The efficacy and function of Trichosanthes kirilowii

Traditional Chinese medicine is very effective in treating some special diseases, but we still need to learn about it before taking it. Today we will talk about some common knowledge about the medicinal material Trichosanthes kirilowii.

【English Name】 Pubescent Pepper Herb

[Alias] Trichosanthes kirilowii, small wall wind, wild reed, etc.

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

[Original form] Burdock climbing vine. The whole plant has a strong aroma. Young branches slender, densely pubescent. Leaves are alternate, petioles are 5-10cm long, densely pubescent, and sheathed at the male base; leaf blades are papery, ovate-lanceolate or ovate, 4-11cm long, 2-6cm wide, with acute or acuminate apex, cordate base, often asymmetrical on both sides, pubescent on both sides, nearly glabrous on the upper side when old, the hairs are sometimes branched, and there are 5-7 veins. Flowers are unisexual and dioecious, without perianth; the male inflorescence of the spike inflorescence is about 7cm long, and the peduncle and the inflorescence axis are both covered with short soft hairs; the bracts are nearly round, and there are usually 3 stamens; the female inflorescence is 4-6cm long, the ovary is nearly spherical, and there are 4 styles. The berry is about 2mm in diameter. Flowering period is from March to June.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in dense forests or humid valleys, often climbing on trees or rocks. Distributed in Guangdong, Hainan and Guangxi.

[Properties] Identification of properties: The stems and branches are often twisted, flat and cylindrical, 1-3mm in diameter, about 30cm long, and the surface is gray-brown or gray-brown. The nodes are swollen, the internodes are 7-9cm long, the texture is light and brittle, the cortex is narrow in cross section, the vascular bundles are arranged radially in the same manner as the rays, the wood has many small holes, and there is a gray-brown pith in the center. The leaves are gray-green, mostly wrinkled, and ovate-lanceolate or ovate when flattened, 4-10cm long, 2-5cm wide, with a shallow cordate and often asymmetrical base, hairy on both sides and sparse on the back, with 5-7 veins, the uppermost pair emanating from the midrib away from the base; the petiole is densely covered with short hairs and sheathed at the base. Sometimes spikes can be seen opposite the leaves. It has a light fragrance and a spicy taste. The best ones are those with uniform branches, gray-brown color and complete leaves.

【Chemical composition】 Preliminary tests show that it contains bioalkali, tannins, monosaccharides, etc.

[Pharmacological action] This product has analgesic effect on mice by hot plate method when injected intraperitoneally at 5g/kg.

【Nature and flavor】 Spicy; warm

【Functions and indications】Promotes the flow of qi and relieves pain; dispels wind, cold and dampness. It is used for rheumatic pain, headache due to wind and cold, abdominal pain, hernia, dysmenorrhea, and swelling and pain caused by falls.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 6-15g, grind into powder, 1-3g, can also be soaked in wine. For external use: take appropriate amount, decoct in water for washing, grind into powder and use with wine to rub on the body, or mash and fry before hot application.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Through the introduction of the above content, we can understand that the traditional Chinese medicine Trichosanthes plays a very important role in many aspects. Proper consumption of Trichosanthes has many benefits for our body.