Twinleaf

September 3rd, 2008

Botanical Name : Jeffersonia diphylla Family : Barberry Other common names.—Jeffersonia, rheumatism root, helmetpod, ground-squirrel pea, yellowroot.
Habitat and range.—Twinleaf inhabits rich shady woods from New York to Virginia and westward to Wisconsin.

Image via Wikipedia

Part used.—The rootstock, collected in autumn.

Description.—Twinleaf is herbaceous perennial plants and only about 6 or 8 inches in height when in flower but reaches a height of 18 inches at the fruiting stage. The long-stemmed, smooth leaves are almost completely divided into two leaflets and arise directly from the base of the plant. The white flowers measuring about 1 inch across. which appear early in spring, are borne singly on a slender stalk arising from the root and are followed by a leathery, somewhat pear-shaped capsule containing many seeds. Twinleaf has a thick, knotty, yellowish-brown, horizontal root. stock with man fibrous, much-matted roots.
......

The leaves and flowers of this plant are smooth and emerge directly from the base of the plant. Jeffersonia has showy white flowers with eight petals; the flower resembles Bloodroot, a small poppy. The flower last only a short time after blooming in April or May, and gives way to a green pear-shaped capsule with a hinged top. The characteristic leaves are large and nearly divided in half, giving rise to its common name, Twinleaf.

They are uncommon spring wildflowers, which grow in limestone soils of rich woodland. Jeffersonia was named for United States President Thomas Jefferson, by his contemporary Benjamin Smith Barton. This genus was formerly, incorrectly grouped in genus Podophyllum. Twinleaf is protected by state laws as a threatened or endangered plant in Georgia, Iowa, New York, and New Jersey.

Medicinal Uses:Though Twinleaf ( Jeffersonia) is a poisonous plant, it has had a variety of medical uses throughout history. One of those uses is hinted at by an archaic common name of Jeffersonia diphylla, Rheumatism root. The “roots” of both species contain berberine, a known anti-tumor alkaloid.

The whole plant is antispasmodic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant and tonic. An infusion is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dropsy, gravel and urinary problems. The root is emetic in large doses and expectorant in smaller doses. The root contains berberine, which has been shown to have anti-tumor activity. A poultice of the plant is applied to sores, ulcers and inflamed parts.The Cherokee used a tea for dropsy, urinary problems and on sores and inflammation.

Known Hazards: None known

America
Native Americans utilized Jeffersonia diphylla for a variety of medicines. The Cherokee reportedly used an infusion of this plant for treating dropsy and urinary tract problems, it was also used as a poultice for sores and inflammation. The Iroquois used a decoction of the plant to treat liver problems and diarrhea.

The whole plant was used in early American medicine as an antispasmodic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant and general tonic. The “root” was once also used as an emetic in large doses, and as an expectorant in small doses. Modern medicine does not currently utilize this plant.

China
Traditional Chinese medicine uses Jeffersonia dubia for strengthening the stomach and bringing

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider

Resources:
http://www.mounet.com/~jdye/twinleaf.html

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/herbhunters/twinleaf.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffersonia

http://plant.gardenbed.com/gardening.how/species/3435/plant/seed

http://2bnthewild.com/plants/H296.htm