Fritillaria spp.

Abstract

Beimu, Bulbus Fritillariae, is one of the most widely used Chinese medicines. The following items from Fritillaria species (Liliaceae) are officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia: Chuanbeimu, Bulbus Fritillariae cirrhosae, is the dry bulbs of the following Fritillaria species: F. cirrhosa D. Don, F. unibracteata Hsiao et K. C. Hsia, F. przewalskii Maxim, and F. delavayi Franch. The bulbs should be dug and collected in summer or the fall. They are used in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory tract, especially as an expectorant. Yibeimu, Bulbus Fritillariae pallidiflorae, is the dry bulbs of F. walujewii Regel and F. pallidiflora Schrenk. dug and collected from May to July. It is also used in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Zhebeimu, Bulbus Fritillariae thunbergii, is the dry bulbs of F. thunbergii Miq. collected in early summer when the aboveground part has withered. The bulbs of F thunbergii have the same medical use as those of the other Fritillaria species mentioned above.