Japanese Yew
Taxus cuspidata
Taxus cuspidata, also known as Japanese yew or Kousa yew, is a traditional medicine plant native to East Asia. It has been used in various Asian herbal practices but specific traditional uses are not well-documented. Scientific evidence suggests that open-grown Taxus cuspidata needles exhibit higher photosynthetic capacity and thicker mesophyll tissue compared to those grown in shade, which could be relevant for understanding its growth conditions. In terms of medicinal potential, studies indicate that MJ-CNPs (microencapsulated jujuboside A) significantly increased paclitaxel accumulation by 7.3-fold in Taxus cuspidata suspension cells, suggesting possible applications in cancer treatment research. Additionally, TCSO (Taxus cuspidata seed oil) showed promise in reducing liver fibrosis markers and improving antioxidant status in CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis mice, though no definitive health treatment recommendations can be made based on current data. Safety concerns for Taxus cuspidata are minimal with no major issues recorded, and there are currently no reported drug interactions.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Taxus cuspidata open-grown needles exhibited higher photosynthetic capacity but thicker mesophyll tissue compared to shade-grown counterparts.
- The potential distribution of four Taxus species in China under future climate scenarios shows varied expansion patterns, with shifts towards higher latitudes.
- TCSO reduced liver fibrosis markers and improved antioxidant status in CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis mice, without recommending use.
- MJ-CNPs significantly increased paclitaxel accumulation by 7.3-fold in Taxus cuspidata suspension cells.
Frequently asked questions
What is Japanese Yew?
Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Japanese Yew?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Japanese Yew; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Taxus cuspidata open-grown needles exhibited higher photosynthetic capacity but thicker mesophyll tissue compared to shade-grown counterparts.
How strong is the evidence for Japanese Yew?
The strongest finding for Japanese Yew carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Japanese Yew safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Japanese Yew in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Japanese Yew interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Japanese Yew in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Japanese Yew?
Japanese Yew is also known as: тис остроконечный, If du Japon.
Is Japanese Yew a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Protective Effects and Mechanisms of Taxus cuspidata Seed Oil on CCl4-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Mice. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Simulated Assessment of the Impact of Climate Change on the Potential Distribution Range of Four Taxus Species in China. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Densely packed needles along the shoots of evergreen conifers exhibit shade-acclimated photosynthetic characteristics even under full sunlight. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with methyl jasmonate: A biocompatible nano-elicitor system for boosted paclitaxel accumulation in Taxus cuspidata suspension cells. literature abstract metadata