Polygonatum

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iPolygonatum
Polygonatum multiflorum
Polygonatum multiflorum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Ruscaceae
Genus: Polygonatum
Mill.
Species

See text

Polygonatum (Solomon's Seal) is a genus of flowering plants within the family Ruscaceae, formerly classified in the lily family Liliaceae.

Some species of this genus are purported to have medicinal properties, and some (in particular P. sibiricum) are used as an Asian tisane in traditional Chinese medicine.

Polygonatum species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including the Hebrew Character moth.

[edit] Selected species

  • P. biflorum
  • P. cirrhifolium
  • P. cobrense
  • P. cyrtonema
  • P. falcatum
  • P. hirsutum
  • P. humile
  • P. inflatum
  • P. involucratum
  • P. kingianum
  • P. lasianthu
  • P. macropodium
  • P. maximowiczii
  • P. multiflorum
  • P. odoratum
  • P. orientale
  • P. pubescens
  • P. sibiricum
  • P. stenanthum
  • P. verticillatum

[edit] Medicinal uses

Revolving primarily around the root, "Solomon's Seal" purportedly alleviates a range of afflictions from menopause to broken bones. As a topical application, the root can expedite the healing of cuts and bruises, skin irritations and inflammations, and as a face wash is good for acne and blemishes. When consumed as a tea, it is said to alleviate a range of symptons associated with menopause, indigestion, diabetes, broken bones, insomnia, kidney pains, and even infertility.

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