Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix
Aliases：Qin Jiao, Qin Jiu, Da Jiao, Zuo Niu, Zuo Qin Jiao, Xi Qin Jiao, Ma Hua Jiao, Luo Bo Jiao, Bian Zi Jiao, Shan Da Jiao, Ji Tui Jiao, Zuo Ning Gen, Qu Shuang
Qinjiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix), a Chinese medicinal, is the dried root of Gentiana macrophylla Pall., Gentiana straminea Maxim., Gentiana crassicaulis Duthie ex Burk., or Gentiana dahurica Fisch., plants of the Gentianaceae family.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispel wind-dampness, unblock meridians and relieve pain, reduce deficiency heat, and clear damp-heat.
Indications
Rheumatic bi pain (arthralgia), muscular spasm and contracture, soreness and pain of the joints, hemiplegia due to stroke, damp‑heat jaundice, bone‑steaming tidal fever, and infantile malnutrition (gan accumulation) with fever.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti‑inflammatory: Inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators and reduces inflammatory reactions in arthritis. Analgesic: Relieves rheumatic arthralgia and joint pain. Sedative: Exhibits central nervous system depression; at high doses, may show excitatory effects. A ntipyretic: Lowers body temperature; used for deficiency‑heat patterns. Antibacterial and antiviral: Inhibits various pathogenic microorganisms. Anti‑allergic: Reduces increased capillary permeability and protects against anaphylactic shock. Antitumor: Exhibits inhibitory activity against various tumor cells. Immunomodulatory: Enhances immune function. Hepatoprotective and choleretic: Protects the liver and promotes bile secretion. Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals and delays aging. Cardiovascular protection: Lowers blood pressure and slows heart rate. Diuretic: Promotes urine excretion. Hyperglycemic effect (bidirectional regulation of blood glucose): May elevate blood glucose levels, exhibiting a bidirectional regulatory effect.
Ingredients
Iridoids and secoiridoid glycosides: Gentiopicroside, loganic acid, swertiamarin, amarogentin, etc. Gentiopicroside is the quality control marker specified in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Triterpenoids: Roburic acid, α-amyrin, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, etc. Flavonoids: Isoorientin, isovitexin, etc. Lignans: Various lignan compounds. Alkaloids: Gentianine A, B, C (or qinjiao alkaloid A, B, C). Steroids: β-Sitosterol, etc. Others: Volatile oils, polysaccharides, montanic acid, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 3–10 g in decoction; or used in pills or powders. External use: Appropriate amount, ground into powder and applied topically to the affected area.
Contraindications
Contraindicated populations: Use with caution or contraindicated in patients with long‑term debility and emaciation, frequent urination (polyuria), and loose stools. Incompatibilities with Western medications: Should not be used concurrently with quinine, ephedrine, or atropine (may cause precipitation and affect absorption). Should not be used concurrently with cardiac glycosides (may cause toxicity). Should not be used concurrently with hypoglycemic drugs (may antagonize their therapeutic effect). Dietary incompatibilities: Should not be taken together with cow's milk. Avoid warm‑hot and spicy foods. Precautions for use: Occasionally, gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea and vomiting may occur. In some individual patients, palpitations and bradycardia (slow heart rate) may appear.
Selected Formulas
1. For wind‑dampness impediment (bi) with muscle contracture and joint pain Qinjiao can be used regardless of cold/heat nature or duration of the condition. Being slightly cold in nature and having a heat‑clearing effect, it is especially suitable for heat‑type bi. It is often combined with Fangji (Stephania root), Mudanpi (Moutan cortex), Luoshiteng (Trachelospermum), and Rendongteng (Lonicera stem). For wind‑cold‑dampness bi, it can be combined with Tianma (Gastrodia), Qianghuo (Notopterygium), Danggui (Angelica), and Chuanxiong (Szechwan lovage) – as in Qinjiao Tianma Tang (Gentiana and Gastrodia Decoction) from Yixue Xinwu. 2. For stroke with facial deviation, slurred speech, and aversion to wind and cold It can be combined with Shengma (Cimicifuga), Gegen (Kudzu root), Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia), and Shaoyao (Peony) – as in Qinjiao Shengma Tang (Gentiana and Cimicifuga Decoction) from Weisheng Baojian. 3. For lung atrophy with bone‑steaming consumptive cough It can be combined with Renshen (Ginseng), Biejia (Turtle shell), and Chaihu (Bupleurum) – as in Qinjiao Fuying Tang (Gentiana Supporting the Weak Decoction) from Yangshi Jia Cang Fang. For infantile malnutrition (gan) with fever, it is often combined with Bohe (Mint) and honey‑fried Gancao (Licorice) – as in Qinjiao San (Gentiana Powder) from Xiao'er Yaozheng Zhijue. 4. For jaundice due to damp‑heat in the liver and gallbladder It can be combined with Yinchenhao (Artemisia), Zhizi (Gardenia), and Dahuang (Rhubarb) – as in Shanyinchen Wan (Mountain Artemisia Pill) from Shengji Zonglu. This combination drains and eliminates damp‑heat from the liver and gallbladder to relieve jaundice.
Daily Consumption
1. Qinjiao Fangfeng Tea (for rheumatic joint pain) Ingredients: Qinjiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix) 6 g, Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) 6 g, Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) 3 g. Preparation: Place all ingredients in a cup, steep in boiling water, cover and let infuse for 15–20 minutes. Usage: Drink as tea, one dose per day for 3–5 consecutive days. Actions: Dispel wind‑dampness, unblock meridians and relieve pain. Note: Suitable for rheumatic arthralgia and joint stiffness without heat signs. Do not take for a prolonged period. 2. Qinjiao Stewed Lean Pork (for deficiency‑heat and bone‑steaming) Ingredients: Qinjiao 9 g, Digupi (Lycii Cortex) 9 g, Qinghao (Artemisiae Annuae Herba) 6 g, lean pork 150 g, fresh ginger 2 slices. Preparation: Cut the lean pork into pieces and blanch. Wrap the medicinal herbs in a gauze bag. Place all ingredients into a stewing pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and steam in a double boiler for 1.5 hours. Add salt to taste. Usage: Drink the soup and eat the meat, 1–2 times per week for no more than 2 weeks. Actions: Reduce deficiency heat and relieve bone‑steaming. Note: Suitable for yin deficiency fever and afternoon tidal fever. Contraindicated in cases of Spleen‑Stomach deficiency cold. 3. Qinjiao and Coix Seed Congee (for damp‑heat painful obstruction) Ingredients: Qinjiao 6 g, coix seed (Yiyiren) 30 g, japonica rice 50 g. Preparation: Decoct Qinjiao in water to obtain the liquid, then cook the coix seed and rice with this liquid into congee. Usage: Consume warm, once daily for 3–5 consecutive days. Actions: Clear heat, drain dampness, unblock meridians and relieve pain.
Medicinal Parts
root
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.