ABSTRACT
The family Polygonaceae consists of approximately 30 genera and 1000 species of bitter-tasting herbs, easily recognizable in the field by stems which are sourish, articulated, hollowed, and striated, and by their stipules that form some sort of membranous tubes at base of the leaves. The traditional system of medicines in the Pacific Rim uses about 30 plant species of Polygonaceae mainly for gastrointestinal disturbances, to expel intestinal worms, to allay fever, to invigorate, to regulate menses, to reduce liver discomfort, to treat skin infection, and to soothe inflammation. Polygonaceae tend to elaborate resveratrol and congener, hence they have the potential as a source of chemotherapeutic agents. Polygonum chinense L. is a perennial, rhizomatous herb that grows to a height of 1m in the wet valleys, mixed forests, thickets in valleys, and mountain grassy slopes of China, Taiwan, Himalaya, Japan, India, Malaysia, and the Philippines from sea level to 3000m.
