Polygonatum

Polygonatum (pronounced /ˌpɒlɨˈɡɒnətəm/;^[1] King Solomon's-seal, Solomon's Seal) is a genus of about 50 species of flowering plants. In the APG III classification system, it is placed in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Nolinoideae (formerly the family Ruscaceae). ^[2] It has also been classified in the former family Convallariaceae and, like many lilioid monocots, was formerly classified in the lily family Liliaceae.

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

Some Polygonatum shoots are edible, cooked like asparagus, as are the roots - after appropriate treatment ^[3] - being a good source of starch.^[4]

Selected species

Medicinal uses

"Solomon's Seal" , especially the root, is 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.^{[citation needed]}

Its use to fight diabetes was first observed in 1930 by Hedwig Langecker. After experiments, she concluded that it was effective in fighting nutritional hyperglycemia, though not that caused by adrenaline release, probably due to its content in glucokinin.^[5]

References

5. Definitive medicinal, historical and cultivating information: http://www.solomonsseal.net

See also

• Maianthemum