An erect perennial herbaceous plant, 50-90cm. in height, with tuberous roots. Leaves opposite or 3-verticillate, the upper alternate; margins toothed. Flowers blue, lilac or white, solitary or in a terminal cluster. Capsule ovoid; seeds numerous, minute, blackish-brown.
Campanulaceae
Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC.
Local names:
English names:
Chinese bellflower, Japanese bellflower.
Description:
An erect perennial herbaceous plant, 50-90cm. in height, with tuberous roots. Leaves opposite or 3-verticillate, the upper alternate; margins toothed. Flowers blue, lilac or white, solitary or in a terminal cluster. Capsule ovoid; seeds numerous, minute, blackish-brown.
Flowering period:
June - September.
Distribution:
An introduced species, naturalized in the mountains and in the plains.
Parts used:
The roots, dug up in autumn, winter or spring, after the periderm has been scraped off are well washed, wrapped up for 12 hours, then cut up into thin slices and dried in the sun or in ovens.
Chemical composition:
The roots contain triterpenoid saponins of the olean group: kikyosaponin (yields kikyosapogenin and galactose on hydrolysis), platycodigenic acid, platycodigenin, polygalasic acid, phytosterols and inulin.
Therapeutic uses:
The roots, well known for their antitussive and expectorant properties, are used for the relief of cough with fetid phlegm, sore throat, hoarseness, chest pain, asthma, haemoptysis and dysentery. The usual daily dose is 4 to 8g in the form of a decoction, liquid extract or syrup, used on their own or in combination with Glycyrrhiza. A powdered mixture with Illicium verum is topically applied for periodontosis and halitosis.