shrub yellowroot
Xanthorhiza simplicissima · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Extensive (162 studies) · ★★★★☆
Shrub yellowroot, scientifically known as Xanthorhiza simplicissima, is a perennial medicinal plant native to western North America. Renowned for its bright yellow rhizomes, it has historically been utilized in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, serving as a potent remedy for digestive and skin ailments.
Names
Common Names
- yellowroot
- Shrub Yellowroot
- Shrubby Yellow-root
- brook-feather
Regional and Traditional Names
German:
- Gelbwurz
- Xanthoriza
- Gelbwurz
French:
- Xanthorhiza
Scientific Names
Accepted name
Xanthorhiza simplicissimaSynonyms
- Zanthorhiza apiifolia
- Xanthorhiza tinctoria
- Zanthorhiza apiifolia var. ternata
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known as Xanthorhiza simplicissima, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is classified under the family Ranunculaceae and the genus Xanthorhiza.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ranunculales | WCVP |
| Family | Ranunculaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Xanthorhiza | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical distribution that spans across different regions. In North America, it can be found throughout the Northeastern United States, specifically in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York. Interestingly, the species also has a presence in Middle Europe, notably within Germany. This wide range illustrates how the plant adapts to varying environments across two continents. Consequently, its habitat extends from the coastal areas of the Northeast to the landscapes of Central Europe.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | Maine | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | Massachusetts | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | New Hampshire | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | New York | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | Ohio | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | West Virginia | WCVP |
| South-Central U.S.A. | Texas | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Alabama | WCVP |
| Southeastern U.S.A. | Florida | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as yellow jasmine, is a perennial herb where the most significant medicinal components are found within its vibrant yellow roots. While the whole plant can be studied for its botanical characteristics, it is the rhizomes and roots that are most frequently harvested and utilized for their therapeutic properties.| Plant Part | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| root | Natural product research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Xanthorhiza simplicissima has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include berberine, Berberastine, Flavonoids, Jatrorrhizine, Magnoflorine.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| berberine | 3 supporting sources | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Berberastine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Flavonoids | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Jatrorrhizine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Magnoflorine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Obamegine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Oxyacanthine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Puntarenine | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Sterols | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Triterpenes | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
berberine
- Dr. Duke
- Natural product research
- Journal of pharmaceutical sciences
Berberastine
- Dr. Duke
Flavonoids
- Natural product research
Jatrorrhizine
- Dr. Duke
Magnoflorine
- Dr. Duke
Obamegine
- Dr. Duke
Oxyacanthine
- Dr. Duke
Puntarenine
- Journal of pharmaceutical sciences
Sterols
- Natural product research
Triterpenes
- Natural product research
Activities
Xanthorhiza simplicissima has 143 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include (+)-Inotropic, Abortifacient, Adrenolytic, Amebicide, Analgesic.
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| (+)-Inotropic | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Abortifacient | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Adrenolytic | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Amebicide | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anesthetic | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiacetylcholinesterase | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiacne | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiadrenergic | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiaggregant | Dr. Duke (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Xanthorhiza simplicissima has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, cramps, jaundice, ulcers.
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Candida albicans | Journal of pharmaceutical sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cryptococcus neoformans | Journal of pharmaceutical sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cramps | Natural product research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| jaundice | Natural product research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ulcers | Natural product research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Preparations
| Preparations | Sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| bitter | Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| organic extract of the whole plant | Journal of pharmaceutical sciences (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | Natural product research (and other 1 sources) | ★☆☆☆☆ |