Radermachera (Genus)
Aliases：Da Chaoyang、Jiangdou Shu、Kuling Jiu、Jiegu Liangshan、Niuwei Shu、Shancaishu、Xingfu Shu、Shezai Dou
Caidoushu (Radermacherae Sinicae Radix, Folium et Fructus) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is derived from the root, leaf, or fruit of Radermachera sinica (Hance) Hemsl. (family Bignoniaceae). It is distributed in Guangdong, Guangxi, Taiwan, and other regions.
Efficacy & Actions
It has the actions of clearing Summerheat and resolving Toxin, and dispersing stasis and reducing swelling.
Indications
Indicated for summer-heat fever, carbuncles and swelling, traumatic injury and fracture, and snake venom poisoning.
Modern Pharmacology
Analgesic effect: The water extract shows analgesic activity in mouse experiments, supporting the traditional use for traumatic injuries (contusions and sprains). Antitumor effect: Dehydro-α-lapachone isolated from the root exhibits potential antitumor and metastasis‑inhibiting activity; lapachol also shows similar activity. Antifungal and antibacterial effects: Dehydro-α-lapachone has broad‑spectrum antifungal activity. The flavonoids and saponins present inhibit Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, which aligns with the traditional action of “clearing heat and resolving toxicity.” Anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant effects: Flavonoids and saponins demonstrate anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant activities, supporting the traditional use of “clearing heat and reducing swelling.”
Ingredients
Naphthoquinones: Lapachol, dehydro-α-lapachone, etc. Terpenoids and their glycosides: Catalpol derivatives, 8-hydroxy-2,6-dimethyloctadienoic acid, etc. Phenylethanoid glycosides: Glucoside of golden tree, minecoside, linarioside, etc. Other phenols and glycosides: Lapachol, etc.
Usage & Dosage
1. Oral administration Take 9–15 g of the dried herb, decoct in water, and drink the decoction. 2. External use Crush fresh or dried material and apply directly to the affected area; or decoct the herb in water and use the liquid to wash the affected area.
Contraindications
Not to be taken by pregnant women or those with spleen‑stomach deficiency cold.
Selected Formulas
1. For fever due to summer heat injury (from Guangxi Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take an appropriate amount of fresh leaves of Caidoushu. Decoct in water and use the liquid to wash the whole body externally. 2. For traumatic injuries (contusions and sprains) (from Guangxi Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 30–60 g of Caidoushu root. Decoct in water and drink, or soak in wine and take the infused wine. 3. For snake venom poisoning (from Guangxi Chinese Herbal Medicine) Crush fresh leaves or fruits of Caidoushu and apply externally to the fontanelle area (shave the local hair before application). Safety Note: Snake venom poisoning is a medical emergency. The above external application is based on folk experience and should not replace urgent medical treatment. Anyone bitten by a venomous snake should seek immediate hospital care for antivenom administration.
Medicinal Parts
Root, leaf, or fruit
Selection & Storage
Fresh product (short-term storage): Wrap in a damp cloth and store in a refrigerator at 0–5°C. Can be kept for 2–3 days. Dried product (long-term storage): Wash, slice or cut into sections, then dry in the shade or at low temperature (40–50°C). Once dry, seal in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects. Can be stored for 6–12 months. Medicinal wine storage: If the root is soaked in wine, seal the container, keep it away from light, and store in a cool place. Can be kept for more than one year. Note: Discard dried products that show signs of mold or insect infestation.