Viscum articulatum
Viscum articulatum · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (42 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Viscum articulatum, scientifically known as Viscum articulatum, is a fascinating parasitic plant native to specific tropical regions. Known for its unique ability to derive nutrients from host trees, this species holds significant ethnobotanical importance. Traditional medicinal practices often utilize its properties to treat various ailments, offering intriguing pharmacological potential.
- Family
- Santalaceae
- Native range
- Asia-Temperate
- Parts used
- Leaf · Stem
- Common names
- Not available
- Scientific synonyms
- Viscum Articulatum Var. Flexuosum · Phoradendron Dichotomum · 16 more
Names
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Viscum articulatumSynonyms
- Viscum articulatum var. flexuosum
- Phoradendron dichotomum
- Viscum aoraiense
- Viscum philippense
- Viscum aphyllum
- Viscum elongatum
- Viscum flexuosum
- Viscum fragile
- Viscum sertularia
- Korthalsella aoraiensis
- Korthalsella articulata
- Aspidixia dichotoma
- Aspidixia articulata
- Aspidixia attenuata
- Bifaria aoraiensis
- Viscum platycaulon
- Viscum attenuatum
- Viscum compressum
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Santalales, it is situated in the family Santalaceae. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Viscum and the species Viscum articulatum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Santalales | WCVP |
| Family | Santalaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Viscum | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions in Asia. Within China, it can be found growing in the South-Central, Southeast, and Hainan areas. Its presence extends further into the Indian Subcontinent, specifically inhabiting the region of Assam. Additionally, the species is documented to grow within the borders of Bangladesh. Together, these locations highlight the specific tropical and subtropical habitats favored by the species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | Hainan | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Assam | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | India | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Nepal | WCVP |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Andaman Is. | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Cambodia | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Viscum articulatum, is characterized by its distinct morphological features across its various structures. The leaves are typically small and adapted to its specific growing environment, often providing the primary surface for photosynthesis. The stems are central to its growth habit, with the individual stem segments connecting the nodes that define its branching pattern. While the root system may be specialized depending on its parasitic or epiphytic nature, the structural integrity of the plant is further supported by its bark, which protects the internal vascular tissues.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| leaf | The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology (and other 2 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Viscum articulatum has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include betulinic acid, Betulin, ERIODICTYOL, OLEANOLIC ACID, naringenin.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| betulinic acid | 2 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Betulin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ERIODICTYOL | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| OLEANOLIC ACID | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| naringenin | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
betulinic acid
- Dr. Duke
- The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
Betulin
- Dr. Duke
ERIODICTYOL
- The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
OLEANOLIC ACID
- The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
naringenin
- The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
Activities
Viscum articulatum has 23 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anthelmintic, AntiHIV, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Anticarcinomic.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Anthelmintic | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| AntiHIV | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticarcinomic | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiedemic | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifeedant | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiflu | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiinflammatory | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antileukemic | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Viscum articulatum has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HIV, cancer, epilepsy, hypertension, inflammation.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| HIV | The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| epilepsy | The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflammation | The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ulcer | The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| wound | The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| popular drink | Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |