Xanthorhiza simplicissima

Xanthorhiza simplicissima, commonly known as Yellowroot, is a perennial herb native to western North America. Renowned in traditional ethnobotany, its bitter rhizomes have long been utilized for their medicinal properties. Today, researchers study this plant for its potential bioactive compounds, exploring its applications in treating various inflammatory conditions.

  • Scientific name: Xanthorhiza simplicissima
  • Family: Ranunculaceae
  • Native range: Europe

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

Chemicals

Xanthorhiza simplicissima has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include berberine, flavonoids, puntarenine, sterols, triterpenes.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
berberine 2 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
puntarenine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sterols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
triterpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Xanthorhiza simplicissima has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Bitter, Tonic.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Bitter 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Tonic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Xanthorhiza simplicissima has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, cramps, jaundice, ulcers.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Candida albicans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cryptococcus neoformans 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cramps 1 ★☆☆☆☆
jaundice 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ulcers 1 ★☆☆☆☆