Hai Feng Teng-Piper kadsura is a woody climbing vine in the family Piperaceae and related to the pepper we all know. It is sometimes confused with Kadsura japonica, which is native to Japan. It is also frequently known by a number of other names such as Kadsura Stem, Caulis Piperis Futokadsurae, Futokadsura Stem, Caulis Piperis, Kadsurae, and Piper Futokadsura Stem and in China as Hai Feng Teng
The plant’s stems vertical edges, covered with sparsely growing fine hairs when young and the leaves are a bit tough and leathery ovate and about 6 to 12cm long with white glandular dot. The Berry is spherical, usually brown, and 3 to 4mm in diameter. The plant blooms from May to August.
The main areas of cultivation and harvesting are Guangdong, Fujian and Taiwan usually being harvested during the late summer and autumn.
It is highly aromatic as one would expect from a plant in this family.
Medicinal Uses for Hai Feng Teng-Piper kadsura as a Herb:-
In traditional Chinese Medicine the herb is used in decoction to treat stiffness in joints, cramping and lower back pain. It is anti inflammatory and is used to help with muscle aches and strains. It has been used as a liver and kidney tonic.
It is classified as mildly acrid and bitter
Constituents of Hai Feng Teng-Piper kadsura as a Herb:-
The main chemical constituents are futoxide, futoenone, futoquinol, futoamide, β-sitosterol, stigmasterol and volatile oil.