Common Name:

General Information

Sargentodoxa cuneata is a vigorous, deciduous climbing shrub, producing woody stems up to 7.5 metres long that support themselves by twining around the nearby vegetation[, ].
The plant is gathered from the wild for local use as a medicine and insecticide. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China (Shaanxi to Jiangsu and southwards), northern Vietnam, Laos.

Habitat

Open forests on mountain slopes, along alpine gullies where the soil is fertile[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Climber
Height	7.50 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Flies, Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Sargentodoxa cuneata is native to warm temperate and subtropical climates in China and southeast Asia. It is not very cold-hardy, being able to tolerate short periods with temperatures falling to around -5°c.
Succeeds in any reasonable well-drained soil[, ]. Prefers a fertile moisture-retentive soil in full sun or part day shade[].
The flowers are fragrant[].
Any pruning is best carried out after the plant has finished flowering[].
Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed and fruit is required[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant (part not specified) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of rheumatic arthritis, acute appendicitis, amenorrhea and menstrual pains. Studies have shown that both methanol and water extracts of the plant are effective anti-inflammatories whilst also exhibiting immunoregulatory and antioxidant effects[].
The plant has potential as a possible anti-neurodegenerative agent based on its inhibition of neuro-inflammation[].

The mashed leaves are plastered onto sores[].

The stem is anthelmintic, antibacterial, antirheumatic, carminative, diuretic and tonic[, , , ]. It is used as a blood stimulant[]. A decoction or tincture is used in the treatment of amenorrhoea, metrorrhagia, anaemia, traumatic injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, hookworm disease, roundworm and filariasis[, ].

The root is antirheumatic[].

Other Uses

The plant has insecticidal activity[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as they are ripe, otherwise sow early spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Stem cuttings rooted in a frame or greenhouse.