Botanical Overview
Betula dahurica is a species in the Betulaceae family. The birch family (Betulaceae) includes trees and shrubs with simple, alternate leaves with serrated margins and prominent stipules. The flowers are arranged in catkins, and the fruits are small nuts or samaras. The bark of many species contains phenolic compounds with antiseptic properties. Phytochemical data for this species are limited at present.
General Description
‘Daur birch’), Dahurian birch, or Asian black birch (Chinese: 黑桦; pinyin: hēihuà), is a species of birch which is native to China, Japan, Korea, eastern Mongolia, and Russian Far East. It was introduced to the United Kingdom and also grows at the Arnold Arboretum in Boston. In Japan, it usually grows in Nobeyama in Nagano Prefecture in the island of Honshu where it is considered to be endangered. Small population of them can also be found on Hokkaido and Kuril Islands.
Family Context
The Betulaceae family is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. Notable medicinal members include:
- Alnus rubra — 20 documented uses
- Betula alba — 17 documented uses
- Cherry Birch — 16 documented uses
- Black Alder — 10 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Betula dahurica has been recorded in 10 countries and territories worldwide, including Belgium, Belarus, China, Germany, Estonia, and others.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 1 compound in this species: betulin.
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. Systematic pharmacological studies are needed to validate the traditional uses attributed to this species.