Pinyin: Suoyang
Aliases
Suoyang, Bulaoyao, Suoyanzi, Yangsuobula.
Source
1Cynomorium songar-icumDried fleshy stem of *Rhodiola rosea* L. or *Rhodiola crenulata* (Hook. f. et Thoms.) H. Ohba.
Botanical Description
A perennial fleshy parasitic herb, 10-100 cm tall. Lacks chlorophyll, entirely dark purplish-red or red. The underground stem is short and thick, with numerous warty tuberous absorbing roots. The stem is fleshy, cylindrical, buried underground, usually with only the apex exposed above ground, base slightly swollen, 3-6 cm in diameter. Scale-like leaves are alternate, densely imbricate at the base of the stem, sparsely spirally arranged above, up to 1 cm long, less than 1 cm wide, apex acute. Flowers polygamous, monoecious. Spicate inflorescence terminal, fleshy, club-shaped, 5-12 cm long, 2-4 cm in diameter, densely packed with small flowers, covered with scaly bracts; flowers dark purple; male flowers with 1-6 linear perianth segments, stamen 1, longer than perianth; pistillode inconspicuous or sometimes obovate; female flowers with several linear fleshy involucral bracts, one of which is often broader, perianth segments club-shaped; pistil 1, ovary inferior or semi-inferior; style club-shaped; hermaphroditic flowers often open before male flowers, each with 1 stamen and 1 pistil. Nut globose, very small. Flowering period May-June, fruiting period August-September.
Habitat and Distribution
Born in sandy areas, parasitizing the roots of *Nitraria tangutorum* (a plant in the Zygophyllaceae family). Distributed in the northwest and Inner Mongolia regions.
Harvesting and Processing
Harvested in spring, remove the inflorescence, cut into segments, and dry in the sun.
Medicinal Properties
The product is cylindrical in shape, some slightly flattened, mostly cut into segments, 5-15 cm long, 1.5-5 cm in diameter, with some having a slightly thinner and slightly curved tip. The surface is brown to dark brown, with numerous obvious longitudinal grooves and transverse intermittent shallow cracks, some with residual black-brown scales, and fine longitudinal striations where the cork has peeled off. The texture is hard, difficult to break, with a light brown or brown cross-section showing scattered triangular protruding vascular bundle spots. Odor: faint; Taste: sweet and astringent. Those with thick strips, heavy weight, hard texture, and an oily cross-section are considered superior.
Chemical Constituents
Contains acetylursolic acid, cynoterpene, daucosterol, (+)-catechin, and 2,6-diethyl-3-methylpyrazine.β- β-sitosterol.β- Sitosterol oleate and other components.
Pharmacology
Has effects on immune function, has free radical scavenging, anti-hypoxia, and anti-platelet aggregation effects, and promotes gastrointestinal motility.
Properties and Channel Entry
Sweet, warm. Enters the Kidney, Liver, and Large Intestine channels.
Functions and Indications
Tonifies Kidney Yang, nourishes Essence and Blood, and moistens the Intestines to unblock the bowels. Used for Kidney Yang deficiency, Essence and Blood depletion, weakness and soreness in the lower back and knees, impotence and spermatorrhea, and constipation due to intestinal dryness.
Dosage and Administration
Oral: decoct in water, 5-15 g; or prepared as pills or powder.
Precautions and Contraindications
Contraindicated in cases of Yin deficiency with Fire hyperactivity, Spleen deficiency with diarrhea, and constipation due to Excess Heat. Long-term consumption may also cause constipation.
Prescriptions
1. For impotence: Suoyang 12 g, Congrong 12 g, Gouqizi 12 g, Hutaoren 12 g, Tusizi 9 g, Yinyanghuo 15 g. Decoct in water and take orally. (Quanguo Zhongcaoyao Huibian) 2. For kidney deficiency with nocturnal emission and weak lower back and knees: Suoyang 9 g, Sangpiaoxiao 9 g, Fuling 9 g, Longgu 3 g. Decoct in water and take orally. (Quanguo Zhongcaoyao Huibian) 3. For leukorrhea: Suoyang 15 g, Shazao Shupi 9 g. Decoct in water and take orally. (Shaan Gan Ning Qing Zhongcaoyao Xuan) 4. For uterine prolapse in women: Suoyang 15 g, Mutong 9 g, Cheqianzi 9 g, Gancao 9 g, Wuweizi 9 g, Dazao 3 pieces. Decoct in water and take orally. (Shamo Diqu Yongzhi Zhiwu) 5. For gastric ulcer: Suoyang 9 g, Zhuyaliao 9 g. Decoct in water and take orally. (Shaan Gan Ning Qing Zhongcaoyao Xuan)
