Ulmus parvifolia
What's the taxonomical classification of Ulmus parvifolia?
Ulmus parvifolia belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the evolutionary hierarchy, it is situated in the class Equisetopsida and the subclass Magnoliidae. Following the order Rosales, the plant is placed in the family Ulmaceae. It is further categorized under the genus Ulmus, and its specific biological designation is completed by the species name parvifolia.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Ulmaceae |
| Genus | Ulmus |
| Species | parvifolia |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Ulmus parvifolia has small, alternate, ovate to lanceolate leaves measuring 1 to 3 inches long with doubly serrated margins and asymmetric bases. The bark of the mature tree is distinctive, featuring a mottled texture where it exfoliates in patches to reveal shades of gray, orange, and brown. Its branching structure is typically spreading, supporting a canopy that can be rounded or irregular depending on its environment. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, appearing in early spring before the leaves fully expand. This species produces small, winged samaras that facilitate wind dispersal of its seeds.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to East Asia, spanning a vast territory that includes China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan. Within these regions, it thrives in diverse environments ranging from coastal lowlands to mountainous forests. Because of its exceptional adaptability, it has been widely introduced to other parts of the world, including North America and Europe. It is frequently used in urban landscaping across temperate zones due to its ability to tolerate varied soil types and pollution. This widespread presence is a result of both its natural range and its success as an ornamental species in global horticulture.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant, Ulmus parvifolia, thrives when planted in well-draining soil within full sun to partial shade environments and requires regular watering during its establishment phase.
It is highly valued in landscaping for its ability to tolerate various soil types, including clay and sandy compositions. Once mature, the tree becomes quite drought-tolerant and can withstand urban pollution and compacted ground. Pruning should be performed in late winter to maintain its shape and encourage vigorous growth.
Careful monitoring for fungal diseases ensures the long-term health of this versatile deciduous species.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Ulmus parvifolia is utilized medicinally through its bark, leaves, and seeds to treat various ailments. The bark is often prepared as a decoction to address inflammatory conditions and digestive issues. Its leaves are frequently used in topical applications or teas to reduce fevers and soothe skin irritations. The seeds can also be processed for their potential nutritional and therapeutic benefits. These different components work together to provide a diverse range of traditional healing properties.
According to a study published by "Plant signaling & behavior", the bark and leaves of Ulmus parvifolia are used in the treatment of diseases such as inflammation, diarrhea and fever. Through an untargeted metabolomics approach, a total of 2,578 and 2,207 metabolites were identified in the seeds and bark, respectively. The study found that 503 and 132 unique metabolites were identified in the seeds and bark. Additionally, 574 differential metabolites were detected in the two different organs and were grouped into 52 classes. These differential metabolites contained bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- bark
- leaves
- seeds
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Ulmus parvifolia, has been utilized extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various ailments through its bark, leaves, and roots. Practitioners historically prepared decoctions from the bark to address inflammatory conditions and skin disorders. The plant was also valued for its ability to clear heat and resolve toxicity within the body. In addition to medicinal applications, its durable wood was frequently used in traditional woodworking and construction. These historical uses highlight the multifaceted role the species played in ancient botanical practices.
According to a study published by "Plant signaling & behavior", Ulmus parvifolia is a Chinese medicine plant. Its bark and leaves are used in the treatment of diseases such as inflammation, diarrhea and fever. Through untargeted metabolomics, a total of 2,578 and 2,207 metabolites were identified in the seeds and bark, respectively. This analysis revealed 503 and 132 unique metabolites in the seeds and bark, while 574 differential metabolites were detected across 52 classes. These differential metabolites include bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Ulmus parvifolia?
This plant has diverse pharmacological activities including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, wound healing, and epidermal skin rejuvenation properties. Its high concentration of bioactive compounds helps neutralize free radicals to protect cells from oxidative stress. These constituents also inhibit inflammatory pathways and promote the rapid closure of tissue injuries. Furthermore, the extract stimulates cellular turnover to enhance skin elasticity and appearance. Research suggests that these multifaceted effects make it a valuable candidate for both medicinal and dermatological applications.
According to a study published by "Plant signaling & behavior", the bark and leaves of Ulmus parvifolia are utilized in the treatment of diseases including inflammation, diarrhea, and fever. Through untargeted metabolomics, 2,578 metabolites were identified in the seeds and 2,207 metabolites in the bark. The analysis detected 574 differential metabolites (DEMs) grouped into 52 classes, with the flavonoid class having the highest relative content. These DEMs contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpene glycosides, triterpenoids, and sesquiterpenoids that possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. While most flavonoids and sesquiterpenes were up-regulated in the seeds, more varieties of terpene glycosides and triterpenoids were up-regulated in the bark.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- anti-cancer
- anti-inflammatory
- antioxidant
- epidermal skin rejuvenation
- wound healing
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains a diverse array of bioactive medicinal compounds including flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpenoids, terpene glycosides, and triterpenoids. These phytochemicals contribute to the plant's complex pharmacological profile and potential therapeutic applications. The presence of various flavonoids provides significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to the species. Additionally, the sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids work alongside terpene glycosides to influence biological pathways. Triterpenoids further enhance the medicinal value by offering potential antimicrobial and cytoprotective effects.
According to a study published by "Plant signaling & behavior", Ulmus parvifolia is a Chinese medicine plant whose bark and leaves are used to treat diseases such as inflammation, diarrhea and fever. Metabolite profiling identified a total of 2,578 metabolites in seeds and 2,207 in bark, including 503 unique metabolites in seeds and 132 unique metabolites in bark. A total of 574 differential metabolites were detected across 52 classes, with the flavonoids class having the highest relative content. These differential metabolites contain bioactive compounds like flavonoids, terpene glycosides, triterpenoids, and sesquiterpenoids that possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. Most flavonoids and sesquiterpenes were up-regulated in seeds, while more varieties of terpene glycosides and triterpenoids were up-regulated in the bark.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- flavonoids
- sesquiterpenes
- sesquiterpenoids
- terpene glycosides
- triterpenoids
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for treating wounds, skin wound healing, inflammation, lipid peroxidation, and epidermal skin rejuvenation. Its bioactive compounds work to reduce oxidative stress by inhibiting lipid peroxidation within damaged cells. The plant also possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe irritated tissues. Additionally, it promotes the biological processes necessary for effective skin wound healing and the closure of open wounds. These combined medicinal effects make it a versatile agent for restoring and rejuvenating the epidermis.
According to a study published by "Plant signaling & behavior", Ulmus parvifolia is a Chinese medicine plant used in the treatment of diseases such as inflammation, diarrhea and fever. The bark and leaves of the species are utilized for these purposes. Analysis identified 2,578 and 2,207 metabolites in the seeds and bark, respectively, with 503 and 132 unique metabolites found in each. A total of 574 differential metabolites were detected across the 2 different organs and were grouped into 52 classes. These differential metabolites include bioactive compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflamatory, and anti-cancer activities.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- epidermal skin rejuvenation
- inflammation
- lipid peroxidation
- skin wound healing
- wounds
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is used to create medicinal herbal preparations such as decoctions, tinctures, and a fine powder derived from its bark or leaves. The bark is frequently boiled into a tea to treat inflammatory conditions and digestive issues. When processed into a powder, the plant material can be easily incorporated into capsules or applied topically to soothe skin irritations. These various forms allow practitioners to tailor the dosage and method of administration based on the specific ailment being addressed. Consistent use of these preparations supports traditional approaches to managing systemic inflammation.
According to a study published by "Journal of clinical medicine", Ulmus parvifolia root bark powder is a medicinal plant used traditionally for the treatment of wounds. In a mouse wound healing model, wound lesions decreased when using 200 mesh Ulmus parvifolia root bark powder. In vitro experiments showed that Ulmus parvifolia extract promoted the migration of human skin keratinocytes. The treatment with Ulmus parvifolia powder upregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 protein and significantly increased transforming growth factor-beta levels. Topical administration of the bark powder exerted a significant effect on skin wound healing by upregulating the expression of MMP and transforming growth factor-beta.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- powder
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause allergic skin reactions, respiratory irritation, and digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. Contact with the bark or leaves may trigger contact dermatitis, resulting in redness, itching, or rashes on the skin. Inhaling pollen or fine particles from the plant can lead to sneezing, coughing, or aggravated asthma symptoms. Ingesting parts of the plant may cause nausea or stomach upset if not prepared correctly. While many use it in traditional practices, these potential side effects necessitate caution during use.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
What herbs are paired with Ulmus parvifolia?
This plant, Ulmus parvifolia, is most effectively paired with medicinal herbs like dandelion, ginger, and licorice to balance its cooling properties.
When used in traditional decoctions, the addition of ginger provides a warming contrast to the tree's naturally astringent nature. Dandelion root can be combined with the bark to support liver detoxification and digestive health. Including licorice root helps to mellow the bitter notes of the elm while acting as a soothing agent for the throat.
These combinations are frequently utilized in herbalism to enhance the overall efficacy of the preparation.