Polygonatum vulgare
Gueldenst.
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Description
A temperate herb in the Asparagaceae family.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The underground stem or rhizome is eaten.
Traditional Uses
The underground stem or rhizome is eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Known Hazards
Polygonatum odoratum is used in traditional Chinese medicine and Traditional Korean medicine, where it is called yùzhú (玉竹) and dunggulle (둥굴레) respectively. In Korea, the root of the plant is used to make tea. This plant species is described in the work Plantas Medicinales (medicinal plants) of Pius Font i Quer. According to it, its rhizome contains asparagine, mucilage, a cardio-tonic glycoside, saponin, and quinine gluconate. It has been used for intestinal problems and pain, for rheumatism, gout, water retention, and as a diuretic. He says that the scientific medicine has used it to treat diabetes. He also describes a digestive liquor that uses the rhizome of this plant. The young shoots of the plants may be boiled and served like asparagus. The stems, leaves, and berries, however, must be treated with caution, as they are thought to be toxic if consumed in large quantities. Its rhizome contains scattered raphides, but only in the cortex (outer layer).
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, China,
Notes
There are about 50 Polygonatum species. Also put in the family Convallariaceae.
References (1)
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