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Corydalis yanhusuo - (Y.H.Chou&Chun.C.Hsu.)W.T.Wang.

Common Name

Yan Hu Suo

Family

Papaveraceae

Synonyms

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, there is a report that Corydalis species are potentially toxic in moderate doses[222].

Habitats

Not known

Range

E. Asia - China.

Edibility Rating

Medicinal Rating

Care

Summary

Physical Characteristics
PERENNIAL. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.It requires moist soil.

Habitats
Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses
None known

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.

Analgesic; Antiseptic; Antispasmodic; Antitussive; Cancer; Cardiotonic; Hypotensive; Sedative.

Yan Hu Suo is an important Chinese remedy that has been used for hundreds of years to help 'invigorate the blood' and relieve almost any painful condition[254]. It is used especially to relieve menstrual cramps, chest and abdominal pains[254]. The plant contains powerful alkaloids that are responsible for this effect[254]. The root is analgesic, antiseptic, antispasmodic and sedative[176, 218]. It has traditionally been used to lower pain and strengthen the circulation[218]. It is used in the treatment of a wide range of ailments including lumbago, dysmenorrhoea, hernia, chest pains, insomnia and traumatic injuries[176, 218]. The root is harvested in late spring or early summer, once the top growth has died down, and is dried for later use[254]. Various extracts from the plant have shown antitussive, cardiotonic, hypotensive and anticancer activity[218].

Other Uses
None known

Cultivation details
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moist, well-drained rather light soil, thriving in semi-shade[1]. Grows well in a woodland garden or peat bed. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, the seed rapidly loses viability if it is allowed to become dry[129]. Surface sow and keep moist, it usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°c[164]. Germinates in spring according to another report[129]. Two months warm, then a cold stratification improves the germination of stored seed[134, 164]. Sow the seed thinly so that the seedlings can be allowed to grow undisturbed in the pot for their first year. Apply liquid feed at intervals during their growing season to ensure they are well fed. The seedlings only produce one leaf in their first year of growth[175] and are very prone to damping off[129]. Divide the seedlings into individual pots once they have become dormant and grow them on in a partially shaded area of a greenhouse for at least another year. Plant them out into their permanent positions when they are dormant. Division after flowering.

Expert comment

Author
(Y.H.Chou&Chun.C.Hsu.)W.T.Wang.

Botanical References

Links / References

[1]F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956

Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaces in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).

[129]? Alpine Garden Society Bulletin. Volume 56.

Excerpts from the periodical. Some details on Corydalis spp.

[134]Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 2.

Very readable magazine with lots of information on propagation. An interesting article on Ensete ventricosum.

[164]Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4.

Very readable magazine with lots of information on propagation. A good article on Yuccas, one on Sagebrush (Artemesia spp) and another on Chaerophyllum bulbosum.

[175]Bird. R. (Editor) Focus on Plants. Volume 5. (formerly 'Growing from seed')

Very readable magazine with lots of information on propagation. A good article on Corydalis spp.

[176]Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas.

An excellent Chinese herbal giving information on over 500 species. Rather technical and probably best suited to the more accomplished user of herbs.

[218]Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China

Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.

[233]Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants

A concise guide to a wide range of perennials. Lots of cultivation guides, very little on plant uses.

[254]Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants

An excellent guide to over 500 of the more well known medicinal herbs from around the world.

Readers comment

Elizabeth H.
Ric Quinn	Sun Apr 12 2009

Can you give me an address of someone who sells corydalis Yanhusuo seeds for growing. Thank you Regards..Ric Quinn

Elizabeth H.
Pauli Virtanen	Sun Nov 1 2009

Influence on hepatitis B or on the or other viral diseases. the effect of boosters provoked by using electron transfer when alkaloids are isolated from origin material. Comparison of alkloids from Enantia clortantha to Corydalis alkaloids, which seems to be very similar. Indeed the applications of Prof. Marcus findings to alkaloid Chemistry et.cetera. pharmaceutical phytopchemistry. Pl. see my abstract in IDDST Shanghai congress abstract book page 134, year 2009.

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Subject : Corydalis yanhusuo

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