Swertia punicea
Swertiia punicea, commonly known as the Punicea Gentian, is a significant medicinal herb valued in traditional pharmacology. Belonging to the Gentianaceae family, this plant is prized for its potent bioactive compounds. It is frequently utilized for its bitter properties, supporting digestive health and exhibiting various antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities.
- Scientific name: Swertia punicea
- Family: Gentianaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianales, it is classified under the family Gentianaceae. Its scientific identity is finalized within the genus Swertia, specifically as the species Swertia punicea.
| 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, Swertia punicea, is known by several different common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In Chinese, it is frequently referred to as 紫红獐牙菜, a name that is also used in its simplified forms, 紫红獐牙菜 (zh-hans) and 紫红獐牙菜 (zh-cn). Additionally, it is commonly known as 土黄莲 (zh) and 山飘儿草 (zh).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 紫红獐牙菜 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 紫红獐牙菜 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 紫红獐牙菜 | Wikidata |
| zh | 土黄莲 | Wikidata |
| zh | 山飘儿草 | Wikidata |
| zh | 草龙胆 | Wikidata |
| zh | 紫红獐芽菜 | Wikidata |
| zh | 水黄连 | Wikidata |
| zh | 苦胆草 | Wikidata |
| zh | 水黄莲 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily found within specific regions of East Asia. Its natural habitat encompasses the South-Central part of China. Additionally, it can be identified growing throughout the Southeast portion of the country. These two specific areas define its primary geographical distribution. Consequently, the species is localized to these particular Chinese territories.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
Chemicals
Swertia punicea has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include gentiopicroside, mangiferin.
- Total chemicals
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| gentiopicroside | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| mangiferin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Swertia punicea has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Hypoglycemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypolipidemic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Swertia punicea has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| insulin resistance | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| type 2 diabetes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |