RhizomaCynancheBungei
Aliases：Bai He Shou Wu、Ge Shan Xiao、Niu Pi Xiao、Shan He Shou Wu、Bai Mu Xiang
Baishouwu (Cynanchi Auriculati Radix), a Chinese medicinal, is the tuberous root of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight and Cynanchum bungei Decne., plants of the Apocynaceae family (formerly Asclepiadaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Tonify the liver and kidney, strengthen the sinews and bones, supplement essence and blood, fortify the spleen and promote digestion, and resolve toxin.
Indications
Soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, premature graying of beard and hair, dizziness and tinnitus due to liver‑kidney deficiency; poor appetite and indigestion due to spleen deficiency; carbuncles, sores and toxic swellings.
Modern Pharmacology
1. Hepatoprotective: Baishouwu extract significantly protects against chemical‑induced liver injury and lowers transaminase levels. 2. Hypolipidemic: Lowers serum cholesterol and triglycerides; anti‑atherosclerotic effect. 3. Immunomodulatory: Baishouwu polysaccharides enhance the phagocytic function of macrophages and improve immune capacity. 4. Antioxidant and anti‑aging: Scavenges free radicals and prolongs cell lifespan. 5. Antitumor: Inhibits various tumor cells. 6. Myocardial protection: Protects against myocardial ischemia and improves cardiac function. 7. Gastrointestinal regulation: Promotes digestive juice secretion and improves dyspepsia.
Ingredients
1. C21 steroidal glycosides (main active components): Baishouwubenzophenone A, B, C (baishouwubenzophenone, etc.), caudatin, etc. 2. Polysaccharides: Baishouwu polysaccharides, with immunomodulatory effects. 3. Acetophenones: Baishouwubenzophenone. 4. Others: Volatile oils, organic acids, amino acids, trace elements (zinc, iron, copper, etc.).
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 9–15 g in decoction; or ground into powder and used in pills or powders; or steeped in wine. External use: Appropriate amount, fresh product crushed and applied topically to the affected area.
Contraindications
Contraindicated populations: Use with caution during pregnancy; not suitable for large doses in cases of loose stools (diarrhea). Precautions for use: Should not be used together with Veratrum nigrum (Lilu) – according to the “Eighteen Incompatibilities”. No significant toxicity, but excessive or long‑term use should be avoided. Adverse reactions: No obvious adverse reactions at conventional doses; occasional gastrointestinal discomfort may occur.
Selected Formulas
1. For low back and leg pain, joint stiffness (Source: Shanxi Chinese Herbal Medicine) Ingredients: Baishouwu 15 g, Niuxi (Achyranthes) 6 g, Tusizi (Cuscuta) 9 g, Buguzhi (Psoralea) 6 g, Gouqizi (Goji berry) 9 g. Preparation: Decoct in water and take orally. 2. For impotence (Source: Selected Chinese Herbal Medicine of Shaanxi‑Gansu‑Ningxia‑Qinghai) Ingredients: Geshanxiao (Cynanchum auriculatum), Yinyanghuo (Epimedium), Shanyao (Chinese yam), Dangshen (Codonopsis) – 9–12 g each. Preparation: Decoct in water and take orally. 3. For neurasthenia, impotence, spermatorrhea (Source: Shanxi Chinese Herbal Medicine) Ingredients: Baishouwu 15 g, Suanzaoren (Sour jujube seed) 9 g, Taizishen (Pseudostellaria) 9 g, Gouqizi (Goji berry) 12 g. Preparation: Decoct in water and take orally. 4. For fatigue of the four limbs, difficult urination, erectile dysfunction, and impending edema (Source: Dongyi Suse Bowon – Danggui Baiheshouwu Tang) Ingredients: Danggui (Angelica), Baiheshouwu (Baishouwu), Liangjiang (Galangal), Ganjiang (Dried ginger), Qingpi (Green tangerine peel), Chenpi (Aged tangerine peel), Xiangfuzi (Cyperus), Yizhiren (Alpinia) – 3 g each (1 qian), plus 2 red dates. Preparation: Decoct in water and take orally. 5. For infantile spleen‑stomach weakness, dyspepsia, food stagnation, and diarrhea (Source: Sichuan Chinese Herbal Medicine, 1982) Ingredients: Geshanxiao (Cynanchum auriculatum), Nuomicao (Herba Potentillae), Jixuteng (Paederia) – equal parts. Grind into a fine powder. Each time, take 9 g of the powder, mix with 18 g of rice flour, steam until cooked, then eat. Preparation: Mix powder with rice flour, steam, and consume. 6. For food stagnation and epigastric‑abdominal distension (Source: Sichuan Chinese Herbal Medicine, 1982) Ingredients: Geshanxiao 30 g, Tudanggui (Xingyefangfeng root) 30 g, Malan (Aster indicus) 30 g. Preparation: Decoct in water and take orally. 7. For diaphragmatic obstruction and dysphagia (Source: Compendium of Materia Medica, citing Sun Tianren’s Collected Effective Formulas) Ingredients: Geshanxiao 60 g (2 liang), Jijinpi (Chicken gizzard lining) 30 g (1 liang), Niudannanxing (Arisaema cum Bile) 30 g, Zhusha (Cinnabar) 30 g, Jixingzi (Impatiens seed) 6 g (2 qian). Preparation: Grind all ingredients into a fine powder, mix with refined honey to form pills the size of small red beans (about 3 mm). Dosage: Take 3 g (1 qian) each time, with thin ginger decoction. ⚠️ Safety warning: This formula contains cinnabar (mercuric sulfide), which is toxic. Do not exceed the dosage or use long‑term. Contraindicated during pregnancy. Niudannanxing and Jixingzi are also toxic. Use only under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner. 8. For chronic stomach pain (long‑standing) (Source: Guizhou Common Folk Herbal Medicine Manual) Ingredients: Geshanxiao 6 g, Wannianqiao (Selaginella) 3 g. Preparation: Grind together into a fine powder. Dosage: Take 3 g each time, three times daily, with boiled water. 9. For stomach pain and dysentery with abdominal pain (Source: Anhui Chinese Herbal Medicine) Ingredients: Baishouwu 9 g, Pugongying (Dandelion) 9 g. Preparation: Decoct in water and take orally. 10. For Taiyin pattern abdominal pain, spontaneous diarrhea without thirst (Source: Dongyi Suse Bowon – Baihewu Lizhong Tang) Ingredients: Baiheshouwu (Baishouwu), Baizhu (Atractylodes), Baishao (White peony), Paojiang (Baked ginger), Ganjiang (Dried ginger) – 6 g each (2 qian), plus Chenpi (Aged tangerine peel) and Zhigancao (Honey‑fried licorice) – 3 g each (1 qian). Preparation: Decoct in water and take orally.
Daily Consumption
1. Baishouwu Congee Ingredients: 10 g Baishouwu (Cynanchum auriculatum root) (ground into powder), 50 g japonica rice. Preparation: Cook the rice into congee, then stir in the Baishouwu powder and cook briefly. Indication: For liver‑kidney deficiency with soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees. 2. Baishouwu Stewed Chicken Ingredients: 15 g Baishouwu, 1 hen, 5 red dates (jujube). Preparation: Stew all ingredients together for 2 hours. Action: Tonifies the liver and kidney, supplements essence and blood. 3. Baishouwu Wine Ingredients: 30 g Baishouwu, 500 ml white liquor (baijiu). Preparation: Seal and steep for 15 days. Dosage: 10–15 ml daily. Indication: For rheumatic arthralgia and weakness of the lower back and knees.
Medicinal Parts
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from mold and insects.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from mold and insects.