Home > Herbs > Torreya Nucifera

Japanese nutmeg-yew

Torreya nucifera · Accepted scientific name

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

Japanese nutmeg-yew, scientifically known as Torreya nucifera, is a rare coniferous evergreen native to the subtropical forests of Japan. Highly valued for its nutritious seeds and traditional medicinal properties, this species plays a vital role in local ecosystems and offers significant potential for botanical research and sustainable cultivation.

Family
Taxaceae
Native range
Asia-Temperate
Parts used
Leaf
Common names
Japanese Nutmeg Tree · Japanese Torreya · 3 more
Scientific synonyms
Tumion Nuciferum · Torreya Nucifera F. Sphaerica · 14 more

Names

Common Names

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • torreya japonesa
  • kaya

German:

  • Japanische Nusseibe
  • Japanische Stinkeibe
  • Japanische Nusseibe

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Torreya nucifera

Synonyms

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, placing it within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Pinidae. It is further classified under the order Pinales and the family Taxaceae. Within this hierarchy, it is specifically identified by the genus Torreya.

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

Distribution

This plant, known as Torreya nucifera, exhibits a specific geographical distribution within the Eastern Asian region. Its natural range is primarily concentrated in the temperate forests of Japan. Additionally, it can be found growing across various parts of the Korean Peninsula. These specific locations represent the core habitats where the species thrives naturally. Consequently, its presence is limited to these two key East Asian territories.

Region Area Source
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Torreya nucifera, is a coniferous evergreen whose medicinal and biological properties are closely associated with its unique morphological structures, most notably its leaves. The leaves are linear, needle-like, and arranged in a spiral pattern along the branches, providing a dense, dark green canopy that is characteristic of the species. In the context of traditional and pharmacological studies, these needle-like leaves are often examined for their bioactive compounds, which contribute to the overall chemical profile of the tree.
Plant Part Sources Consensus
leaf Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Torreya nucifera has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Amentoflavone, Arctigenin, quercetin.

Chemicals reported in Torreya nucifera
Chemical Supporting sources Consensus
Amentoflavone 4 supporting sources ★★☆☆☆
Arctigenin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Amentoflavone

  1. Journal of integrative medicine
  2. Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics
  3. Journal of ethnopharmacology
  4. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry

Arctigenin

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

quercetin

  1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Torreya nucifera has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiviral.

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Consensus
Antiviral Journal of biomolecular structure & dynamics (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Torreya nucifera has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include COVID-19.

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Consensus
COVID-19 Journal of integrative medicine (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆

Preparations

Preparations Sources Consensus
ethanol extract Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry (and other 1 sources) ★☆☆☆☆