Family

Apiaceae

Genus

Glehnia

Common Name

beach silvertop

Plant Figure

Description

Glehnia littoralis germplasm resources are distributed in Japan, Russia, China, the Korean Peninsula, the Pacific Rim, and coastal areas of the United States. It is an endangered halophyte shown to exhibit salt tolerance, and has traditional and medicinal uses. Peeled and dried G. littoralis roots, named Radix Glehniae, have been used as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine for moistening lungs, removing phlegm, curing respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, and anti-inflammation. This herbal medicine is also a major tonic component in anti-aging and health promotion prescriptions. Coumarins and polyacetylenes are the primary active constituents of G. littoralis.