Phytolacca acinosa

Raphides occur profusely in at least the leaves, young flowers, buds, spikes and bracts of at least P. a. var. venosa.^[4]

When the species was originally described it was considered a plant located to Nepal.^[3] Currently, the plant is considered native to countries surrounding the Himalayas and introduced to large parts of Europe and parts of the United States (Wisconsin).^[1]

Indian pokeweed is a hyperaccumulator for manganese.^[5][6]

All parts of the plant are toxic to human and mammals, with reported poisoning cases. This is due to the presence of saponins and alkaloids (phytolaccatoxin and phytolaccagenin).^[7]

As a wild food

The young shoots of Indian pokeweed are cooked and eaten by the Gurung people of western Nepal.^[8] They are harvested in June and July.

In traditional medicine

Used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine to treat various ailments and induce abortion.^[7]

In extracting heavy metals

Along with other species in its genus, Phytolacca acinosa has the potential to extract heavy metal from contaminated sites.^[7]

Other

It is also used as dye for food and textile.^[7]

Due to overlap in diagnostic features Phytolacca acinosa can be confused with Phytolacca americana, Phytolacca latbenia or Phytolacca polyandra.^[9]

• 
  Phytolacca americana
• 
  Phytolacca polyandra

The root of Phytolacca acinosa can also be mistaken for ginseng root. ^[10]

Phytolacca acinosa is the source of four flavones,^[11] four oleanane derivatives,^[12] and six triterpenoid saponins.^[13]

Flavones

• Cochliophilin A
• Cochliophilin B
• 6-methoxy-7-hydroxy flavone
• 6,7-methylenedioxy-4-hydroxypeltogynan-7′-one

Triterpenoid saponins

• esculentoside A
• esculentoside B
• esculentoside C
• esculentoside D
• esculentoside H
• esculentoside T