Mori Ramulus
Aliases：Sāng Tiáo (Mulberry Twig); Nèn Sāng Zhī (Tender Mulberry Twig); Jiā Sāng Zhī (Domestic Mulberry Twig).
Sāng Zhī (Mulberry Twig) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is the dried tender branch of Morus alba L., a plant of the Moraceae family. It is long and cylindrical in shape, rarely branched, with a grayish-yellow or yellowish-brown surface. It is tough in texture, has a faint odor, and a bland taste.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind-dampness and benefits the joints.
Indications
Used for rheumatic bi disorders, soreness, pain, and numbness of the shoulders, arms, and joints. It is also used for edema, beriberi with swelling, and skin itching due to wind. Its action is biased toward the upper extremities, particularly suitable for upper limb wind-dampness heat bi with shoulder and arm joint pain and spasm.
Modern Pharmacology
Hypoglycemic: Total alkaloids of mulberry twig are rapidly absorbed (bioavailability >70%), quickly lowering postprandial blood glucose, protecting islet β-cell function, and improving insulin resistance; flavonoids and polysaccharides also show significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Anti-inflammatory: Total alkaloids synergistically regulate multiple metabolic tissues to exert anti-inflammatory effects. Analgesic: Possesses analgesic effects. Antioxidant: Flavonoids and other polyphenols exhibit good antioxidant activity. Antitumor: Morusin significantly inhibits liver and breast cancers by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis. Lipid regulation: Lowers blood lipids. Others: Lowers blood pressure, antibacterial, antiviral, etc.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: Mulberroside A, morin, morusin, oxyresveratrol, isoquercitrin, maclurin, dihydromorin, cyclomulberrin, cudranin, etc. Alkaloids: Polyhydroxy alkaloids such as 1-deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ). Polysaccharides: Mulberry twig polysaccharides. Other Components: Also contains tannins, sucrose, fructose, glucose, maltose, amino acids, organic acids, volatile oils, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 9–15g. The specific dosage should be individualized based on the patient's condition and constitution, strictly following the physician's prescription. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, decocted in water for fumigation and washing.
Contraindications
Contraindicated or use with caution in patients with cold patterns: This herb should not be used in those with cold patterns. Use with caution in patients with liver-kidney deficiency: Those with lumbar and knee soreness, weakness, and consumptive bone pain due to liver-kidney deficiency should use with caution or avoid. Not suitable for bi pain caused by yin deficiency or blood deficiency. Not suitable for patients with cold-fluid obstructing the lungs. Use with caution in joint cold pain due to wind-cold-dampness.
Selected Formulas
For arm pain (Benshi Fang) Take 1 small sheng of Sangzhi (mulberry twig), cut finely, stir-fry until fragrant. Add 3 large sheng of water, decoct to 2 sheng, and take within one day. For edema-related beriberi (Shengji Zonglu) Take 2 liang of Sangtiao (mulberry branch), stir-fry until fragrant. Add 1 sheng of water, decoct to 2 he, and take on an empty stomach each morning. For wind-heat bi pain (Puji Benshi Fang) Take Sangzhi alone, decoct in water and drink. For purpura (Sheng Hui Fang, Sangzhi Jian) Take 10 jin of mulberry twig (cut) and 3 jin of Yimucao (Leonurus, cut). Add 5 dou of water, simmer slowly until reduced to 5 sheng, filter, and further concentrate into a paste. Each night before bed, take 0.5 he with warm wine. For hypertension (Liaoning Exhibition of New TCM Therapies, Shuangsang Jiangya Tang) Take 5 qian each of Sangzhi, Sangye (mulberry leaf), and Chongweizi (Leonurus seed). Add 1000 ml water, decoct to 600 ml. Soak feet for 30–40 minutes before bed.
Daily Consumption
For Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Medicinal Diet: Mulberry Twig Chicken) : Take 60g of Mulberry Twig (Sāng Zhī), 30g of mung beans, and 250g of chicken. Wash the chicken, add an appropriate amount of water, and place the mung beans and the washed, cut Mulberry Twig into the pot. Stew gently until the meat is tender. Season with salt, ginger, and scallions before removing from heat. Drink the soup and eat the meat. The amount consumed may be adjusted according to individual needs.
Medicinal Parts
Dried tender branch.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry place.
