Geum japonicum

Taxobox
name = "Geum japonicum"


regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Rosales
familia = Rosaceae
genus = "Geum"
species = "G. japonicum"
binomial = "Geum japonicum"
binomial_authority = L.
subdivision_ranks = Varieties
subdivision = "G. j." var. "Thunberg"

Geum japonicum is a yellow-flowering perennial 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 [Geum japonicum. Plants for a Future. Retrieved August 6, 2008, from [http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Geum+japonicum http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Geum+japonicum] ] . 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" [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] , to reduce myocardial infarct size by 35-45% when administered following a heart attack [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] , and to inhibit apoptosis [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] . As such, it can be found included in bodybuilding supplements such as [http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/map/anabolicod.html Chronic Fruit Punch] . It also has possible anti-viral properties [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 http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/MeetingAbstracts/ma?f=102217030.html] ] , including action against HIV [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] and HSV [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] . Action against tumors has also been noted [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] .

References

External links

* [http://www.botanic.jp/plants-ta/daikso.htm photos of "G. japonicum" in Japan]
* [http://aoki2.si.gunma-u.ac.jp/BotanicalGarden/HTMLs/daikonsou.html more photos in Japan]
* [http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7387801.html free patent on "G. japonicum Thunb" extract]