The efficacy and function of Hu Zi Qi

There are many types of Chinese medicine. When we make a choice, we need to understand the medicine first. So do you know about the medicinal material Hu Ziqi? Let us introduce it below.

[Other names] Black-haired seven, small mountain peach seven, nine hundred sticks, nine dragons, mandarin duck seven, pig hair seven, red hair seven

[Source] Medicinal material source: the roots and rhizomes of the Ranunculaceae plant Helleborus odoratus.

[Original form] Helleborus chinensis, a perennial plant, 30-50cm tall. The rhizome is about 4mm in diameter and densely covered with fleshy, long fibrous roots. The stem is erect, glabrous, branched at the top, with 2-3 sheath-like leaves at the base. There are 1-2 leaves, which are glabrous; the petiole is 20-24cm long; the leaf blade is bright or pentagonal, 7.5-16cm long, 14-24cm wide, 3-lobed in the shape of a chicken foot, the central lobe is oblanceolate, 1.6-4.5cm wide, and the leaf margin is densely serrated above the lower part; the lateral lobes are fan-shaped, unequally 3-lobed, with short petioles; the stem leaves are smaller than the basal leaves, the central 5-pointed eye is narrowly elliptical, the lateral lobes are unequal, 2-3 deeply lobed; nearly sessile. Flowers are bisexual, usually one flower grows at the end of stems or branches, opens when basal leaves just emerge, glabrous; calyx has 5, petal-shaped, elliptic, or narrowly elliptic, 1.1-2.3cm long, 0.5-1.6cm wide, pink, turns green in fruiting period, persistent; petals are 8-10, cylindrical-funnel-shaped, with short stalks, 5-6mm long, slightly 2-lobed on the ventral side, light yellowish green; stamens are numerous, 4.5-10mm long, filaments are narrowly linear, anthers are elliptic, about 1mm long; carpels are 2-3, about 1cm long, and the style is nearly equal to the ovary. The follicles are flat, 1.6-2.8cm long, 0.9-1.2cm wide, with transverse veins of 6mm. The seeds are oval, flat, about 4-5mm long, about 3mm wide, smooth, and have 1 longitudinal rib. The flowering period is April, and the fruiting period is May-June.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Grown in mountain forests or bushes at an altitude of 1100-3700m.

【Chemical composition】 The root contains desglucohellebrin.

[Pharmacological Action] Cardiotonic effect. The alcohol extract of Helleborus officinalis can stop the in situ and isolated frog hearts in the systolic phase. Its effect on the cat's electrocardiogram is similar to that of digitalis, and the effect is relatively rapid. The biological efficacy of the alcohol extract of Helleborus officinalis for its cardiotonic effect is: pigeon unit 69.16+/-1.8mg/kg; cat unit 50.36+/-3.4mg/kg; guinea pig unit 64.49+/-3.4mg/kg. Compared with the domestic cardiotonic plants that have been studied, the cat unit is between the herb of Formus affine and the bark of the willow, weaker than the round-capsule jute, long-capsule jute, oleander leaves, sea fruit, and the herb of Formus affine; stronger than the yellow-flowered bamboo leaves and the bark of the willow. It is remembered that the active ingredient that proves its cardiotonic effect is helleborinoside (desglucohellebrin), and its safety range is similar to that of scutellaria baicalensis and digoxin.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter; Cool; Slightly toxic

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies; promotes blood circulation and relieves blood stasis; reduces swelling and relieves pain. Mainly used for cystitis; urethritis; sore treatment and swelling; traumatic injury

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 3-6g; or soaked in wine. For external use: take appropriate amount and mash the fresh product for application.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The above is a detailed introduction to the effects and functions of Hu Zi Qi. When choosing it, pay attention to the dosage to avoid causing harm to your body.