Pinyin: Xiyangsheng
Aliases
Xiyang Renshen, Yangshen, Huaqishen.
Source
Plant of the family Araliaceae: Panax quinquefoliumPanax quinquefoliumL.'s dried root.
Botanical Description
A perennial herb, 25-30 cm tall. Roots fleshy, fusiform, sometimes branched. Stem cylindrical, with longitudinal stripes. Palmately compound leaves, usually 3-4 whorled at the stem apex; petioles flattened, 5.7 cm long; leaflets usually 5, rarely 7, the lower 2 smaller; petiolules 1-2 cm long; leaf blades obovate, broadly ovate, or broadly elliptic, 4-9 cm long, 2-5 cm wide, apex abruptly acuminate, base decurrent and cuneate, margin with coarse serrations, upper surface with sparse fine bristles along the veins. Umbel solitary and terminal, with 20-80 small flowers forming a spherical cluster; peduncle 10-20 cm long; bracts ovate; calyx campanulate, green, 5-toothed; corolla greenish-white, 5 petals, oblong; stamens 5, filaments slightly flattened at base; pistil 1, ovary inferior, 2-locular, styles 2, separate above, with a fleshy annular disc. Berry-like drupe, compressed-globose, numerous, forming a capitate cluster, bright red when ripe. Flowering period May-June, fruiting period June-September.
Habitat and Distribution
Cultivated in Northeast China, as well as Beijing, Xi'an, Jiangxi, and other regions; originally native to North America.
Harvesting and Processing
All are cultivated products, harvested in autumn, washed clean, sun-dried or dried at low temperature.
Medicinal Properties
The main root of whole-requisite sun-dried American ginseng is cylindrical or short-cylindrical, with branched rootlets in the lower part; sometimes without branched rootlets, the main root is conical or fusiform, 1.5-9 cm long, 0.5-3 cm in diameter; the outer surface is pale yellow or earthy yellow, with dense fine annular striae, longitudinal wrinkles, and a few transverse lenticels. The rootstock is removed or partially remaining, cylindrical or flat-cylindrical, 0.1-1.3 cm long, 0.1-1 cm in diameter, with 1-4 concave stem scars, and adventitious roots are sometimes visible. Rootlets are absent or 2-6, with fibrous roots bearing warty protrusions. The texture is hard and brittle. The cut surface is pale yellowish-white, with a brown or brownish-yellow ring; the cortex is scattered with orange-red or reddish-brown dots and has radial fissures. The odor is faintly aromatic, and the taste is bitter and slightly sweet.
Chemical Constituents
1. For pneumonia: Renshen 6 g, decoct in water and take orally.0Ginsenoside Rb11. For pneumonia: Ginsenoside Rg1Ginsenoside Re and pseudo-ginsenoside F.11etc.
Pharmacology
Inhibits the central nervous system; improves memory; has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system; enhances the body's anti-stress capacity; strengthens immune function; protects the red blood cell membrane; has a protective effect on cells infected with herpes simplex virus type I; antidiuretic, etc.
Properties and Channel Entry
Sweet, slightly bitter, cool. Enters the Heart, Lung, and Kidney channels.
Functions and Indications
Tonifies Qi and nourishes Yin, clears Heat and generates body fluids
Dosage and Administration
Oral: decocted in water (decocted separately and taken with the decoction), 3-6 g; or made into pills or powder.
Precautions and Contraindications
For patients with deficiency and decline of Middle Yang, Cold-Dampness obstructing the Middle, or Damp-Heat and depressed Fire, use with caution.
Prescriptions
1. For summer heat injury with dry tongue and throat, mainly to generate fluids, moisten dryness, astringe Qi, and relieve vexation: Xiyangshen (American Ginseng) 3 g, Maidong (Ophiopogon) 9 g, Bei Wuweizi (Schisandra) nine fruits. Steep as tea. (Shengmai San from *Hou Ke Jin Yue*) 2. For long-term low-grade fever of unknown cause: Xiyangshen (American Ginseng) 3 g, Digupi (Cortex Lycii) 6 g, Fengan (Prepared Licorice) 6 g. Decoct together and drink. Concentrate each dose by decocting twice, one dose daily. [*Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine* 1990, 10(1):14] 3. For intractable night sweats: Ludouyi (Testa Glycines) 30 g, Xiyangshen (American Ginseng) 3 g. Decoct separately, then combine the decoctions and take, one dose daily. [*Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine* 1990, 10(1):14] 4. For excessive physical fatigue and difficult recovery: Xianhecao (Herba Agrimoniae) 30 g, Hongzao (Fructus Jujubae) 7 pieces, decoct to concentrate; separately decoct Xiyangshen (American Ginseng) 3 g, combine the decoctions and take. [*Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine* 1990, 10(1):14] 5. For poor appetite, fatigue, and listlessness: Xiyangshen (American Ginseng) 10 g, Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala) 10 g, Yunfu (Poria) 10 g. Decoct in water and take orally. [*Dazhong Zhongyiyao* 1990, (3):7]
