Anrederae Bulbilus
Aliases：Tengzi Sanqi、Xiaonianyao、Tu Sanqi
Tengsanqi is a Chinese medicinal herb. It consists of the dried, tuberous bulbils that grow on the vine of Anredera cordifolia (Tenore) van Steen. (family Basellaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Tonify the Kidney and strengthen the lower back, disperse stasis and reduce swelling.
Indications
Tengsanqi is mainly used for the treatment of bi pain (painful obstruction) of the lower back and knees, debility after illness, traumatic injury, and fracture.
Modern Pharmacology
Metabolism Regulation: Regulating blood glucose: Animal studies have shown that extracts of Anredera cordifolia (Tengsanqi) have the potential to help regulate blood glucose. Regulating blood lipids: A study on hyperlipidemic model rats found that Anredera cordifolia can lower blood lipids, possibly by enhancing the body‘s antioxidant capacity and reducing lipid peroxidation products. Anti‑inflammatory & Analgesic: Traditionally used as an analgesic, modern research confirms its anti‑inflammatory and analgesic effects. Mechanism: Its active constituents can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors, thereby providing adjunctive relief for inflammation such as arthritis and dermatitis. Circulation Improvement: In traditional medicine, Anredera cordifolia is often used to promote blood circulation, remove stasis, reduce swelling, and relieve pain, especially in the treatment of traumatic injuries. Studies suggest that its components can improve local microcirculation and facilitate the absorption of blood stasis. Other Effects: Antioxidant: Research confirms that the polysaccharides and flavonoids in Anredera cordifolia possess strong in vitro antioxidant activity. Immunity enhancement and anti‑fatigue: Traditional medicine holds that it can nourish the liver and kidney and combat fatigue; modern animal experiments also support its potential related effects.
Ingredients
Main active constituents: Modern pharmacological research on Tengsanqi (Anredera cordifolia) mainly focuses on its various active ingredients, including triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, steroidal saponins, polysaccharides, alkaloids, as well as uracil and adenosine compounds, among others.
Usage & Dosage
1. Internal use: 30–60 g in decoction; or stewed with chicken or lean pork. 2. External use: Appropriate amount, crushed for topical application.
Contraindications
Pregnant / pre‑pregnant women – Avoid (risk of miscarriage). Menstruating women – Use with caution (may increase bleeding). Bleeding disorders (hemophilia, thrombocytopenia) – Avoid. Yin deficiency, internal heat – Avoid (may worsen dry mouth, constipation). Spleen‑stomach deficiency, weak digestion – Limit intake (may cause bloating, diarrhea). Children under 10 – Not for long‑term use. Patients on anticoagulants, antihypertensives, antidiabetics – Consult doctor. Do not cook with iron utensils; avoid cold/spicy foods.
Selected Formulas
I. Traumatic Injuries Sprains and contusions: Take appropriate amounts of Tengsanqi, Yuzilan (Chloranthus sp.), Tu’niuxi (Achyranthes root), and Mahuixiang. Crush together into a paste and apply externally to the affected area. Bone fractures: Take an appropriate amount of fresh Tengsanqi, crush, and apply externally. II. Rheumatic Bone Pain Rheumatoid arthritis: Take 50 g Tengsanqi, 10 g Nanshenteng (Celastrus orbiculatus), and 30 g Shuimaliu (Homonoia riparia). Soak in white liquor (baijiu) and drink an appropriate amount. Rheumatic pain and muscle‑tendon contracture: Take appropriate amounts of Tengsanqi, Honggu Tieyusan (a local herb), Wugu Haifurong (a local herb), Fanzaici (a local herb), Xiaoben Niurupu (a local herb), Honggushe (a local herb), Honggenzicao (a local herb), and Honggu Jishiteng (a local herb). Add about 187.5 g of pork ribs, then boil with equal parts water and liquor. Remove the solids, then stew the liquid with the ribs for 1 hour. Divide into several doses. III. Deficiency and Lower Back/Knee Care Weakness of the lower back and knees: Stew 30 g of Tengsanqi with meat and consume. Lower back/knee painful obstruction (bi) and post‑illness weakness: Stew 75 g of Tengsanqi with 75 g of lean pork until tender. Drink the soup and eat the meat. Debility after illness: Stew 30–60 g of Tengsanqi with chicken or pork. IV. Internal Medical Disorders Hematemesis (vomiting blood): Decoct 20 g of Tengsanqi and 15 g of Niuer Dahuang (Rumex nepalensis) in water and drink. Wasting thirst disorder (diabetes): Take about 18.8 g of fresh Tengsanqi bulbils and 5–6 leaves of stevia. Peel, crush, and extract the juice. Drink. Stomach pain: Take about 18.8 g of Tengsanqi, along with appropriate amounts of white olive root, white hyacinth bean root, plum tree root, longan root, kapok root, osmanthus root, and Houkeci (a local herb), plus one pig’s bladder. Add 8 bowls of water and decoct down to 3 bowls. Add the pig’s bladder and stew until tender. Divide into doses. Liver‑stomach qi stagnation: Take 75 g of fresh Tengsanqi leaves, add an appropriate amount of honey, extract the juice and mix well. Drink. Alternatively, stir‑fry with shredded pork. V. External Use Abscesses, carbuncles, and toxic swellings: Crush an appropriate amount of Tengsanqi and apply externally. Traumatic bleeding: Crush an appropriate amount of fresh Tengsanqi leaves and apply as a poultice. Skin itching and athlete’s foot (tinea pedis): Take about 18.8 g of fresh Tengsanqi leaves and 18.8 g of fresh Wuzhaojinying leaves (a local herb), add a little vinegar, crush together, and rub onto the affected area.
Daily Consumption
Stir-fry: Sauté minced garlic in hot oil until fragrant, then add washed tender leaves and stir-fry quickly. This home-style method preserves the original flavor. Soup: Add washed leaves or cleaned bulbils to a pot with pork ribs or chicken, then simmer to make a nourishing and delicious soup. Cold salad: Briefly blanch the leaves, then remove and rinse with cold water. Drain, then mix with minced garlic, light soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, or other seasonings to taste. Refreshing and appetizing. Omelet / pancake: Chop the tender leaves and mix them with beaten eggs, a little flour, and salt. Stir well, then pan-fry in oil until golden brown on both sides. Tea: Take dried (shade-dried) leaves and steep in boiling water. Drink as a daily health tea.
Medicinal Parts
tuberous bulbil
Selection & Storage
Fresh product (tender leaves, bulbils): Wash, drain, place in a fresh-keeping bag or airtight container, and refrigerate at 0–4 °C. Can be kept for 3–5 days. It is recommended to consume as soon as possible. D ried product (dried leaves or bulbils): Seal tightly and store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, protected from moisture and insects. Can be stored for 6–12 months. N ote: Fresh product should not be stored for long. Discard if leaves turn yellow, become soft, or develop an off‑odor. Check dried product regularly; discard immediately if mold or insects are found.