Shirakiopsis indica
Shirakiopsis indica, commonly known as the "Tree of Life" in certain traditional contexts, is a versatile medicinal plant native to the Western Ghats. Renowned for its potent pharmacological properties, its bark and leaves are widely utilized in Ayurvedic practices to treat inflammation, skin ailments, and various digestive disorders.
- Scientific name: Shirakiopsis indica
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation is within the genus Shirakiopsis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Shirakiopsis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Shiraikiaopsis indica, is recognized by various local names across different regions and languages. In Japan, it is referred to as マーブルハゼ (ja), while in Malaysia, it is commonly called Pokok Gurah (ms). In Thailand, the plant is known as สมอทะเล (th), and in the Malayalam-speaking regions, it goes by ചില്ലക്കമ്പട്ടി (ml). Additionally, in Chinese, it is identified as 齿叶乌桕 (zh).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ja | マーブルハゼ | Wikidata |
| ms | Pokok Gurah | Wikidata |
| th | สมอทะเล | Wikidata |
| ml | ചില്ലക്കമ്പട്ടി | Wikidata |
| zh | 齿叶乌桕 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 齿叶乌桕 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 齒葉烏桕 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it is specifically found in the Southeast part of the country. Its presence is also well-established across the Indian Subcontinent, where it grows in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Additionally, the species extends into the Indo-China region, specifically inhabiting the Andaman Islands. Collectively, these locations highlight the diverse habitats where the species can be found.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Andaman Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Myanmar | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Nicobar Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Thailand | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
| Malesia | Borneo | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Shorea robusta (commonly known as Sal, often associated with the Shorea genus including species like Shorea indica), possesses distinct medicinal properties derived from specific components. The saps/latex are particularly significant, as the resin and exudates collected from the tree are frequently utilized in traditional medicine for their antiseptic and healing qualities. Additionally, the fruits, which are typically winged capsules, contain various compounds that contribute to the overall pharmacological profile of the species.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| fruits | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saps/latex | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Shirakiopsis indica has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Antioxidant.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Shirakiopsis indica has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HIV, Inflammation, analgesic, anti-oxidant, hemolysis.
- Total uses
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| HIV | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anti-oxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hemolysis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| protein denaturation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |