The efficacy and function of Acanthopanax rubra

The medical value of Acanthopanax rubra bark is beyond our imagination. It is very effective in treating some diseases. The bark of Acanthopanax rubra contains many substances that are beneficial to the human body. Let’s take a look.

[Alias] Chuanjiapi, Cijiapi (Compilation of Medicinal Materials), Cijiapi, Maowujiapi, Cijiapi (Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica).

[Source] It is the bark of Acanthopanax rubra, a plant of the Araliaceae family. Between June and July, cut off the stems and branches, beat them with wooden sticks to separate the wood from the bark, peel off the stem bark and dry it.

[Original form] Deciduous shrub, up to 3 meters high. The branches are yellow-brown and densely covered with bristle-like spines. The petiole is 3-7 cm long, usually with 2-3 bristle-like spines, with a whorl of reddish-brown bristle-like spines at the base near the branches; the leaflets are five, rarely 3-4, sessile or nearly sessile, with usually clusters of prickly spines on the back near the base; the leaflets are nearly membranous, obovate or oblanceolate, sometimes slightly rhombic, 2.5-5 cm long, 1.5-2.5 cm wide, with short acuminate apex, cuneate base, irregularly serrated margins, smooth on both sides, and with prickles on the main veins below when young. Umbel solitary, borne at the top of the branches; peduncle short; flowers numerous, very small; sepals 5, with 5 inconspicuous teeth; petals 5, obovate; stamens 5; ovary inferior, 5-chambered, styles 5, united at the bottom, separated above the middle. The berry is nearly spherical, with only 5 spindles, and the style is persistent. Flowering period is from May to July. Fruiting period is from June to August.

[Habitat distribution] Growing in mountain shrub forests. Distributed in Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Sichuan, Shaanxi, Gansu and other places. Mainly produced in Sichuan.

[Properties] The dried stem bark is thin and of varying lengths. The complete one is 20 to 30 cm long, 0.7 to 1.2 cm in diameter, and about 0.5 mm thick. The outer surface is yellow, densely covered with brown or light yellow-brown prickles, with protruding buds on the stem bark, and the internodes are 5 to 13 cm long. The inner surface is yellow-green or gray-green and smooth. It is brittle and easily broken. Slight smell and weak taste. The best ones are those with intact skin, clean and without any stains.

[Preparation] Wash with wine or stir-fry with ginger juice and then use as medicine.

【Nature and flavor】Warm in nature, spicy in taste, non-toxic.

[entry into meridians] Enters the liver and kidney meridians.

【Functions and indications】Relieve rheumatism, open up joints, and strengthen tendons and bones. Treats paralysis, cramps and pain, wind-cold-dampness arthritis, weakness of the feet and knees, rheumatism of the skin, and impotence and scrotal dampness. (The following properties and flavors are from Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica)

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 1 to 4 qian; soak in wine or make into pills. For external use: grind into powder and apply on skin.

【Note】 "Sichuan Traditional Chinese Medicine Annals": "People with yin deficiency and excessive fire should not use this medicine."

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From "Chinese Materia Medica".

The above is an introduction to the effects of Acanthopanax rubra bark. When using it, you can use it according to the needs mentioned above. Acanthopanax rubra bark is also very helpful in treating certain diseases.