The efficacy and function of Acanthopanax obovatei

Modern medical research believes that Acanthopanax obovata contains many nutrients that are beneficial to the human body. As a traditional Chinese medicine, its efficacy and functions have been widely recognized. Let's take a look at its specific situation.

[Other names] Tiger thorn, snake thorn, cow thorn, sow thorn

[Source] Medicinal material source: The root or stem of Acanthopanax obovata, a plant of the Araliaceae family.

[Original form] Upright shrub. The twigs are glabrous, with 1-2 thorns on the nodes; the thorns are slender and curved downward, with no swollen base. The leaves have 5 leaflets, alternate on long branches and clustered on short branches; petioles are slender, 2.5-5cm long, sometimes nearly sessile, glabrous and thornless on the upper branches; leaf segments are obovate, 2.5-5cm long, 1.5-2cm wide, pointed at the apex, cuneate at the base, glabrous on both sides, yellow-green or grayish white beneath, with nearly entire margin or several serrations at the apex, about 4 pairs of lateral veins, and reticulate veins sunken above; petiolules absent or almost absent. Umbels 1-2 or several, terminal on long or short branches, 3-4cm in diameter, with many flowers; peduncle and pedicel are glabrous; calyx is glabrous, with 5 small teeth on the edge; 5 petals, triangular-ovate, pointed at the apex, recurved when flowering; 5 stamens; ovary 5-chambered, with all styles fused into a column. The fruit is elliptical-ovoid, with 5 edges and persistent style. The flowering period is July-August, and the fruiting period is September-October.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Growing in thickets and hillside roadsides at an altitude of 1000-2000m.

[Chemical composition] Contains a variety of physiologically active ingredients, such as β-sitosterol (β-sitos-terol), daucosterol, syringin, flavonoids, polysaccharides, etc.

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet; slightly bitter; warm

【Functions and indications】 Strengthens the spleen and replenishes Qi; nourishes the kidney and calms the mind; relaxes muscles and activates collaterals. Weakness and fatigue; loss of appetite; soreness of waist and knees; impotence; insomnia and dreaminess; forgetfulness; wind-cold-dampness arthralgia

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decocted in water, 9-15g; or made into pills or powder.

[Note] People with Yin deficiency and excess fire should take this medicine with caution.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

The above is an introduction to the effects and functions of Acanthopanax obovata. If you want to consume Acanthopanax obovata, it is best to consult a Chinese medicine practitioner. I hope this helps you all.