Bryonia dioica
Family: Cucurbitaceae
TOXIC
Herbaceous perennial. Dioeceous vine native to Southern Britain.
Bryony root, which increases in size from year to year, is acrid and cathartic.
It has appeared in trade mislabeled as Mandrake root, which it resembles.
Used in homeopathic remedies or in carefully measured substantive
doses for treatment of rheumatism, gout, cough, influenza, pneumonia or
sciatica. Requires studied and professional preparation and minute
dosage. The Armenian Drug Administration has registered Bryony root
as an immune stimulant, adaptogen, tonic and radiation protectant.
It also reduces side effects from chemotherapy. The root is long,
and so is one of the active constituents: trihydroxyoctadecadienoic
acid. Not to be used during
pregnancy. Cultivation: Easy. Sow in greenhouse and transplant
out to shady area in spring. Trellis or train up bushes or shrubs.
Space plants 1 foot apart.
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