Aralia continentalis
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID643fe52ce03db755528667 |
| Scientific name | Aralia continentalis |
| Authority | Kitag. |
| First published in | Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 49: 228 (1935) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
In the mountainous districts of central Korea, dried leaves of Aralia continentalis are brewed as a mild tea to relieve cough and clear the throat (Lee & Kim, 2004). In northern China, the roots are boiled for 30 minutes to make a decoction that is taken in small doses for rheumatic joint pain and to stimulate diuresis (Li & Wang, 2017). Among the Ainu of Hokkaido and neighboring Japanese islands, the fresh bark is crushed into a poultice and applied to inflamed skin or minor wounds (Tanaka, 2018). A further, less‑common practice in the Korean peninsula records the use of the leaf as a compress for bruises (Park et al., 2015). In the highlands of Sichuan, the tender stems are simmered for 20 minutes and the broth is taken warm twice daily to reduce fever (Chen & Liu, 2016). In the Korean province of Gyeonggi, the fresh leaf is also lightly crushed, mixed with cold water, and applied as a compress to soothe insect bites (Park et al., 2015). Among the rural communities of Liaoning, the dried root is ground into a fine powder, mixed with hot water, and consumed as a mild decoction to aid digestion (Zhang et al., 2019).
A practical preparation for a mild leaf tea: measure 2–3 g of dried leaf (approximately one small handful) and place in a pot with 250 ml of freshly boiled water. Cover and steep for 5–7 minutes, then strain. The resulting infusion can be taken warm, 1–2 cups per day. A safety note: use no more than 3 g of dried leaf per day; the tea is contraindicated in pregnancy because saponins can stimulate uterine contractions, and excessive consumption may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.
Phytochemical investigations of Aralia continentalis have repeatedly shown the presence of oleanane‑type triterpenoid saponins known as aralosides A and B, a suite of flavonoids such as quercetin‑3‑O‑glucoside and kaempferol‑3‑O‑rutinoside, and phenolic acids including caffeic and chlorogenic acids (Huang et al., 2014). These compounds are well‑documented in the species and provide plausible bases for the observed expectorant, anti‑inflammatory, and diuretic actions.
Contemporary research continues to evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of the saponin fractions, while dried leaf tea from A. continentalis is increasingly marketed in Korea as a “mountain‑grown cough tea” and is sold in several health‑food stores. Field surveys in the early 2020s confirm that the plant remains a staple in local folk pharmacopoeias, although standardised dosing guidelines are still being developed (Li & Wang, 2017).
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
- Edible young shoots sold fresh in markets.
- Ornamental foliage used by florists and landscape designers.
- Small‑scale cultivated crop for the specialty vegetable market.
Food and beverages (non‑medicinal):
- The spring‑harvested shoots are collected before full leaf expansion. They are usually blanched in boiling water for 2–3 minutes, then quickly stir‑fried with garlic, soy sauce, or sesame oil, or added to clear broths such as naengmyeon or yukgaejang. The shoots are marketed in bundles of 150–200 g at traditional markets and specialty grocery stores. Some producers process the blanched shoots into lightly pickled products that retain their crisp texture, which are offered as seasonal condiments. In professional kitchens, the shoots are occasionally coated in tempura batter and deep‑fried for a garnish that contrasts with soups.
Properties relevant to use:
- The shoots have a high moisture content (≈90 % water) and low fiber (≈1 % of dry weight), resulting in a tender texture that requires only brief cooking. Their flavor is mild and slightly sweet, which blends well with soy‑based seasonings. The fresh tissue contains modest levels of vitamin C and water‑soluble pigments that impart a pale green hue to dishes.
Sustainability and sourcing:
- Historically, the species was harvested from wild populations in forest margins and mountain slopes; increasing demand has led to the development of small‑scale cultivation on marginal land, allowing growers to control harvest timing and reduce pressure on natural habitats. Harvesting is regulated under Korean wild‑vegetable guidelines that specify permissible collection seasons (April–May), allowable quantities, and post‑harvest hygiene standards. Sustainable practices include rotating cultivation plots, using mulch to retain soil moisture, and intercropping the shoots with other early‑season vegetables to improve overall land‑use efficiency. Compliance with the Korean Food Code requires that processed shoots meet the same residue limits for pesticides as other leafy greens.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Aralia cordata var. continentalis | (Kitag.) Y.C.Zhu | in Pl. Medic. Chinae Bor.-orient. (ed. Zhu You Chang) 787 (1989):. |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian | континентална аралия |
| Korean | 독활 |
| Russian | Аралия сердцевидная |
| Russian | Аралия материковая |
| Russian | Аралия континентальная |
| Chinese | 长白楤木 |
| Chinese | 东北土当归 |
| Chinese | 香秸颗 |
| Chinese | 東北土当歸 |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!| Start at 4°C for 3 months, then warm to 20°C for another 3 months. |
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
-
Asia-temperate click to expand
-
China
- China North-central
- China South-central
- China Southeast
- Inner Mongolia
- Manchuria
- Tibet
-
Eastern Asia
- Korea
-
Russian Far East
- Primorye
-
China
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000256738 |
| Tropicos | 2200811 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:89612-1 |
| The Plant List | kew-14011 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 210235 |
| Observations.org | 114685 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 287721 |
| IPNI | 89612-1 |
| iNaturalist | 775718 |
| GBIF | 3036875 |
| EOL | 1153812 |
| Elurikkus | 354480 |
| USDA GRIN | 413203 |
| CMAUP | NPO3127 |
| Plantarium | 3506 |
| PFAF | Aralia continentalis |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
Below is displayed the reference genome only!
If you wish to browse all genomes for this plant click here.
If you wish to browse all genomes for this plant click here.
| Accession | Assembly | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Level | Submitter | Released | Coverage | Size | |
| GCA_056321955.1 | ACon | Chromosome | South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences | 2026-03-25 | 50 | 1.02 Gb |
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Cumenes | |||||
| m-Cymene | 10812 | Click to see CC1=CC(=CC=C1)C(C)C | 134.22 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Diterpenoids | |||||
| Continentalic acid | 10086296 | Click to see CC1(CCC2C(=C1)CCC3C2(CCCC3(C)C(=O)O)C)C=C | 302.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02855697 |
| Ferruginol | 442027 | Click to see CC(C)C1=C(C=C2C(=C1)CCC3C2(CCCC3(C)C)C)O | 286.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Sugiol | 94162 | Click to see | 300.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Diterpenoids / Kaurane diterpenoids | |||||
| (1S,5R,9S,13R)-5,9-Dimethyl-14-methylidenetetracyclo[11.2.1.01,10.04,9]hexadecane-5-carboxylic acid | 469655 | Click to see | 302.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| ent-Kaur-16-en-19-oic acid | 3034087 | Click to see | 302.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Kaurenoic Acid | 73062 | Click to see | 302.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHROMA.2015.06.038 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids | |||||
| (1S,2S,3aS,4aS,8aS,8bS)-2-ethenyl-1-propyl-2,3,4,5,6,8a-hexahydrocyclopenta[a]indene-1,3a,4a,8b-tetrol | 163090611 | Click to see | 294.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.BMCL.2008.11.087 |
| 2-Ethenyl-1-propyl-2,3,4,5,6,8a-hexahydrocyclopenta[a]indene-1,3a,4a,8b-tetrol | 25194976 | Click to see | 294.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.BMCL.2008.11.087 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Bicyclic monoterpenoids | |||||
| (-)-3-Carene | 442461 | Click to see CC1=CCC2C(C1)C2(C)C | 136.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (+)-3-Carene | 443156 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 3-Carene | 26049 | Click to see CC1=CCC2C(C1)C2(C)C | 136.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Menthane monoterpenoids | |||||
| Beta-Phellandrene | 11142 | Click to see CC(C)C1CCC(=C)C=C1 | 136.23 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| alpha-Bisabolol | 10586 | Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)C(C)(CCC=C(C)C)O | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Bisabolol | 1549992 | Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)C(C)(CCC=C(C)C)O | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Levomenol | 442343 | Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)C(C)(CCC=C(C)C)O | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Aromadendrane sesquiterpenoids / 5,10-cycloaromadendrane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| (-)-Ledol | 6431133 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (+)-Ledol | 11074994 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 1H-Cycloprop[e]azulen-4-ol, decahydro-1,1,4,7-tetramethyl-, [1ar-(1aalpha,4alpha,4abeta,7alpha,7abeta,7balpha)]- | 6432561 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Ledum camphor | 22297324 | Click to see CC1CCC2C1C3C(C3(C)C)CCC2(C)O | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Ledum camphor | 92812 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Npc239037 | 101716 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Eudesmane, isoeudesmane or cycloeudesmane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| Npc246543 | 6432455 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Triterpenoids | |||||
| (+)-Ursolic Acid | 64945 | Click to see | 456.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 3-O-Acetyloleanolic Acid | 151202 | Click to see | 498.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Alpha-Amyrin | 73170 | Click to see | 426.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Oleanolic Acid | 10494 | Click to see | 456.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Stigmastanes and derivatives | |||||
| (-)-beta-Sitosterol | 222284 | Click to see | 414.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (3S,8S,9S,10R,13R,14S,17S)-17-[(2R,5R)-5-ethyl-6-methylheptan-2-yl]-10,13-dimethyl-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-ol | 122411793 | Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C)C(C)C | 414.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Stigmast-4-en-3-one | 5484202 | Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CCC4=CC(=O)CCC34C)C)C(C)C | 412.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Stigmasterol | 5280794 | Click to see | 412.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Alcohols and polyols / Cyclitols and derivatives / Quinic acids and derivatives | |||||
| 3,4-Dicaffeoylquinic acid | 6474309 | Click to see | 516.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 4,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid | 5281780 | Click to see C1C(C(C(CC1(C(=O)O)O)OC(=O)C=CC2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)O)OC(=O)C=CC3=CC(=C(C=C3)O)O)O | 516.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Chlorogenic Acid | 1794427 | Click to see C1C(C(C(CC1(C(=O)O)O)OC(=O)C=CC2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)O)O)O | 354.31 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| cis-Chlorogenic acid | 1794425 | Click to see | 354.31 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| isochlorogenic acid A | 6474310 | Click to see | 516.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Neochlorogenic acid | 5280633 | Click to see C1C(C(C(CC1(C(=O)O)O)OC(=O)C=CC2=CC(=C(C=C2)O)O)O)O | 354.31 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Alcohols and polyols / Tertiary alcohols | |||||
| (2R,4aS,4bR,7S,8aS,9aS)-7,8a-bis(ethenyl)-2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9-octahydro-1H-fluorene-2,4a,4b,9a-tetrol | 162894355 | Click to see | 294.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.BMCL.2008.12.009 |
| 7,8a-bis(ethenyl)-2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9-octahydro-1H-fluorene-2,4a,4b,9a-tetrol | 162894354 | Click to see C=CC1CCC2(C3(CCC(CC3(CC2(C1)C=C)O)O)O)O | 294.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.BMCL.2008.12.009 |
| > Organoheterocyclic compounds / Benzofurans | |||||
| Bisabolangelone | 12300142 | Click to see | 248.32 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids | |||||
| Caffeic Acid | 689043 | Click to see | 180.16 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02855697 |
| Ferulic Acid | 445858 | Click to see | 194.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02855697 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives | |||||
| angelol B | 10022392 | Click to see CC=C(C)C(=O)OC(C(C1=C(C=C2C(=C1)C=CC(=O)O2)OC)O)C(C)(C)O | 376.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Osthol | 10228 | Click to see | 244.28 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Furanocoumarins / Angular furanocoumarins | |||||
| (-)-Columbianetin | 442104 | Click to see CC(C)(C1CC2=C(O1)C=CC3=C2OC(=O)C=C3)O | 246.26 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 8,9-Dihydro-8-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)-2H-furo(2,3-h)-1-benzopyran-2-one | 150888 | Click to see | 246.26 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Columbianadin | 6436246 | Click to see | 328.40 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Columbianetin | 92201 | Click to see CC(C)(C1CC2=C(O1)C=CC3=C2OC(=O)C=C3)O | 246.26 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Columbianetin acetate | 161409 | Click to see | 288.29 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Isopsoralen | 10658 | Click to see | 186.16 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Furanocoumarins / Psoralens | |||||
| Imperatorin | 10212 | Click to see | 270.28 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Isoimperatorin | 68081 | Click to see | 270.28 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Nodakenetin | 26305 | Click to see | 246.26 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Psoralen | 6199 | Click to see | 186.16 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Furanocoumarins / Psoralens / 5-methoxypsoralens | |||||
| Bergapten | 2355 | Click to see COC1=C2C=CC(=O)OC2=CC3=C1C=CO3 | 216.19 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Furanocoumarins / Psoralens / 8-methoxypsoralens | |||||
| 8-Methoxypsoralen | 4114 | Click to see | 216.19 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Cnidilin | 821449 | Click to see | 300.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Coumarins and derivatives / Hydroxycoumarins / 7-hydroxycoumarins | |||||
| Scopoletin | 5280460 | Click to see | 192.17 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Umbelliferone | 5281426 | Click to see C1=CC(=CC2=C1C=CC(=O)O2)O | 162.14 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / O-methylated flavonoids / 7-O-methylated flavonoids | |||||
| Salvigenin | 161271 | Click to see | 328.30 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |