Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.5, 275-284 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 276 This study systematically analyzes the cultivation techniques and primary active compounds of Corydalis yanhusuo, aiming to develop efficient cultivation methods that enhance its yield and increase the alkaloid content in its tubers. The study explores methods for soil improvement, optimization of environmental conditions, and the implementation of advanced pest and disease management strategies, aiming to address the challenges present in traditional cultivation practices and provide practical solutions for farmers and producers. The findings of this study may also offer broader insights for the cultivation of other medicinal plants, contributing to the development of more efficient and sustainable agricultural practices in the herbal medicine sector. 2 Characteristics and Traditional Cultivation Techniques of Corydalis yanhusuo 2.1 Morphology and growth habits Corydalis yanhusuo is a herbaceous perennial plant native to East Asia, particularly China and Japan. The plant grows to a height of 15-30 cm, featuring delicate, fern-like compound leaves with a bluish-green hue. Its flowers, which typically bloom from April to May, are purple to lavender in color, borne in clusters at the terminal ends of stems (Figure 1) (Wan et al., 2019; Wu et al., 2021). The tubers of Corydalis yanhusuo, which are irregularly globose or ovate in shape, are the main storage organs and are harvested for medicinal use (Zhao et al., 2023). Corydalis yanhusuo thrives in temperate climates at altitudes of 500-1,500 meters, preferring loose, well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter. It favors a semi-shaded and humid environment and exhibits a unique growth cycle. Starting with vegetative growth in early spring, the plant progresses through flowering and tuber development, and by late summer, its aboveground parts wither as it enters dormancy, while the tubers continue to mature underground (Liao et al., 2016). The morphology and growth habits of Corydalis yanhusuo are closely linked to its ecological requirements, making its cultivation heavily reliant on replicating optimal environmental conditions. Figure 1 (a) Above ground part of C. yanhusuo, (b) tuber of C. yanhusuo, and (c) commercial tubers of C. yanhusuo (Adopted from Wu et al., 2021) 2.2 Active compounds and their health benefits Corydalis yanhusuo is renowned for its abundance of bioactive alkaloids, the most notable being tetrahydropalmatine (THP), corydaline, dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB), and corydalmine. These alkaloids are primarily responsible for the plant’s medicinal properties, which have been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine (Wu et al., 2014; Du et al., 2018; Wang et al., 2020). Among these, THP is recognized for its analgesic and sedative effects, acting as a natural pain reliever by inhibiting specific dopamine receptors in the central nervous system. This has made C. yanhusuo a popular choice for treating ailments such as menstrual cramps, headaches, and joint pain. (Wu et al., 2014; Wu et al., 2018). Dehydrocorybulbine (DHCB), another significant compound, has gained attention for its pain-relieving effects and ability to reduce neuropathic pain.
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