Corydalis yanhusuo
Yan Hu Suo
a perennial member of the Corydalis genus in the family Papaveraceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Papaveraceae
- Genus
- Corydalis
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Toxicity
Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, there is a report that Corydalis species are potentially toxic in moderate doses[8].
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Yan Hu Suo is an important Chinese remedy that has been used for hundreds of years to help 'invigorate the blood' and relieve almost any painful condition[10]. It is used especially to relieve menstrual cramps, chest and abdominal pains[10]. The plant contains powerful alkaloids that are responsible for this effect[10]. The root is analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic and sedative[6][7]. It has traditionally been used to lower pain and strengthen the circulation[7]. It is used in the treatment of a wide range of ailments including lumbago, dysmenorrhoea, hernia, chest pains, insomnia and traumatic injuries[6][7]. The root is harvested in late spring or early summer, once the top growth has died down, and is dried for later use[10]. Various extracts from the plant have shown antitussive, cardiotonic, hypotensive and anticancer activity[7].
- Product or use
- Analgesic
- Product or use
- Antiseptic
- Product or use
- Antispasmodic
- Product or use
- Antitussive
- Product or use
- Cancer
- Product or use
- Cardiotonic
- Product or use
- Hypotensive
- Product or use
- Sedative
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - China.
- Habitat
- Not known
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, the seed rapidly loses viability if it is allowed to become dry[2]. Surface sow and keep moist, it usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[4]. Germinates in spring according to another report[2]. Two months warm, then a cold stratification improves the germination of stored seed[3][4]. Sow the seed thinly so that the seedlings can be allowed to grow undisturbed in the pot for their first year. Apply liquid feed at intervals during their growing season to ensure they are well fed. The seedlings only produce one leaf in their first year of growth[5] and are very prone to damping off[2]. Divide the seedlings into individual pots once they have become dormant and grow them on in a partially shaded area of a greenhouse for at least another year. Plant them out into their permanent positions when they are dormant. Division after flowering.
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moist, well-drained rather light soil, thriving in semi-shade[1]. Grows well in a woodland garden or peat bed. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[9].
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
? Alpine Garden Society Bulletin. Volume 56. Alpine Garden Society
Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2. Thompson and Morgan. 1988-00-00
Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. 1990-00-00
Bird. R. (Editor) Focus on Plants. Volume 5. (formerly 'Growing from seed') Thompson and Morgan. 1991-00-00
Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985-00-00
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Foster. S. & Duke. J. A. A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0395467225
Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8
Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996-00-00 ISBN 9-780751-303148