Swertia japonica

Swertiia japonica, commonly known as Japanese Gentian, is a perennial herb highly valued in traditional medicine. Belonging to the Gentianaceae family, it is prized for its bitter principles, which stimulate digestion and support liver health. This potent botanical serves as a vital remedy for promoting metabolic wellness and vitality.

  • Scientific name: Swertia japonica
  • Family: Gentianaceae
  • 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 and the order Gentianales, it is a member of the Gentianaceae family. It is specifically categorized under the genus Swertia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Gentianales WCVP
Family Gentianaceae WCVP
Genus Swertia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Swertia japonica, is referred to by several different common names depending on the language. In Korean, it is called 쓴풀 (sseun-pul), while in Japanese, it is known as センブリ (senburi). Across various Chinese linguistic contexts, including standard Chinese (zh), Simplified Chinese (zh-cn), and Traditional Chinese (zh-tw), the plant is commonly identified as 日本獐牙菜 (Rìběn zhāngyácài).
Language Common Name Source
ko 쓴풀 Wikidata
ja センブリ Wikidata
zh 日本獐牙菜 Wikidata
zh-cn 日本獐牙菜 Wikidata
zh-tw 日本獐牙菜 Wikidata
sl japonska svercija Wikidata
zh-hans 日本獐牙菜 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range localized within the Eastern Asian region. Its natural habitat is primarily documented in the archipelago of Japan. Additionally, the species can be found growing across various parts of Korea. These two countries represent the core areas where its distribution is established. Consequently, its presence is concentrated within these particular East Asian territories.

Region Area Source
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP

Chemicals

Swertia japonica has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include swertiamarin, Bellidifolin, sweroside.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
swertiamarin 4 ★★☆☆☆
Bellidifolin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sweroside 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Swertia japonica has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gastrointestinal disease.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
gastrointestinal disease 1 ★☆☆☆☆