 32 reported medicinal uses identified across 38 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, depression, fever, inflammation.

Total uses
32
Scientific sources
38

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
arthritis 2 ★☆☆☆☆
cardiovascular diseases 2 ★☆☆☆☆
depression 2 ★☆☆☆☆
fever 2 ★☆☆☆☆
inflammation 2 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatism 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Cerebral Ischemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Reperfusion Injury 1 ★☆☆☆☆
amnesia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
antihypertensive 1 ★☆☆☆☆