Ma Dou Ling

Aristolochia debilis

Physical Characteristics

Aristolochia debilis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked[177, 179]. It is said that the leaves of this species are not poisonous[179] but caution is advised.

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Anodyne Antibacterial Antifungal Antiinflammatory Antitussive Carminative Cytotoxic Diuretic Expectorant Hypotensive Stomachic Tonic Alterative, antibacterial, antifungal, diuretic[178]. Stimulates energy circulation[147]. The fruit and its capsule are antiasthmatic, antiseptic, antitussive and expectorant[176, 218]. It is used internally in the treatment of asthma and various other chest complaints, haemorrhoids and hypertension[238]. The root is anodyne and anti-inflammatory[238]. It is used internally in the treatment of snakebite, gastric disorders involving bloating, and is clinically effective against hypertension[218]. It is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238]. The whole plant is antitussive, carminative, stimulant and tonic[218]. The root contains aristolochic acid. This has anti-cancer properties and can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy[176]. Aristolochic acid can also be used in the treatment of acute and serious infections such as TB, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and infantile pneumonia[176]. It also increases the cellular immunity and phagocytosis function of the phagocytic cells[176]. Aristolochic acid is said to be too toxic for clinical use[218].

Known Hazards

We have no specific details for this species but most members of this genus have poisonous roots and stems[179]. The plant contains aristolochic acid, this has received rather mixed reports on its toxicity. According to one report aristolochic acid stimulates white blood cell activity and speeds the healing of wounds, but is also carcinogenic and damaging to the kidneys[254]. Another report says that it is an active antitumour agent but is too toxic for clinical use[218]. Another report says that aristolochic acid has anti-cancer properties and can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and that it also increases the cellular immunity and phagocytosis function of the phagocytic cells[176].