Taxus chinensis
Chinese yew
Taxus chinensis, commonly known as the Chinese yew, is a significant evergreen conifer prized in traditional medicine. Renowned for its longevity and ornamental beauty, this species contains bioactive alkaloids. These compounds are crucial in modern pharmacology, particularly for synthesizing potent anticancer agents used in advanced chemotherapy treatments worldwide.
- Scientific name: Taxus chinensis
- Family: Taxaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Classified under the subclass Pinidae and order Pinales, it is a member of the Taxaceae family. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Taxus as the species Taxus chinensis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Pinidae | WCVP |
| Order | Pinales | WCVP |
| Family | Taxaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Taxus | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Taxus chinensis, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Chinese, it is identified as 红豆杉 (zh-hans), 紅豆杉 (zh-hant), and 紅豆杉 (zh-hk). In Azerbaijani, it is called Çin qaraçöhrəsi (az), while in Norwegian, it is known as Kinesisk barlind (nb).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 红豆杉 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 紅豆杉 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 紅豆杉 | Wikidata |
| az | Çin qaraçöhrəsi | Wikidata |
| nb | Kinesisk barlind | Wikidata |
| zh | 红豆杉 | Wikidata |
| bg | китайски тис | Wikidata |
| ja | チュウゴクイチイ | Wikidata |
| yue | 紅豆杉 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 红豆杉 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Taxus chinensis, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across various regions of China. It can be found growing within the landscapes of China South-Central. Additionally, the species is present in the territories of China North-Central. Its natural range also extends into the areas of China Southeast. Consequently, these three distinct regions define the primary geographical presence of this medicinal species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China North-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Taxus chinensis, is characterized by several distinct morphological features used in various traditional applications. The annual leaves are needle-like and densely arranged along the stems, which provide the structural support for the evergreen growth. While the leaves themselves are often studied for their complex chemical compounds, other parts of the plant are equally significant in botanical descriptions. The barks of the tree are typically used in specialized preparations, and although the plant produces distinctive red, fleshy arils, the seeds contained within are known to be highly toxic and must be handled with extreme caution.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 7
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stems | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| barks | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| annual leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Taxus chinensis has 54 reported phytochemicals identified across 70 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include baccatin III, paclitaxel, taxol, Taxol, cephalomannine.
- Total chemicals
- 54
- Scientific sources
- 70
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| baccatin III | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| paclitaxel | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| taxol | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Taxol | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| cephalomannine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ginkgetin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rutin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| taxane | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 10-deacetyl baccatin III | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Taxus chinensis has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer.
- Total activities
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Taxus chinensis has 13 reported medicinal uses identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, Triple-negative breast cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, heart.
- Total uses
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Triple-negative breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colorectal cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| heart | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| lung cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| neuroinflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ovarian cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |