The efficacy and function of small-leaved rock incense

Small-leaved climbing rock is a medicinal material that can treat many diseases. If consumed scientifically and healthily, it can bring great benefits to our physical health and disease treatment. Now let’s take a closer look at the effects and eating methods of the small-leaved climbing rock fragrance.

[Alias] Small hairy burdock, Eighteen-wind vine.

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole plant of Piperaceae.

[Original form] Small-leaved climbing vine, up to several meters long. The stems and branches are procumbent or climbing, with roots at the nodes. They are densely covered with rusty coarse hairs when young, which fall off and become sparse when old. Leaves are alternate, entire; petioles on twigs are shorter, 5-10mm long, while petioles on runners are longer, 1-2.5cm long, coarsely hairy, with sheath at base; leaves on twigs are oblong, oblong or ovate-lanceolate, 7-11cm long, 3-4.5cm wide, with short acuminate apex, oblique or semi-cordate base, 5-7 veins, the uppermost pair are alternate or nearly opposite, emanating from the midrib 1-2cm from the base, the rest are nearly basal, with obvious reticulate veins, and the hairs are the same as those on runners; leaves on runners are ovate or ovate-oblong, 3.5-5cm long, 2-3cm wide, acuminate or obtuse at apex, cordate at base, slightly unequal on both sides, coarsely hairy on both sides, especially on the dorsal veins, the hairs usually bend upwards and fall off and become sparse. Flowers are unisexual, dioecious, and gathered into spikes opposite leaves; male inflorescence is slender, 5.5-13cm long and 2-3cm in diameter; peduncle is equal to or slightly longer than the petiole at the top, and is hairy together with the inflorescence axis; bracts are round, with short stalks, peltate, 0.7-1mm in diameter, glabrous on the back, and covered with hairs on the ventral surface and at the attachment point of the inflorescence axis; 2 stamens, short filaments, and nearly spherical anthers; female inflorescence is 4-4.5cm long, with bracts and inflorescence axis the same as those of male inflorescence, ovary nearly spherical, free, 4 stigmas, linear. Berries are obovate, free, about 2 mm in diameter. Flowering period is from March to July.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in sparse woods or dense forests in valleys at an altitude of 100-2500m, often climbing on trees or rocky mountains.

[Properties] Identification by properties: The stems and vines are twisted, the thin stems have dense brown coarse hairs, while the old stems have sparse coarse hairs with longitudinal ridge-like stripes. The leaves are wrinkled, and the complete leaves are oblong or ovate-lanceolate when flattened. They are membranous, with a short pointed tip and a slightly oblique cordate base. There are fine glandular dots on both sides and covered with upward-curved coarse hairs. There are 5-7 veins, the uppermost pair of which emerge from the midrib 1-2 cm from the base, and the rest emerge close to the base, with obvious reticulate veins. The stems and vines often have spike inflorescences opposite the leaves. Fragrant smell, spicy taste.

[Chemical composition] Small-leaved rock rose contains 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl propionic acid and 3,4-dimethoxyphenyl propionamide.

[Pharmacological action] 1. Analgesic effect The volatile oil, alkaline part and acidic part contained in the small-leaved rock rose all have analgesic effects. Among the active ingredients, 3,4-dimethoxyphenylpropionamide (DMPPA) has a strong effect. The mouse hot plate method or light stimulation tail flick method has proved that DMPPA has a significant analgesic effect; the ED50 of the rabbit potassium ion penetration analgesia test is 24.5±1.6mg/kg, and the effective duration is 1-3 hours and 40 minutes.

[Toxicity] The LD50 of DMPPA injected into the tail vein of mice is 179.5±11.6 mg/kg, injected into the peritoneum is 300±9.4 mg/kg, and injected subcutaneously is 484.2±9.8 mg/kg. Mouse jumping test and monkey addiction test proved that DMPPA is not addictive. In the monkey adult study, the drug was shared for 109 days with a total dose of 5050 mg/kg. No abnormalities were found in alanine aminotransferase, non-protein nitrogen, and electrocardiogram. Only drooling, occasional nausea and vomiting were observed.

【Nature and flavor】 Spicy; slightly moist

【Functions and indications】 Expel wind and dampness; dispel cold and relieve pain; promote blood circulation and relax muscles. It is used for wind-cold-dampness arthralgia; cold pain in the abdomen; sprains and bruises; toothache; urticaria

[Usage and Dosage] For oral administration: decoction, 10-20g; or soak in wine. For external use: take appropriate amount, mash it and mix with wine for application.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Based on the above summary, the small-leaved rock fragrance does have certain pharmacological effects. What needs to be noted is that the small-leaved rock fragrance should be consumed according to one's actual situation and not in excess.