Flemingiae Radix
Aliases：Jin Ji Luo Di、Tu Huang Ji、Lao Shu Wei、Tou Di Long、Niu Da Li、Qian Li Ma、Niu Dun Tou、Yi Tiao Gen、Diao Ma Zhuang、Qian Jin Diao、Da Li Huang、Qian Wei Dang、San Gu Si、Jin Niu Wei、Qian Jin Zhui
Qianjinba (Flemingiae Root) is a Chinese medicinal herb that dispels wind‑dampness and strengthens sinews and bones. It is the dried root of Flemingia prostrata Roxb. (family Fabaceae). It is mainly produced in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Fujian, and Taiwan provinces.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispel wind and eliminate dampness, strengthen the sinews and bones, activate blood and resolve toxin.
Indications
Qianjinba is mainly used for the treatment of rheumatic bi pain (arthralgia), lumbar muscle strain, weakness and flaccidity of the four limbs, traumatic injury, and sore throat.
Modern Pharmacology
The primary active components of Flemingia prostrata (Qianjinba) are flavonoids. Research indicates that it exerts its effects mainly through the following mechanisms: Anti-inflammatory and analgesic: Reduces joint swelling and pain in arthritis by inhibiting inflammatory factors and related signaling pathways. Immunomodulatory: Modulates immune function and corrects immune imbalance, which is beneficial for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Sex hormone regulation: Exhibits estrogen‑like effects while also regulating endocrine function, providing reference value for the treatment of gynecological disorders such as menopausal syndrome. Anticancer activity: Extracts have been shown in laboratory studies to inhibit the proliferation and activity of various cancer cells, including non‑small cell lung cancer, liver cancer, and cervical cancer. Neuroprotective: Promotes neural functional recovery and protects brain tissue and the blood‑brain barrier. Anti‑osteoporosis: Studies indicate a certain therapeutic effect on experimental osteoporosis by inhibiting bone loss. Cardiovascular protection: Inhibits thrombosis, exhibits anticoagulant effects, and also lowers blood pressure and blood lipids. Metabolic regulation: Lowers blood glucose, improves glucose tolerance in diabetic animals, protects the liver, and alleviates complications such as nephropathy and gout.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: Major active constituents. Examples include flemingin C, D, flemingin D, 5,7,3′,4′-tetrahydroxy-6,8-diisopentenylisoflavone, etc. Triterpenoids: Lupeol, β‑sitosterol, etc. Organic acids: n‑Alkanoic acids with carbon chain lengths ranging from 22 to 30, etc. Others: Also contain coumarins, saponins, volatile oils, polysaccharides, and various trace elements.
Usage & Dosage
1. Internal use: 15–30 g in decoction. 2. External use: Appropriate amount, ground into a paste for topical application; or ground into powder and applied as a paste.
Contraindications
I. Contraindicated populations Pregnant women: Prohibited. Qianjinba has blood‑activating effects, which may stimulate the uterus and increase the risk of miscarriage. Breastfeeding women: Use with caution. Safety is unknown; it is recommended to avoid. Menstruating women: Use with caution. The blood‑activating effect may increase menstrual flow and prolong the menstrual period. Those with Yin deficiency and blazing fire: Avoid. Qianjinba is neutral to slightly warm in nature, which may aggravate symptoms such as dry mouth, dry throat, and tidal fever (heat sensation). Those with bleeding tendency: Prohibited. Examples include hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, bleeding from gastric ulcer, etc. Children: Use with caution. Should be used under the guidance of a physician. II. Precautions for use Avoid long‑term or excessive use: May cause gastrointestinal discomfort or increase the burden on the liver and kidneys. Patients with chronic diseases: Those with hypertension, diabetes, liver or kidney dysfunction should use it under the guidance of a physician. Drug interactions: Concurrent use with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, aspirin) may increase the risk of bleeding. III. Adverse reactions Excessive dosage may cause nausea, bloating, diarrhea, and other digestive symptoms. Allergic individuals may experience skin rash and itching.
Selected Formulas
1. For rheumatoid arthritis and low back/leg pain (from Hong Kong Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 30 g of Qianjinba and 15 g of Banfenghe (a local herb). Decoct in water and drink. 2. For sciatica (from Fujian Materia Medica) Take 30 g each of Flemingia prostrata root and Xiaofantianhua (Urena lobata) root. Decoct in water and drink. 3. For fatigue and weakness (from Fujian Materia Medica) Take 15 g of Flemingia prostrata root and 30 g of Chengxingshu (Ilex asprella). Decoct in water and drink. 4. For traumatic injuries (from Jiangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine) Take 20–30 g of Qianjinba, decoct with equal parts of wine and water, and drink. 5. For swollen and sore throat (from Jiangxi Herbal Medicine) Take 6–12 g of Qianjinba root and 6–9 g of Wangguagen (Trichosanthes root). Decoct in water, then hold the decoction in the mouth and swallow slowly. One dose per day. 6. For rabies bite (from Jiangxi Herbal Medicine) Take an appropriate amount of Qianjinba root, dry it over fire, and grind into fine powder. Mix with white liquor to form a paste and apply externally. Change the dressing once daily. 7. For mastitis (from Guangxi Bencao Xuanbian) Take fresh Qianjinba root, crush it together with brown sugar, and mix with cold boiled water. Soak a gauze in the liquid and apply as a wet compress to the affected area several times a day. 8. For chronic dysentery (from Fujian Materia Medica) Take equal parts of Qianjinba root, Yijianxi (Andrographis herb), and alum. Grind into fine powder. Take 3–4.5 g each time, with boiled water. 9. For leukorrhea (excessive vaginal discharge) (from Jiangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine) Take 20–30 g of Qianjinba and 60–90 g of lean pork. Add sufficient water and stew together. Remove the herb residue. Eat the meat and drink the soup.
Daily Consumption
Meat soup: 15-30g Qianjinba, stew with pork bones/lean meat for 1.5-2h. Strengthens sinews and bones; for soreness of lower back and knees. Stewed pig trotters: 60g Qianjinba, 1 pig trotter, simmer 2-3h. Activates blood, relieves pain; for blood stasis low back pain. Chicken feet soup: 100g Qianjinba, 6 chicken feet, 10 red dates, 100g peanut kernel, 60g Cinnamomum? (Chun genteng), simmer 3h. Strengthens sinews; for weak lower limbs. Decoction: 15-30g, decoct in water and take warm. Standard method. Wine infusion: Steep in 50% liquor for 7-10 days. Enhances blood circulation. Tea substitute: Decoct with Millettia speciosa, drink as tea. Note: Usual dosage 15-30g per day. Use under TCM guidance.
Medicinal Parts
root
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container in a well-ventilated, dry place.