The efficacy and function of Celastrus orbiculatus

Celastrus orientalis is a very good medicinal material. It is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat patients. It has extremely high medicinal value. Let us learn about several aspects of Celastrus orientalis.

[Alias] Pig dung vine.

[Source] Medicinal material source: the whole herb of Celastrus orbiculatus of the Celastraceae family.

[Original form] Celastrus orientalis is a deciduous climbing shrub that can reach a height of 12m. The stem is much branched, the twigs are cylindrical, gray-brown, smooth and hairless, with obvious small round lenticels, the pith is solid and white; the winter buds are small and oval. Simple leaves are alternate, leathery when old; petiole is 1-2cm long; leaf blade is nearly circular, broadly obovate or oblong-obovate, 5-10cm long, 3-6cm wide, with abrupt, short-pointed or acuminate apex, cuneate or nearly circular base, a few are truncated, with fine serrations on the margin, green above, light green below, usually smooth and glabrous above, with veins raised and covered with short soft hairs below. The flowers are dioecious, born in leaf axils, arranged in short cymes, or opposite to leaves at the top, forming cymose panicles, with peduncle as long as pedicel, flower diameter about 5mm, light yellowish green; petals 5, ovate-oblong, 4-5mm long, attached to the edge of cup-shaped disk; male flowers have 5 stamens, filaments slightly longer, alternate with petals, anthers 2-chambered, longitudinally fissured; female flowers have 5 shorter stamens, 1 pistil, superior ovary, nearly spherical, style short columnar, stigma 3-lobed. Capsule, usually 3-chambered, spherical, 7-8mm in diameter, with a persistent short style at the tip, orange-yellow when mature, 3-lobed, the lobes are oval and sac-like, with 1-2 seeds in each chamber. The seeds are ovate to elliptical, about 4mm long and 3mm wide, with a smooth, brown surface and covered with a fleshy red aril. The flowering period is May-June, and the fruiting period is October.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in mixed woods on sunny hillsides and on the edge of sparse forests beside stream valleys. Often clings to trees or bushes.

【Nature and flavor】 Spicy; neutral

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and dampness; reduces swelling and detoxifies. Mainly used for heat stranguria; eczema; traumatic injury; sores, swelling and pain

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 10-30g.

【Note】 Pregnant women should take with caution.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Celastrus orbiculatus is often used in the treatment of some diseases. It can be made into a compound prescription or used alone as needed. However, Celastrus orbiculatus should not be consumed blindly to avoid adverse effects on the body.