길경(桔梗)의 본초학적 고찰

김정훈; 도의정; 이금산

doi:10.22674/KHMI-8-1-6

Abstract
Gilgyeong (桔梗), a root of Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A.DC. (Campanulaceae), has been named as “Go-gilgyeong (苦桔梗)” in the traditional herbal literature owing to its bitter taste. The bitter Go-gilgyeong is considered to be of higher value in the herbal markets, and its commercial-grade is assessed according to its wildness and growth year. Jeni (薺苨), a root of Adenophora remotiflora (Siebold & Zucc.) Miq. (Campanulaceae), has also been named as “Cheom-gilgyeong (甛桔梗)” in the herbal literature, and is misunderstood as another name of Gilgyeong commercially. In the present study, we investigated the origin of Go-gilgyeong and Cheon-gilgyeong in the herbal literature and markets, and compared their therapeutic effects and morphological features. It was concluded that the terms Go-gilgyeong and Cheom-gilgyeong were used to distinguish the genuine Gilgyeong from its counterfeit. Go-gilgyeong was named after the bitter taste of Gilgyeong, while Cheom-gilgyeong was named after the sweet taste of Jeni, not as a commercial name of Gilgyeong. The bitterness, wildness, and growth year of P. grandiflorus roots could not guarantee the quality of Gilgyeong. Sore throat associated with severe heat syndrome (熱毒) can be treated by Jeni, while that associated with lesser heat can be treated by Gilgyeong. Gilgyeong and Jeni, although belonging to the same family, were morphologically distinguishable by their shapes, including the cross striations on the epidermis and the cambium and interstice on transversely sectioned surfaces. These results provide critical evidence for the clinical use of Gilgyeong and also indicate that Gilgyeong should be separated from Jeni.