Gladiolus communis vs Petasites japonicus

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Gladiolus communis

Digestive

Digestive

Gladiolus communis

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Petasites japonicus

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Mediterranean ornamental; corms used in North African and Levantine folk medicine for constipation and respiratory.

Japanese edible plant with large leaves; young stalks eaten as vegetable; traditional use for cough and pain.

Active Compounds

flavonoids, starch, tannins

petasin, furanopetasin, flavonoids, pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Traditional Uses

constipation, cough, urinary conditions

cough, constipation, pain relief, food source (fuki)

Modern Uses

mild laxative, expectorant, diuretic

antispasmodic, digestive support, traditional food

Adult Dosage

3-5g corm powder in warm water 1x/day

Young stalks as food; PA-free extract for medicinal use

Contraindications

pregnancy, GI conditions

pyrrolizidine alkaloids in raw plant, pregnancy

Side Effects

GI upset

liver toxicity if PA not removed

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E