[Survey of Pinellia ternata and its adulterants].

The tubers of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit. distributed widely in China, have been used in traditional medicine. Recently, P. ternata is deficient in herb market and its adulterants are used. This article mainly summarizes some researches on P. ternata and its adulterants from four aspects, including pharmacognostics, chemical component, pharmacology and toxicity. Also some suggestions are presented about the study prospect of P. ternata.