Family Name: Lardizabalaceae
Botanical Name(s): Akebia quinata
Popular Name(s): Akebia, Chocolate Vine, Mu Tong, Clematis Stem
Parts Used: Stem
Habitat: Akebia is native to a region which extends from Central
China to Korea and Japan. It is found in the United States and England
also.
Description: Akebia possesses a slender, rounded stem that is
green in colour in the earlier stages of its life but turns to brown in
later stages. The plant has palmate alternate leaves along the stem and
the leaves are divided, generally into 5 leaflets. Its flowers are
chocolate-purple in colour. Fruits are purple-violet and are 2 1/4 to 4
inches in length.
Uses: Akebia is used as an antibiotic, antitumor,
anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic and galactagogue substance. Its
stem, when taken internally, cures bacterial and fungal infections and
treats urinary tract infections. It induces menstruation and lactation
too. Its root is used as an antipyretic.
