Rigid shrub, diffuse. Stems ascending, spiny. Leaves alternate, 3-5 - palmifoliate; leaflets with margins toothed and spines on the nerves.
Araliaceae
Acanthopanax trifoliatus (L.) Merr.
Local names:
Description:
Rigid shrub, diffuse. Stems ascending, spiny. Leaves alternate, 3-5 - palmifoliate; leaflets with margins toothed and spines on the nerves. Inflorescence in terminal panicle of some umbels; flowers small, greenish-white. Fruit globose, black when ripe. All parts of the plant are particularly fragrant.
Flowering period:
September - November.
Distribution:
Grows wild in mountainous regions, occasionally found on the forest-edge.
Parts used:
The root bark and stem bark are collected in summer and autumn. The bark is wrapped to bring out the aroma then subjected to thorough air-drying.
Chemical composition:
The root bark and stem bark contain triterpenoid saponins and oleanolic acid
Therapeutic uses:
The root bark and stem bark are prescribed in the treatment of rheumatism, lumbago, ostealgia and impotence. The drug is also considered as a central nervous system stimulant and tonic. It improves the memory. The usual dose is 6 to 12g per day in the form of a decoction or tincture.
:1$� tf���("�y:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman">The seed membrane is rich in b-carotene and is used in treating infantile rickets, xerophthalmia and nyctalopia. The oil extracted from the membranes is given in doses ranging from ten to twenty drops for adults and five to ten drops for children per day. The juice of kernels triturated in alcohol or vinegar is applied locally for furunculosis and phlegmon. In cases of rheumatism the roots are prescribed in the form of a decoction in doses of 6 to 12g per day.