Menispermum
Fruit and seed of Menispermum canadense
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Ranunculales
Family: Menispermaceae
Genus: Menispermum
L.
Species

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Menispermum (moonseed) is a small genus of deciduous climbing woody vines in the moonseed family (Menispermaceae). Plants in this genus have small dioecious flowers, and clusters of small grape-like drupes.[1] The name, moonseed, comes from the shape of the seed, which resembles a crescent moon. The word Menispermum is derived from the Greek words μήν (mēn), meaning (crescent) moon, and σπέρμα (sperma) meaning seed. The common name moonseed is also applied to some other species in the related genus Cocculus.

Species

There are only two recognised species in the genus Menispermum[2][3] these being :

Formerly placed here

Toxicity

All parts of these plants are known to be poisonous, containing dauricine and related isoquinoline alkaloids, and children have died from eating the fruits. Dauricine inhibits cardiac K+ channels thus causing arrhythmia. Other symptoms caused by consumption of the grape-like fruits include excitation of the CNS, leading to seizures and neuromuscular arrest.[5][6] First aid in cases of Menispermum poisoning involves the induction of vomiting, followed by the administration of medicinal charcoal and sodium sulphate. Clinical therapy : gastric lavage ( possibly with 0.1% potassium permanganate ) instillation of medicinal charcoal and sodium sulphate; electrolyte substitution, control of acidosis with sodium bicarbonate ( pH of urine 7.5 ). In case of spasms, intravenous administration of diazepam. Provision of intubation and oxygen respiration in case of respiratory arrest or paralysis. Checking of diuresis and kidney function.[5]

Medicinal Use

Menispermum dauricum has been used to treat skin disorders, rheumatism,[7] and cervical cancer.[8]

Menispermum canadense has been used in herbal medicine as a tonic, laxative, dermatological aid, venereal aid, and diuretic.[9] Yellow Medicine County in Minnesota is named after one of this plant's common names.

Plants of this species are sometimes grown as ornamentals in gardens. Gardeners can propagate this plant from the division of runners or by seed.

Gallery

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Menispermum.
Wikispecies has information related to Menispermum.
  1. ^ Flora of North America
  2. ^ http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/search?q=Menispermum Retrieved 1.47 on 15/11/18
  3. ^ "Flora of China" (PDF). Retrieved 7 December 2014.
  4. ^ a b "GRIN Species Records of Menispermum". Germplasm Resources Information Network. United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 2011-02-01.
  5. ^ a b Wink, Michael and Van Wyk, Ben-Erik Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World : A Scientifically Accurate Guide to 1,200 Toxic and Intoxicating Plants pub. Timber Press 2008 ISBN 978-0-88192-952-2
  6. ^ FDA Poisonous Plant Database Archived 2007-09-29 at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ PIW Database[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database on USDA GRIN Taxonomy: Asian Moonseed
  9. ^ Dr. Duke's Database of USDA GRIN Taxonomy: Canadian Moonseed


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