The efficacy and function of Zishi

Zizishi is a traditional Chinese medicine. In addition to the effects we know in daily life, Zizishi actually has many other effects and functions. Let’s take a look at them right away.

[Source] It is the fruit of the plant Catalpa ovata of the Bignoniaceae family. Pick the ripe fruits in autumn and winter and dry them in the sun.

[Original morphology] The plant morphology is detailed in the "Zhabaipi" article.

[Habitat distribution] Produced in Hunan, Hebei, Sichuan and other places.

[Properties] The capsule is narrow and linear in shape. When fresh, it has strong stickiness, which gradually disappears when ripe. 20-30 cm long, 5-9 mm thick, slightly curved, dark brown or even black brown, with fine longitudinal wrinkles and shiny spots, rough and brittle. There is a fruit stalk at the base. The apex is often broken, exposing the seeds. The seeds are light brown, thin, 5 mm long, 2-3 mm wide, with about 1 cm long white shiny hairs on the upper and lower ends, and a dark navel spot on the inner center. After the seed coat is removed, the embryo becomes the embryo, which has two cotyledons. Almost tasteless, slightly astringent.

[Chemical composition] The fruit contains catalpa glycoside, de-p-hydroxybenzoyl catalpa glycoside, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, citric acid and wax. The seeds contain para-hydroxybenzoic acid. β-Sitosterol and fatty acids.

[Pharmacological action] The water-soluble extract of Catalpa oleracea and the extracts of its peel and seeds have a diuretic effect on mice and rabbits, and increase the excretion of electrolytes. Glycosides with diuretic effect are extracted from the fruit of Catalpa ovata. In the rat diuresis experiment, the effect of de-p-hydroxybenzoyl catalpa glycoside is stronger than that of catalpa glycoside, the former mainly manifests as sodium diuresis, while the latter manifests as chloride diuresis. In rats with acidic urine, the diuretic effect of the two glycosides was weakened, while that of alkaline urine was enhanced. Both glycosides showed sodium diuresis in rats with bilateral adrenalectomy. It has no inhibitory effect on rat carbonic anhydrase and almost no effect on the circulatory system. Weak toxicity. Its diuretic effect is due to its effect on the renal tubules.

【Properties and flavors】 "Modern Practical Chinese Medicine": "sweet, mild, non-toxic."

【Functions and indications】 ① "Modern Practical Chinese Medicine": "Diuretic, treats edema."

[Additional prescription] For treating chronic nephritis, edema and proteinuria: decoct 50 cents of Ziziphus chinensis in water and drink. (Hebei Traditional Chinese Medicine Handbook)

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

【Source】 From "Modern Practical Chinese Medicine"

The medicinal value of Ziziphus chinensis introduced in the article is of great help to our lives. In fact, many physical illnesses can be treated with some Chinese medicinal materials such as Ziziphus chinensis. The profound Chinese medicine culture should continue to be passed on.