Peperomia blanda (Jacq.) Kunth（亦作 Peperomia dindygulensis Miq.）
Aliases：Hú Jiāo Cǎo, Huǒ Shāng Yè, Shí Guā Zǐ, Sān Yè Rěn, Sàn Xuè Dān, Hóng Dòu Bàn, Dòu Bàn Lǜ, Sàn Xuè Dǎn, Dòu Bàn Qī, Shí Mǎ Cài.
Shí Chán Cǎo is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the whole plant of Peperomia dindygulensis Miq., a plant belonging to the family Piperaceae. This herb is an annual or perennial succulent herb, growing 10–45 cm tall, with erect or prostrate stems that are often reddish and covered with short soft hairs throughout. It is commonly used in folk medicine as an antitumor agent.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat and detoxifies; resolves stasis and dissipates lumps; promotes diuresis and reduces edema.
Indications
Used for lung-heat with cough and wheezing, measles, skin infections and toxins, cancerous masses, burns and scalds, traumatic injuries, and nephritic edema. It may also be used for pulmonary tuberculosis, asthma, and tracheobronchitis.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Shí Chán Cǎo possesses antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities. The extract fractions rich in lignans from Shí Chán Cǎo exhibit strong inhibitory activity against the IFN-γ/STAT1 signaling pathway. Research has identified that secolignans are the main antitumor and anti-inflammatory active constituents in this herb. The ethanol extract of Shí Chán Cǎo also shows certain herbicidal activity against some weeds. The whole plant contains dibenzylbutyrolactone-type lignans and secolignans such as peperomins A–F. A 2023 study confirmed that its extract achieved a 67% pain relief rate in arthritis. Shí Chán Cǎo has long been used in folk medicine as an antitumor herb, and its antitumor effects remain a key focus of pharmacological research.
Ingredients
The whole plant of Shí Chán Cǎo contains various active constituents, primarily including lignans, flavonoids, polyketides, and other compounds. Several tetrahydrofuran lignan compounds have been isolated from this plant. The main active components are dibenzylbutyrolactone-type lignans and secolignans such as peperomins A–F.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 10–30 g; double the dosage for fresh herb. May also be steeped in wine for consumption. For external use: apply an appropriate amount of fresh herb, crushed and applied directly to the affected area, or crushed and strained to extract the juice for topical application.
Contraindications
Use with caution in cases of Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold to avoid abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other discomforts. Not suitable for those with chronic diarrhea, intolerance to cold, or cold extremities. Not suitable for those with wind-cold common cold. Use with caution or avoid during pregnancy. Contraindicated in those allergic to Shí Chán Cǎo; use with caution in those with allergic predisposition. Breastfeeding women and children should use under the guidance of a physician. Avoid consuming together with chili peppers, ginger, watermelon, cucumber, pear, and crab.
Selected Formulas
For bronchitis and lung-heat cough: Sàn Xuè Dān (Shí Chán Cǎo) and Shí Xiān Táo, 15 g each, and Bái Jí, 9 g; decoct in water and take orally. For the peak stage of measles: Fresh Shí Chán Cǎo 30 g, decoct in water, mix with honey, and take orally. For burns and scalds: Take the fresh whole plant of Shí Chán Cǎo, crush and strain to extract the juice, and apply topically. For traumatic swelling and pain: Take the fresh whole plant of Shí Chán Cǎo, crush it, mix with wine, and apply topically. For external bleeding: Take an appropriate amount of fresh Shí Chán Cǎo, crush it, and apply topically.
Daily Consumption
Decoction for oral administration: Take 10–30 g of dried Shí Chán Cǎo (double the amount for fresh herb), decoct in water, strain, and drink the liquid. Wine infusion: Take an appropriate amount of Shí Chán Cǎo, steep it in white wine to make a medicinal wine, and drink. External application: Crush the fresh herb and apply directly to the affected area, or crush and strain to extract the juice for topical application.
Medicinal Parts
Dried whole plant.
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place. Protect from moisture, mold, and insects.
