Riparian greenbrier
Smilax riparia · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (22 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Riparian greenbriar, scientifically known as Smilax riparia, is a versatile perennial climber found in moist, shaded habitats. Renowned for its medicinal properties, this plant has historically been utilized in traditional remedies to support digestive health and reduce inflammation. Its robust vines and distinctive berries make it a significant botanical specimen.
- Family
- Smilacaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Temperate
- Parts used
- Rhizome · Root
- Common names
- Riparian Greenbrier
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names
Common Names
- Riparian greenbrier
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Smilax ripariaTaxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Liliales, it is classified under the family Smilacaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Smilax.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Liliales | WCVP |
| Family | Smilacaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Smilax | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions of East Asia. In the Russian Far East, it can be specifically found within the Primorye territory. Its presence extends significantly into China, where it is documented in the South-Central region as well as on the island of Hainan. Furthermore, the species inhabits the northern reaches of China, including Inner Mongolia and Manchuria. These diverse locations highlight the wide range of habitats the species occupies.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Russian Far East | Primorye | WCVP |
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | Inner Mongolia | WCVP |
| China | Manchuria | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Japan | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
| Eastern Asia | Taiwan | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Smilax riparia, utilizes its extensive underground structures to store nutrients and facilitate spreading through its habitat. The roots form a foundational network that anchors the plant firmly into the soil, while the rhizomes act as horizontal, modified stems that allow the plant to propagate vegetatively and colonize new areas. Together, these underground parts are essential for the plant's survival and are often the focus of botanical study due to their physiological importance.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| rhizome | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Smilax riparia has 13 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Coumarins, DEHYDROABIETIC ACID, Ferulic acid methyl ester, ISOVANILLIN, Pteryxin.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Coumarins | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| DEHYDROABIETIC ACID | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Ferulic acid methyl ester | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ISOVANILLIN | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Pteryxin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Riparoside B | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Tannins | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Terpenoids | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Vanillic acid | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| benzoic acid | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Coumarins
- Current rheumatology reviews
DEHYDROABIETIC ACID
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
Ferulic acid methyl ester
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
ISOVANILLIN
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
Pteryxin
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
Riparoside B
- Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
Tannins
- Current rheumatology reviews
Terpenoids
- Current rheumatology reviews
Vanillic acid
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
benzoic acid
- Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
Medicinal Uses
Smilax riparia has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include hyperuricemia, Gout, gout.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| hyperuricemia | Journal of ethnopharmacology (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Gout | Current rheumatology reviews (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gout | Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| "Niu-Wei-Cai" | Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |