Pinyin: Yuanzhi
Aliases
Xicao, Xiaojiyan, Xiaocaogen.
Source
1. For pneumonia: Renshen 6 g, decoct in water and take orally. Internal use: decoct 3-10 g, large dose 10-30 g.Polygala tenuifoliaThe dried root of Willd.
Plant
Morphology
Perennial herb, 25-40 cm tall. Root cylindrical, long and slightly curved. Stems erect or ascending, numerous, clustered at the base, slender, cylindrical, hard, green, much branched in the upper part. Leaves simple, alternate, petiole short or nearly absent; leaf blade linear, 1-3 cm long, 1.5-3 mm wide, apex acute, base gradually narrowed, margin entire, midvein impressed above, raised below, glabrous or sparsely pubescent. In spring, a terminal raceme appears, 5-12 cm long, flowers small, sparse; sepals 5, with 2 petal-like, greenish-white; petals 3, pale purple, with 1 larger, keel-shaped, apex with fringed appendages; stamens 8, filaments fused at base; pistil 1, ovary obovate, flattened, 2-loculed, style curved, stigma 2-lobed. Capsule flattened, 4-5 mm long and wide, orbicular-obcordate, green, smooth, margin narrowly winged, without cilia, base with persistent sepals, splitting at margin when mature. Seeds ovate, slightly flattened, brownish-black, densely white-tomentose. Flowering May to July, fruiting June to August.
Habitat and Distribution
Grows on sunny slopes or roadsides. Distributed in Northeast, North, Northwest China, as well as Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Jiangxi regions.
Harvesting and Processing
Harvested in spring and autumn, remove the fibrous roots and soil, then dry in the sun.
Medicinal Properties
The root is cylindrical, slightly curved, 3-15 cm long and 2-8 mm in diameter. The surface is grayish-yellow to light brown, rough and uneven, with branch root scars and deep transverse furrows. The texture is brittle and easily broken; the bark (cortex) is brownish-yellow in cross-section, while the xylem is yellowish-white and easily separated from the bark. The coreless root (Yuanzhi rou) is in long cylindrical pieces without xylem. Odor: faint; Taste: bitter and slightly acrid, with a throat-irritating sensation when chewed.
Chemical Constituents
This product contains senegin, seneginn, xanthone I from Polygala, xanthone II from Polygala, 1,6-dihydroxy-3,7-dimethoxyxanthone,α-β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, polygala saponin, sibiricose, tenuifoline, and tenuifoliside, among others.
Pharmacology
Has central sedative and anticonvulsant effects; expels phlegm; lowers blood pressure; causes hemolysis; contracts the uterus; inhibits bacteria; and has anti-mutagenic activity.
Properties and Channel Entry
Acrid, bitter, slightly warm, enters the Heart, Lung, and Kidney channels.
Functions and Indications
Calms the Spirit and enhances intelligence, restores communication between the Heart and Kidney, expels Phlegm, and reduces swelling. Used for insomnia with excessive dreaming, forgetfulness, palpitations, and mental confusion caused by disharmony between the Heart and Kidney; difficulty expectorating phlegm; sores, furuncles, and toxic swellings; and breast swelling and pain.
Dosage and Administration
Oral: decoct in water, 3-10 g; steep in wine or prepare as pills or powder. External use: appropriate amount, grind into powder and mix with wine for application.
Precautions and Contraindications
Caution is advised for individuals with Yin deficiency and Fire hyperactivity, Spleen and Stomach weakness, and for pregnant women. Dosage should not be excessive to avoid causing nausea and vomiting.
Prescriptions
1. For appendicitis: Huangbai 30 g, Yuanzhi 20 g. Decoct in water (decoct Yuanzhi for 10 minutes first), take warm. [*Jilin Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine*, 1987, (2): 16] 2. For mastitis (Chuiru): Yuanzhi, decoct in wine and take, apply the dregs to the affected area. (*Xiuzhen Fang*) 3. For forgetfulness: Yuanzhi, Shichangpu, equal parts. Decoct in water and take regularly. (*Weisheng Yijian Fang*) 4. For insomnia: Yuanzhi Rou, Suanzaoren (stir-fried), Shilianrou, equal parts. Decoct in water and take. (*Zhongxing Xianfang*) 5. For infantile convulsions: Yuanzhi (remove the core), decoct in water. Take at any time. (*Puji Fang*)
