Physochlaina physaloides
StarPhysochlaina physaloides
Synonyms: Physochlaina dahurica, Scopolia pseudophysaloides, Physochlaina pseudophysaloides, Physochlaina lanosa, Physalis lurida, Scopolia physaloides, Hyoscyamus physaloides
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
Physochlaina physaloides is a long-established remedy in Mongolian and Chinese traditional medicine, where the processed dried root is used to treat chronic gastritis and a range of inflammatory complaints such as otitis media and sinusitis, and more broadly for its smooth-muscle relaxant and sedative effects (Physochlainae Radix; Mongolian materia medica reviews). Its tropane alkaloids, including L-hyoscyamine, anisodamine, scopolamine and atropine, account for the documented antispasmodic and sedative actions. The plant is highly TOXIC and is used only after traditional processing and in controlled doses.
Botanical Description
Physochlaina physaloides is a perennial herb of the nightshade family Solanaceae, native to Siberia, Mongolia, northern China and adjacent Central Asia. It grows from a thick rootstock, sending up branching, softly hairy stems 20 to 50 cm tall bearing alternate, ovate, entire to slightly wavy-margined leaves. In spring it produces clusters of nodding, funnel- to bell-shaped flowers that are dull purple to violet with darker veining; the calyx enlarges in fruit to form an inflated, bladder-like, papery husk (reflected in the epithet physaloides, resembling Physalis) enclosing a small capsule. The whole plant contains tropane alkaloids and is poisonous. It grows on dry steppe slopes, rocky ground, gravelly riverbanks and disturbed soils in cool continental climates.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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