Background : Phlomidis radix is known to be effective for pain relief and anti-inflammation. Phlomidis radix (Han-Sok-Dan) is likely to be confused because it is similar in name to Dipsaci Radix (Cheon-Sok-Dan), or is similar in morphology to other Phlomioides species. Therefore, we investigated the origins and morphological characteristics of the origin plant of Phlomidis radix in order to cultivate and consume the correct one.
Methods and Results : We reviewed North and South Korean and Chinese Pharmacopoeia and the books on oriental herbal medicine and botanical illustrations. In South Korea, P. umbrosa was defined as the origin plant of Phlomidis radix, whereas in North Korea, P. maximowiczii was defined. In China, it was not used as an oriental medicine. In the past, P. umbrosa, which is native to the Korean peninsula, or P. maximowiczii, which is native to the northern part of the Korea was used instead of Dipsacus asperoides for Dipsaci Radix. However, after the publication of the Korean Pharmacopoeia, Phlomidis radix and Dipsaci Radix have been distinguished, and only P. umbrosa was defined as the origin plant of Phlomidis radix. Therefore, Phlomidis radix and Dipsaci Radix should be distinguished from each other, the origin plant of Phlomidis radix is considered to be P.umbrosa. Furthermore, we investigated the external morphological and growth characteristics of Phlomoides species in Korea. There are three species of Phlomoides in Korea, such as P. umbrosa, P. maximowiczii, P. koraeinsis. P. umbrosa has no basal leaves but only stem leaves, while P. maximowiczii and P. koraeinsis have basal leaves. Also, P. maximowiczii is distinguishable from seeds with hairs while P. koraeinsis from hairless seeds.
Conclusion : We considered P. umbrosa as the origins of Phlomidis radix. As a result of investigation of morphological and growth characteristics, P. umbrosa, P. maximowiczii and P.koraeinsis could be distinguished by the presence or absence of basal leaves and the difference in whether the seeds have hair or not. These results could be used as a basis for standard varieties research and cultiviation of P. umbrosa.