Geum japonicum

Geum japonicum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Geum
Species: G. japonicum
Binomial name
Geum japonicum
L.
Varieties

G. j. var. Thunberg


Geum japonicum is a yellow-flowering perennial plant native to North America and East Asia, especially Japan. It may be synonymous with Geum macrophyllum, the North American flower. As a traditional herbal remedy it is known as an astringent and used in poultices.[1] However, in recent years, the Thunberg variant has received attention for other possible medical uses.

With regard to muscular recovery, an extract has been found to help muscles recover following "severe injury",[2] to reduce myocardial infarct size by 35-45% when administered following a heart attack,[3] and to inhibit apoptosis.[4] It also has possible anti-viral properties,[5] including action against HIV [6] and HSV.[7] Action against tumors has also been noted.[8]

References

  1. Geum japonicum. Plants for a Future. Retrieved April 27, 2012, from http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Geum+japonicum
  2. Cheng et al. (2006). A new function of a previously isolated compound that stimulates activation and differentiation of myogenic precursor cells leading to efficient myofiber regeneration and muscle repair. Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2006;38(7):1123-33. PMID 16431151
  3. Li et al. (2006). Repair of infarcted myocardium by an extract of Geum japonicum with dual effects on angiogenesis and myogenesis. Clin Chem. 2006 Aug;52(8):1460-8. PMID 16873297
  4. Gu et al. (2007). Neovascularization of ischemic myocardium by newly isolated tannins prevents cardiomyocyte apoptosis and improves cardiac function. Mol Med. 2006 Nov-Dec;12(11-12):275-83. PMID 17380192
  5. Kageyama et al. (1996). Potent activity of the extract of Geum japonicum Thunb. For the prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus infection in AIDS patients. Int Conf AIDS. 1996 Jul 7-12; 11: 65. Retrieved August 8, 2008, from http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/MeetingAbstracts/ma?f=102217030.html
  6. Xu, Ming, Dong, & Butt. (2000). A new anti-HIV triterpene from Geum japonicum. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2000 Sep;48(9):1367-9. PMID 10993241
  7. Kurokawa et al. (1998). Purification and characterization of eugeniin as an anti-herpesvirus compound from Geum japonicum and Syzygium aromaticum. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1998 Feb;284(2):728-35. PMID 9454821
  8. Heo et al. (2008). A fraction of methylene chloride from Geum japonicum Thunberg inhibits tumor metastatic and angiogenic potential. Oncol Rep. 2008 Jun;19(6):1399-403. PMID 18497943

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