Polygonatum

Taxobox
name = "Polygonatum"


image_width = 240px
image_caption = "Polygonatum multiflorum"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Asparagales
familia = Ruscaceae
genus = "Polygonatum"
genus_authority = Mill.
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = See text

"Polygonatum" (King Solomon's-seal, Solomon's Seal) is a genus of about 50 species of flowering plants within the family Ruscaceae, formerly classified in the lily family Liliaceae.

Some species of this genus have medicinal properties, and some (in particular "P. sibiricum") are used as an tisane in traditional Chinese medicine, which is called dungulle in Korea.

Some "Polygonatum" shoots are edible, cooked like asparagus, as are the roots - after appropriate treatment [ [http://altnature.com/gallery/Solomon's_Seal.htm Altnature.com article on Solomon's Seal description and uses] ] - being a good source of starch [ [http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Polygonatum+odoratum Polygonatum odoratum in ibiblio.org] ] .

Selected species

Medicinal uses

Revolving primarily around the root, "Solomon's Seal" are traditionally used in a range of afflictions from menopause to broken bones. As a topical application, the root are said to expedite the healing of cuts and bruises, skin irritations and inflammations, and as a face wash is good for acne, blemishes and all kinds of imperfections of the skin. When consumed as a tea, it is said to alleviate a range of symptoms associated with menopause, indigestion, diabetes, broken bones, insomnia, kidney pains, and even infertility. Fact|date=February 2007

Its use to fight diabetes was first observed in 1930 by Langecker. After experiments, he concluded that it was effective in fighting nutritional hyperglycemia, though not that caused by adrenaline release, probably due to its content in glucokinin. [Source:Quer, Pío Font "Plantas Medicinales - El Dioscórides renovado". 1961/2005 Barcelona: Ediciones Península]

References