Ranunculi Ternati Radix
Aliases：Xiao Mao Gen, Mao Zhao Er Cao, San San Cao, Huang Hua Cai, Jin Hua Cao
Maozhaocao (Cat‘s Claw Root), a Chinese medicinal, is the tuberous root of Ranunculus ternatus Thunb., a plant of the Ranunculaceae family (genus Ranunculus). It is named for its clustered tuberous roots which resemble a cat’s claw.
Efficacy & Actions
Transform phlegm and dissipate nodules; resolve toxin and reduce swelling.
Indications
Scrofula (tuberculous lymphadenitis), boils and toxic swellings, snake and insect bites, pulmonary tuberculosis, lymphadenitis, laryngitis, malaria, etc.
Modern Pharmacology
Antitubercular: Maozhaocao inhibits Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is commonly used as an adjunctive therapy for tuberculous lymphadenitis and pulmonary tuberculosis. Antitumor: Its extracts inhibit various tumor cells (e.g., lung cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer) and induce apoptosis. Anti‑inflammatory: Suppresses the release of inflammatory mediators and reduces inflammatory responses. Immunomodulatory (enhances immunity): Maozhaocao polysaccharides enhance the phagocytic function of macrophages and boost immune function. Analgesic: Relieves pain. Antibacterial: Inhibits Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, etc.
Ingredients
Fatty acids: Myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, etc. Lactones: Ternatolide, ranunculin, etc. Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol, etc. Alkaloids: Berberine, jatrorrhizine, etc. Others: Polysaccharides, sterols, amino acids, trace elements, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 9–15 g in decoction (large doses may be increased to 30 g); or ground into powder, 3–5 g each time; or used in pills or powders. External use: Appropriate amount; fresh herb crushed and applied topically to the affected area, or ground into powder and applied as a paste.
Contraindications
Contraindicated populations: Use with caution during pregnancy; not suitable for excessive use in cases of spleen‑stomach deficiency cold. Precautions for use: This product is slightly toxic. Avoid excessive or long‑term use. Adverse reactions: Safe at conventional doses; occasional gastrointestinal discomfort may occur.
Selected Formulas
1. For scrofula (tuberculous lymphadenitis) Source: Henan Chinese Herbal Medicine Manual Ingredients: Maozhaocao 30 g, Xiakucao (Prunella) 15 g, Yuanxuan (Scrophularia) 15 g, Muli (Oyster shell) 30 g, Zhebeimu (Fritillaria thunbergii) 10 g. Usage: Decoct in water, one dose per day, divided into two doses. Take for 1–3 months. Indication: Scrofula (phlegm nodules), cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis, whether unruptured or already ruptured. 2. For pulmonary tuberculosis Source: Compilation of National Chinese Herbal Medicine Ingredients: Maozhaocao 30 g, Baibu (Stemona) 15 g, Baiji (Bletilla) 15 g, Huangqin (Scutellaria) 10 g. Usage: Decoct in water, one dose per day, divided into two doses. Thirty days constitute one course of treatment. Indication: Pulmonary tuberculosis with cough, tidal fever, night sweats. 3. For laryngitis and tonsillitis Source: Fujian Materia Medica Ingredients: Maozhaocao 15 g, Xiakucao 10 g, Pugongying (Dandelion) 15 g, Gancao (Licorice) 3 g. Usage: Decoct in water, one dose per day, divided into two doses. Indication: Acute and chronic laryngitis, tonsillar hypertrophy. 4. For boils and toxic swellings Source: Jiangxi Herbal Medicine Ingredients: Fresh Maozhaocao 30 g, Zihuadiding (Viola) 30 g, Pugongying 30 g. Usage: Crush and apply topically to the affected area; may also be taken orally as a decoction. Indication: Furuncles, carbuncles, and all kinds of toxic swellings. 5. Adjuvant therapy for tumors Source: Anticancer Chinese Herbal Medicine Ingredients: Maozhaocao 30 g, Banzhilian (Scutellaria barbata) 30 g, Baihuasheshecao (Hedyotis diffusa) 30 g, Danshen (Salvia) 15 g, Huangqi (Astragalus) 15 g. Usage: Decoct in water, one dose per day, divided into two doses. Used in conjunction with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Indication: Adjuvant therapy for lung cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, and other tumors.
Daily Consumption
1. Maozhaocao Lean Pork Soup Ingredients: 15 g Maozhaocao (Cat’s Claw Root), 100 g lean pork. Preparation: Stew together for 1 hour. Drink the soup and eat the pork. Indication: For tuberculous lymphadenitis (scrofula) and chronic pharyngitis. 2. Maozhaocao Tea Ingredients: 9 g Maozhaocao. Preparation: Steep in boiling water and drink as tea. Indication: For sore throat and lymphadenitis.
Medicinal Parts
tuberous root
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from mold and insects.