Description

Platycodon grandiflorus is a perennial flowering plant of the Campanulaceae family and the only species of the genus Platycodon. It is a well-known medicinal plant in China and other East Asian countries and has been traditionally used as a medicine and food additive for various respiratory diseases, including bronchitis, asthma, tonsillitis, pulmonary tuberculosis and other inflammatory diseases. Oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins are the main chemical components of P. grandiflorus, mainly including platycodin D, D2, D3, deapioplatycodin D, D2, polygalacin D and platyconic acid A.