Japanese Arbor-vitae

Thuja standishii · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (9 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Japanese Arbor-vitae, scientifically known as Thuja standishii, is a versatile evergreen prized in traditional medicine. Renowned for its aromatic foliage, it is often utilized in herbal remedies to support respiratory health and skin vitality. This resilient conifer offers unique bioactive compounds, bridging the gap between ornamental beauty and wellness.

Family
Cupressaceae
Native range
Asia-Temperate
Parts used
Bark · Stem Bark
Common names
Japanese Arbor-Vitae · Japanese Arborvitae · 1 more
Scientific synonyms
Thuja Gigantea Var. Japonica · Thuja Japonica · 1 more

Names

Common Names

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Tuya del Japón

German:

  • Japanischer Lebensbaum

French:

  • Thuya du Japon
  • Thuya du japon

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Thuja standishii

Synonyms

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Pinidae, it is categorized under the order Pinales and the family Cupressaceae. Finally, it is classified under the genus Thuja.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Pinidae WCVP
Order Pinales WCVP
Family Cupressaceae WCVP
Genus Thuja WCVP

Distribution

This plant, known scientifically as Thuja standishii, exhibits a specific and concentrated geographical distribution. Its natural range is primarily limited to the regions of Eastern Asia. Within this vast continent, the species is most notably found growing in Japan. The plant thrives in the unique environmental conditions provided by these Japanese habitats. Consequently, its occurrence is geographically distinct rather than being widespread across the globe.

Region Area Source
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Thuja standishii, utilizes various structural components for its medicinal and biological properties, particularly within its protective outer layers. The bark serves as a vital interface between the plant's internal systems and the environment, providing structural integrity and defense. Within this protective layer, the stem bark specifically contains concentrated bioactive compounds that are often the focus of pharmacological interest. Both the general bark and the specific stem bark are essential parts of the tree's anatomy, housing the essential oils and chemical constituents that define the species' medicinal profile.
Plant Part Sources Consensus
bark Planta medica (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆
stem bark Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Thuja standishii has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Totarol, trans-Communic acid, STANDISHINAL.

Chemicals reported in Thuja standishii
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Totarol 2 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
trans-Communic acid 2 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
STANDISHINAL 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Totarol

  1. Planta medica
  2. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry

trans-Communic acid

  1. Planta medica
  2. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry

STANDISHINAL

  1. Planta medica

Medicinal Uses

Thuja standishii has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer.

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Consensus
cancer Cancer letters (and other 2 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Preparations

Preparations Sources Consensus
stem bark Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆