Liliaceae
Fritillary Bulb
Fritillaria cirrhosa
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Sichuan, Yunnan, China (alpine meadows)
Also known as: Chuan Bei Mu, Sichuan Fritillary, Circle Fritillary
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Parts Used
Bulb
Therapeutic Uses
Chronic cough (antitussive), bronchitis, tuberculosis (adjunct), lung heat patterns (TCM), whooping cough. Central herb in TCM lung formulas. Clinical evidence for cough reduction.
Herbal Actions
Antitussive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal
Active Constituents
Isosteroidal alkaloids (peimissine, peiminine, peimisine, fritimine), nucleosides, phytosterols
Preparation Methods
🍵 Decoction💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 3–9g dried bulb powder simmered 30 min in 500ml, 2x daily |
| Tincture | Capsules: 300–500mg standardized extract, 3x daily |
| Notes | Expensive and CITES regulated — ensure sustainable sourcing. Classic in Chuan Bei Pi Pa Gao (loquat syrup with fritillary) for cough. Combine with platycodon and lily bulb for comprehensive TCM respiratory formula. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid with aconitum preparations (classical incompatibility in TCM). CITES listed — source sustainably. Avoid in pregnancy.
Side Effects: GI upset at high doses. Generally well tolerated at therapeutic doses.