The efficacy and function of Vitex rotundifolia

In our lives, Vitex rotundifolia has attracted our attention because of its extremely high medicinal value. Now let’s take a closer look at what Vitex is.

【English name】 FRUCTUS VITICIS

[Other names] White-backed fungus, white-backed poplar, water twister, white cloth thorn

[Source] This product is the dried mature fruit of Vitex trifolia L. var. simplicifolia Cham. or Vitex trifolia L., a plant of the Verbenaceae family. The fruits are harvested in autumn when they are ripe, impurities are removed and they are sun-dried.

[Properties] This product is spherical, with a diameter of 4 to 6 mm. The surface is gray-black or dark brown, covered with gray-white powdery hairs, with 4 shallow longitudinal grooves, slightly concave at the apex, and with gray-white persistent calyx and short fruit stalks at the base. The calyx is 1/3 to 2/3 the length of the fruit, with 5 lobes, 2 of which are deeper, and densely covered with hairs. Lightweight, tough and not easy to break. The cross section shows 4 chambers, each containing 1 seed. The smell is unique and aromatic, the taste is light and slightly spicy.

【Identification】 (1) The powder of this product is gray-brown. The epidermal cells of the calyx are round with curved walls; there are 2 to 3 non-glandular hairs, the base of the top cells is slightly thicker and has warty protrusions. The cells of the exocarp are polygonal, with keratin texture and traces of hair shedding, and have glandular hairs and non-glandular hairs: the glandular hairs are divided into two types: single-celled head and 1-2 cells in the stalk and 2-6 cells in the head and single-celled stalk; the non-glandular hairs are 2-4 cells, 14-68μm long, mostly curved, and have wall warts. Mesocarp cells are oblong or quasi-circular, with slightly lignified walls and distinct pits. The oil tubules are mostly broken and contain secretions, and the surrounding cells have light yellow oil droplets. The stone cells in the endocarp are oval or nearly square, with a diameter of 10 to 35 μm. The seed coat cells are round or quasi-round, with a diameter of 42 to 73 μm, and the walls have a reticular texture and are lignified.

【Processing】 Vitex rotundifolia : remove impurities.

【Nature and flavor】Pungent, bitter, slightly cold.

[entry into meridians] Enter the bladder, liver and stomach meridians.

【Functions and indications】Disperses wind-heat, clears the head. It is used for wind-heat cold, headache, swollen and painful gums, red eyes and excessive tears, blurred vision, and dizziness.

【Usage and Dosage】 5～9g.

【Storage】Keep in a cool and dry place.

[Remarks] (1) It is used for headaches caused by wind-heat. It is often used in combination with siler, chrysanthemum, gypsum, etc. in clinical practice. For headaches caused by wind, this product can also be used in combination with ligusticum chuanxiong, etc. It is used to treat red, swollen and painful eyes and dizziness caused by wind evil, and is often used in combination with chrysanthemum, Chuanxiong, Cassia seed, etc.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Pharmacopoeia

[Source] Annotations to the Classic of Materia Medica

The above is a brief introduction to Vitex rotundifolia. Through this we can understand that Vitex rotundifolia contains a variety of nutrients, which are very effective in treating and preventing some diseases. In daily life, everyone can eat it under the guidance of relevant people.