Paridis Rhizoma
Aliases：Chóng Lóu (Layered Tower); Jīn Qián Chóng Lóu (Golden Coin Layered Tower); Dēng Tái Qī (Lampstand Seven); Tiě Dēng Tái (Iron Lampstand); Zǎo Xiū (Early Rest); Cǎo Hé Chē (Grass River Chariot); Bái Hé Chē (White River Chariot); Zhī Huā Tóu (Branch Flower Head); Hǎi Luó Qī (Conch Seven); Luó Sī Qī (Spiral Seven).
Qī Yè Yī Zhī Huā (Paris polyphylla), also known as Chóng Lóu, is a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb for clearing heat and detoxifying. It is the dried rhizome of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis or Paris polyphylla var. chinensis, plants of the Liliaceae family. This herb is slightly toxic, and its dosage should be carefully controlled in clinical use.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat and detoxifies; reduces swelling and relieves pain; cools the liver and relieves convulsions.
Indications
Indicated for furuncles, carbuncles, and sores with swelling; sore throat; snake and insect bites; traumatic injuries with pain; and infantile convulsions (seizures).
Modern Pharmacology
Antitumor effect: Its active components, polyphyllins (steroidal saponins), can inhibit the proliferation and migration of various tumor cells. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects: Exhibits inhibitory effects on various inflammation models and shows significant analgesic activity. Hemostatic effect: Can shorten coagulation time and has good hemostatic effects. Antimicrobial effect: Shows inhibitory effects against various bacteria and viruses. Anti-ulcer effect: Exhibits protective effects against ethanol-induced gastric ulcers.
Ingredients
Steroidal Saponins: These are its main active components, including polyphyllin I, II, VI, VII, and others. Others: Also contains steroidal ketones, ecdysteroids (ecdysone), flavonoids, and other compounds.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 3–9g. Topical Application: Appropriate amount, ground into powder and mixed with vinegar or water for external application to the affected area.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with weak constitution, and those without excess heat-fire or toxin patterns. Contraindicated in patients with yin-type sores and ulcers (cold-type abscesses). This herb is slightly toxic and should not be taken in excessive amounts to avoid poisoning.
Selected Formulas
For Carbuncles, Furuncles, and Toxic Sores: The herb may be ground into powder alone and applied externally mixed with vinegar; or combined with Coptis Rhizome (Huáng Lián), Red Peony Root (Chì Sháo), Honeysuckle Flower (Jīn Yín Huā), and other herbs, as in the formula Duo Ming Tang (from Wai Ke Quan Sheng Ji). For Sore Throat and Mumps (Parotitis): Often used in combination with Arctium Fruit (Niú Bàng Zǐ), Forsythia Fruit (Lián Qiào), and Isatis Root (Bǎn Lán Gēn). For Venomous Snake Bite: The herb may be ground into powder and taken orally alone, while fresh roots are mashed and applied externally. It may also be combined with Lobelia (Bàn Biān Lián). For Infantile Convulsions (Febrile Seizures): The herb may be ground into powder and taken orally alone, or combined with Gambir Vine (Gōu Téng), Chrysanthemum Flower (Jú Huā), and Cicada Slough (Chán Tuì).
Daily Consumption
Qi Ye Yi Zhi Hua (Paris polyphylla) is slightly toxic and is generally not used as a daily dietary supplement. It is primarily used as a medicinal substance under the guidance of a physician.
Medicinal Parts
Dried rhizome.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from insects.
