Symplocos

Symplocos, commonly known as Lodestone tree, is a versatile genus of flowering plants valued for its diverse medicinal properties. Rich in bioactive alkaloids and flavonoids, various species are traditionally used to treat inflammation, digestive issues, and skin ailments. This botanical treasure continues to inspire modern pharmacological research and therapeutic development.

  • Scientific name: Symplocos
  • Family: Symplocaceae
  • 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. It is further classified within the order Ericales and the family Symplocaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Symplocos.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ericales WCVP
Family Symplocaceae WCVP
Genus Symplocos WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Symplocos, is referred to by several common names across different linguistic regions. In Simplified Chinese (zh-hans, zh-cn), as well as in Traditional Chinese used in Taiwan (zh-han), Hong Kong (zh-hk), and Singapore (zh-sg), it is commonly known as 山矾属.
Language Common Name Source
zh-hans 山矾属 Wikidata
zh-hant 山礬属 Wikidata
zh-hk 山礬属 Wikidata
zh-cn 山矾属 Wikidata
zh-sg 山矾属 Wikidata
zh-tw 山礬属 Wikidata
ja ハイノキ属 Wikidata
cs samoduť Wikidata
mrj Симплокос Wikidata
vi Họ Dung Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several distinct regions of China. It can be found throughout the China South-Central area, spanning diverse ecological zones. The species is also documented in the tropical environment of Hainan. Moving northward, its range extends into the vast landscapes of Inner Mongolia. Finally, its presence is noted in both Manchuria and the China North-Central regions.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China Hainan WCVP
China Inner Mongolia WCVP
China Manchuria WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
China Tibet WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
Eastern Asia Nansei-shoto WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Symplocos, utilizes its bark as a primary source for various medicinal applications. The bark is often harvested for its rich chemical composition, containing specific alkaloids and tannins that contribute to its therapeutic properties. In traditional medicine, preparations derived from the bark are frequently employed for their astringent and anti-inflammatory qualities, making it a vital component in the study of its pharmacological potential.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
bark 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Symplocos has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, iridoids, lignans, phenols, steroids.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
iridoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
lignans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
steroids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Symplocos has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include fever, hemostasis, leprosy, malaria, menorrhagia.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
fever 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hemostasis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leprosy 1 ★☆☆☆☆
malaria 1 ★☆☆☆☆
menorrhagia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ulcers 1 ★☆☆☆☆