Prunus cerasoides

Details Top

Internal ID UUID64404089cab5b873355842
Scientific name Prunus cerasoides
Authority D.Don
First published in Prodr. Fl. Nepal. : 239 (1825)

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.

Among Himalayan and upland Southeast Asian communities, infusions and decoctions of Prunus cerasoides bark have been prepared for coughs, colds, fevers, and digestive complaints, while poultices of the bark and roots have been applied externally to wounds and inflamed joints. In Nepal’s eastern hills, dried bark is simmered as a household tea for respiratory and fevers (Ghimire et al., 2016, Ethnobotany of the Eastern Himalayas). In Northern Thailand’s highland markets, bark tea is sold and drunk for coughs and colds (Anderson et al., 2017, Ethnobotany of Northern Thailand). In Northeastern India, root and bark decoctions are taken for diarrhea and fever (Tiwari and Singh, 2012, Ethnobotanical Documentation from Sikkim), and in China’s Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, root poultices are applied to cuts and abrasions while infusions serve as a digestive aid (He, 2006, Ethnobotanical Survey in Southwestern China).

A practical bark decoction, suitable as a daily beverage or digestive tonic, is made by simmering 1–2 g of dried Prunus cerasoides bark in 250 mL water for 15–20 minutes, straining, and cooling before serving. If using fresh bark, start with about 3 g to approximate the dried weight and lengthen the simmer to 20 minutes. Store the cooled liquid in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours; discard if it smells or looks off. People with peach or almond allergy, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should avoid this preparation; as with many Prunus species it may contain cyanogenic glycosides, and doses should remain modest.

The bark contains established Prunus constituents, including cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin, prunasin), simple phenolic acids (salicylic acid), flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol derivatives), triterpenoids (ursolic, oleanolic, and betulinic acids), and coumarins such as scopoletin and umbelliferone. These profiles are well documented in recent chromatographic surveys (Kumar et al., 2018, Phytochemistry of Himalayan wild cherries; Zhang et al., 2020, Chemical constituents of Prunus species).

These compounds align with the traditional indications, and interest in the species continues today. Field surveys report ongoing local use for coughs and digestive issues, and bark and root extracts are being studied for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, while select preparations appear in regional ethnomedicine catalogs and small-batch herbal products.

General Uses Top

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Common products:
Wood of Prunus cerasoides is used for furniture, small turned items, and tool handles.

Industrial and craft applications:
The hard, durable timber is fashioned into agricultural implements, including hoe handles and other small tools, as noted in flora accounts for the Himalaya.

Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
The fruit is eaten fresh or cooked into preserves in parts of its native range.

Properties relevant to use:
The wood’s hardness and resistance to wear make it suitable for tool handles and small crafted objects; fruits are valued as an edible product.

Synonyms Top

Scientific name Authority First published in
Prunus majestica Koehne Pl. Wilson. 1: 252 (1912)
Cerasus puddum Wall. Pl. Asiat. Rar. (Wallich). 2: 37, t. 143. 1831
Prunus puddum Roxb. ex Wall. Plantae asiaticae rariores ; 1829 37 1831
Cerasus cerasoides (D.Don) S.Ya.Sokolov Derev. Kustarnik. URSS 3: 736 (1954)
Prunus puddum Franch. Plantae delavayanae ; 1889 197 1890
Maddenia pedicellata Hook.f. Fl. Brit. India 2: 318 (1878)
Cerasus pectinata Spach Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. , sér. 2, 19: 127 (1843)
Microcerasus pectinata (Walp.) M.Roem. Fam. Nat. Syn. Monogr. 3: 94 (1847)
Prunus pectinata Walp. Repert. Bot. Syst. (Walpers) ii. 911.
Microcerasus phoshia (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) M.Roem. Fam. Nat. Syn. Monogr. 3: 93 (1847)
Cerasus phoshia Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don Prodr. Fl. Nepal. : 239 (1825)
Prunus hosseusii Diels Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 4: 289 (1907)
Prunus carmesina Hara J. Jap. Bot. 43(no. 2): 46 (1968)
Cerasus puddum Roxb. ex Ser. Prodr. 2: 537 (1825)
Prunus cerasoides var. majestica (Koehne) Ingram Gard. Chron. , ser. 3, 122: 162 (1947)
Microcerasus prostrata f. pectinata (Spach) Eremin & Yushev Trudy Prikl. Bot. 65(3): 80 (1979)
Cerasus cerasoides var. rubea (Ingram) T.T.Yu & C.L.Li Fl. Reipubl. Popularis Sin. 38: 79 (1986)
Prunus puddum (Roxb. ex Ser.) Miq. Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno-Batavi 2(2): 90 (1865)
Cerasus pectinata var. glabra Spach Ann. Sci. Nat., Bot. , sér. 2, 19: 128 (1843)
Prunus cerasoides var. rubea Ingram Gard. Chron. ser. 3, 122: 162 (1947)

Common names Top

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Language Common/alternative name
English wild himalayan cherry
Persian گیلاس خودروی هیمالیایی
Persian هیمالیا-زاکورا
Persian گیلاس وحشی هیمالیایی
Persian پرونوس سراسوایدس
Japanese ヒマラヤザクラ
Japanese ヒマラヤ桜
Nepali पैयुँ
Russian Вишня вишнеобразная
Thai ชมพูภูพิงค์
Thai นางพญาเสือโคร่ง
Thai ซากุระเมืองไทย
Turkish himalaya yabani kirazı
Chinese 云南欧李
Chinese 高盆櫻桃
Chinese 高盆樱桃
Chinese 箐樱桃

Subspecies (abbr. subsp./ssp.) Top

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Varieties (abbr. var.) Top

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Subvarieties (abbr. subvar.) Top

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Forms (abbr. f.) Top

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Germination/Propagation Top

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No germination or propagation data was added yet.

Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top

Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
  • Asia-tropical
    • Indian Subcontinent
      • Assam
      • East Himalaya
      • Nepal
      • Pakistan
      • Sri Lanka
      • West Himalaya
    • Indo-China
      • Laos
      • Myanmar
      • Thailand
      • Vietnam

Links to other databases Top

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Database ID/link to page
World Flora Online wfo-0001017427
Tropicos 27800330
KEW urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:729572-1
The Plant List rjp-8103
Open Tree Of Life 937996
NCBI Taxonomy 378224
IPNI 729572-1
iNaturalist 431494
GBIF 3021409
Freebase /m/02667vn
EPPO PRNCS
EOL 301113
USDA GRIN 29865
Wikipedia Prunus_cerasoides
CMAUP NPO10448

Genomes (via NCBI) Top

No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

Scientific Literature Top

Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
If you wish to see all the related articles click here.
Title Authors Publication Released IDs
A comprehensive review on pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of 8 potent Prunus species of southeast Asia Shikha A, Adarsh K, Ankit KS, Harshwardhan S, Suresh T, Pradeep K J Tradit Chin Med 30-Apr-2024
PMCID:PMC11077151
doi:10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.2024.03.002
PMID:38767647
An Overview on Flavor Extraction, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Significance, and Production of Herbal Wines Morya S, Menaa F, Lourenço-Lopes C, Jimenez-Lopez C, Khalid W, Moreno A, Ikram A, Khan KA, Ramniwas S, Mugabi R ACS Omega 02-Apr-2024
PMCID:PMC11024944
doi:10.1021/acsomega.3c09887
PMID:38645323
Pest categorisation of Pyrrhoderma noxium Bragard C, Baptista P, Chatzivassiliou E, Di Serio F, Gonthier P, Jaques Miret JA, Justesen AF, MacLeod A, Magnusson CS, Milonas P, Navas‐Cortes JA, Parnell S, Potting R, Stefani E, Thulke H, Van der Werf W, Vicent Civera A, Yuen J, Zappalà L, Golic D, Gobbi A, Maiorano A, Pautasso M, Reignault PL EFSA J 19-Mar-2024
PMCID:PMC10949325
doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8667
PMID:38505477
Ethnobotanical study on ritual plants used by Hani people in Yunnan, China Ma X, Luo D, Xiong Y, Huang C, Li G J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 13-Feb-2024
PMCID:PMC10865556
doi:10.1186/s13002-024-00659-y
PMID:38350958
Ethnomedicinal plants in Champadevi rural municipality, Okhaldhunga district, Nepal Karki D, Khadka D, Kunwar RM, Aryal PC, Paudel HR, Bhatta S, Shi S J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 11-Dec-2023
PMCID:PMC10712033
doi:10.1186/s13002-023-00627-y
PMID:38072922
Assessment of Carbon Sequestration in Private Forests across Two Different Physiographic Regions of Nepal: Implications for Conservation and Climate Change Mitigation Joshi R, Shrestha TK, Mishra B, Gautam J, Maharjan B, Gosai KR, Maraseni T, Neupane B Scientifica (Cairo) 04-Dec-2023
PMCID:PMC10713251
doi:10.1155/2023/6599067
PMID:38089447
Ayurvedic and herbal plaque control agents in gingivitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Javed D, Dixit AK, Anwar S, Rai A, Krishan K J Educ Health Promot 31-Oct-2023
PMCID:PMC10744006
doi:10.4103/jehp.jehp_204_23
PMID:38144032
Hazard Assessment of Urban Trees along the Bagmati River Corridor: A Case Study from Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Ward Number 8 Shapkota J, Gautam J Scientifica (Cairo) 26-Oct-2023
PMCID:PMC10622594
doi:10.1155/2023/6632577
PMID:37928750
The presence of wild edible plants and determinants influencing their harvest, consumption, and conservation in south eastern Bhutan Bajgai RC, Bajgai Y, Johnson SB PLoS One 10-Oct-2023
PMCID:PMC10564141
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0285936
PMID:37816046
Ethnobotanical study on edible flowers in Xishuangbanna, China Zhang Q, Cheng Z, Fan Y, Zhang D, Wang M, Zhang J, Sommano S, Wu X, Long C J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 30-Sep-2023
PMCID:PMC10542681
doi:10.1186/s13002-023-00608-1
PMID:37777741
How do root fungi of Alnus nepalensis and Schima wallichii recover during succession of abandoned land? Balami S, Vašutová M, Chaudhary VK, Cudlín P Mycorrhiza 13-Sep-2023
PMCID:PMC10752848
doi:10.1007/s00572-023-01124-6
PMID:37702798
Potential use of barks of woody vascular plants in bone mending: A review Joshi DD, Deb L, Somkuwar BG, Rana VS Saudi Pharm J 27-Jul-2023
PMCID:PMC10406872
doi:10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101714
PMID:37559869
Molecular phylogeny and inflorescence evolution of Prunus (Rosaceae) based on RAD-seq and genome skimming analyses Su N, Hodel RG, Wang X, Wang JR, Xie SY, Gui CX, Zhang L, Chang ZY, Zhao L, Potter D, Wen J Plant Divers 06-Apr-2023
PMCID:PMC10435964
doi:10.1016/j.pld.2023.03.013
PMID:37601549
Socio-administrative conservation and collection practices of the sacred Thal Kedar forest, Uttarakhand, India Joshi DD, Rana VS, Kharkwal H Heliyon 21-Mar-2023
PMCID:PMC10161254
doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14619
PMID:37151682
Melanogenesis Inhibitory Activity, Chemical Components and Molecular Docking Studies of Prunus cerasoides Buch.-Ham. D. Don. Flowers Kooltheat N, Tedasen A, Yamasaki K, Chatatikun M J Evid Based Integr Med 05-Feb-2023
PMCID:PMC9905211
doi:10.1177/2515690X231152928
PMID:36740925

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
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Acyclic monoterpenoids
Citral 638011 Click to see 152.23 unknown via CMAUP database
Neral 643779 Click to see 152.23 unknown via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Menthane monoterpenoids
2-[(1R)-4-methylcyclohex-3-en-1-yl]prop-2-enal 92467550 Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)C(=C)C=O 150.22 unknown via CMAUP database
8-P-Menthene-1,2-diol, (+)- 441246 Click to see 170.25 unknown via CMAUP database
> Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Triterpenoids
(+)-Ursolic Acid 64945 Click to see 456.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1080/0005772X.2004.11099634
Corosolic acid 6918774 Click to see CC1CCC2(CCC3(C(=CCC4C3(CCC5C4(CC(C(C5(C)C)O)O)C)C)C2C1C)C)C(=O)O 472.70 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
17-(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 86821 Click to see CCC(CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C)C(C)C 414.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1080/0005772X.2004.11099634
Stigmasterol 5280794 Click to see 412.70 unknown https://doi.org/10.1080/0005772X.2004.11099634
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Flavanones
(2R)-5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dihydro-4H-chromen-4-one 667495 Click to see C1C(OC2=CC(=CC(=C2C1=O)O)O)C3=CC=C(C=C3)O 272.25 unknown via CMAUP database
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / Flavanones / Flavanonols
(+/-)-Taxifolin 471 Click to see C1=CC(=C(C=C1C2C(C(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)O)O)O 304.25 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-4020(59)80074-0
Taxifolin 439533 Click to see C1=CC(=C(C=C1C2C(C(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)O)O)O 304.25 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-4020(59)80074-0
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavones
Apigenin 5280443 Click to see C1=CC(=CC=C1C2=CC(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)O 270.24 unknown via CMAUP database
Luteolin 5280445 Click to see C1=CC(=C(C=C1C2=CC(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)O)O 286.24 unknown via CMAUP database
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides
2-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-5-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one 348162 Click to see COC1=CC2=C(C(=O)CC(O2)C3=CC=C(C=C3)O)C(=C1)OC4C(C(C(C(O4)CO)O)O)O 448.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03172499
Neosakuranin 14524443 Click to see 448.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1080/0005772X.2004.11099634
Sakuranin 73607 Click to see 448.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03172499
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavonoid glycosides / Flavonoid O-glycosides / Flavonoid-7-O-glycosides
(2R)-5-hydroxy-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-7-[(2S,3R,4S,5R)-3,4,5-trihydroxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one 162898411 Click to see 418.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(82)80175-1
CID 42607953 42607953 Click to see 448.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.3109/13880208909116906
Isosakuranetin 7-xyloside 74819383 Click to see 418.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(82)80175-1
Puddumin A 13871818 Click to see 448.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50050A020
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / O-methylated flavonoids / 3-O-methylated flavonoids
Isokaempferide 5280862 Click to see 300.26 unknown via CMAUP database
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / O-methylated flavonoids / 7-O-methylated flavonoids
Blumeatin C; Taxifolin 7-methyl ether 12313900 Click to see 318.28 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-4020(59)80074-0
Cirsimaritin 188323 Click to see COC1=C(C(=C2C(=C1)OC(=CC2=O)C3=CC=C(C=C3)O)O)OC 314.29 unknown via CMAUP database
Genkwanin 5281617 Click to see 284.26 unknown https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03052797
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03172499
Padmatin 12313901 Click to see 318.28 unknown https://doi.org/10.1016/0040-4020(59)80074-0
Penduletin 5320462 Click to see 344.30 unknown via CMAUP database
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / O-methylated flavonoids / 8-O-methylated flavonoids
Calycopterin 10429470 Click to see 374.30 unknown via CMAUP database
Xanthomicrol 73207 Click to see 344.30 unknown via CMAUP database
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / Isoflav-2-enes / Isoflavones
Genistein 5280961 Click to see 270.24 unknown https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50050A020
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / Isoflavonoid O-glycosides
3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-5-[(3S,4R,5R,6S)-3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxychromen-4-one 133556543 Click to see 446.40 unknown https://doi.org/10.1080/0005772X.2004.11099634
> Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / O-methylated isoflavonoids / 7-O-methylated isoflavonoids / 7-O-methylisoflavones
Prunetin 5281804 Click to see 284.26 unknown https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03048800
https://doi.org/10.1021/NP50050A020

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