bulbus fritillariae thunbergii

Bulbus fritillariae thunbergii is the dried bulb of Fritillaria thunbergii Miq., a perennial herb in the Liliaceae family. Known as 浙贝母 (Zhe Bei Mu) in Chinese medicine, it is one of the oldest and most widely used traditional herbal remedies in China. The bulb contains alkaloids (notably peimine and peiminine), flavonoids, diterpenoids, saponins, essential oils, carbohydrates, sterols, amino acids, nucleosides and lignans[1][8]. It is primarily used to clear heat and resolve phlegm from the lungs—treating coughs (especially with thick yellow sputum), bronchitis and lung abscesses—and to dissipate nodules or swellings such as scrofula or goiter[2][3][7]. Pharmacological studies show anti-inflammatory, antitussive (cough-suppressing), expectorant (phlegm-resolving), anti-ulcerative, antimicrobial/antiviral/antioxidant effects; some evidence also suggests anticancer activity[1][2]. In TCM theory it enters the lung and heart meridians with a bitter/cold nature. It is often combined with other herbs for enhanced effect.

Other names

Zhe Bei Mu浙贝母Zhejiang Fritillaria BulbFritillary BulbThunberg Fritillaria Bulb