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Aristolochia debilis - Siebold.&Zucc.

Common Name Ma Dou Ling
Family Aristolochiaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
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].
Habitats Roadside thickets and meadows in lowland, C. and S. Japan and in China[58, 109].
Range E. Asia - China, Japan
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Aristolochia debilis Ma Dou Ling


Aristolochia debilis Ma Dou Ling

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

A. recurvilabra. Hance.

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.

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
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].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter, in sun or semi-shade[134, 200]. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[134]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c[238]. Most species in this genus have malodorous flowers that are pollinated by flies[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Pre-soak stored seed for 48 hours in hand-hot water and surface sow in a greenhouse[134]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 20°c[134]. Stored seed germinates better if it is given 3 months cold stratification at 5°c[200]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Division in autumn[200]. Root cuttings in winter[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Author

Siebold.&Zucc.

Botanical References

58109266

Links / References

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