Swertia petiolata

Swertia petiolata, commonly known as a significant medicinal herb, belongs to the Gentianaceae family. Native to tropical regions, this plant is highly valued in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. It is frequently utilized to treat digestive ailments, fever, and inflammatory conditions, offering a natural approach to holistic healing.

  • Scientific name: Swertia petiolata
  • Family: Gentianaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Gentianales. Finally, it is a member of the family Gentianaceae and falls 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 petiolata, is identified by the common name 长柄獐牙菜 in Chinese (zh).
Language Common Name Source
zh 长柄獐牙菜 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, Swertia petiolata, exhibits a specific distribution across several mountainous regions. Within Western Asia, it can be found growing in the country of Afghanistan. Its presence extends into the Indian Subcontinent, where it is documented in Nepal. Additionally, the species is located within the territories of Pakistan. Finally, its geographical range includes the distinct ecological zone of the West Himalaya.

Region Area Source
Western Asia Afghanistan WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Nepal WCVP
Indian Subcontinent Pakistan WCVP
Indian Subcontinent West Himalaya WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Swertia petiolata, is a medicinal species where the therapeutic properties are primarily concentrated in the underground structures. Specifically, the rhizome serves as the most significant part used in traditional medicinal practices, containing the bioactive compounds necessary for its healing effects. While other parts of the plant may be present, it is this sturdy, subterranean stem that is most frequently harvested and processed for pharmacological applications.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
rhizome 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Swertia petiolata has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 1,3-dihydroxy-5,8-dimethoxyxanthone, 1,8-dihydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyxanthone, 1-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyxanthone.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
1,3-dihydroxy-5,8-dimethoxyxanthone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
1,8-dihydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyxanthone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
1-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyxanthone 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Swertia petiolata has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include parasitic infections.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
parasitic infections 1 ★☆☆☆☆