Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A. C. Smith
Aliases：Lěng Fàn Tuán, Guò Shān Fēng, Fēng Shā Téng, Zuān Dì Fēng, Tòu Dì Lián Zhū, Sān Bǎi Liǎng Yín, Hóng Zuān, Shí Bā Zhèng, Rù Dì Shè Xiāng, Mì Duō Luó, Dà Zuān, Xīng Xīng Nán Wǔ Wèi Zǐ, Zuān Gǔ Fēng, Hóng Wài Xiāo, Guò Shān Xiāng, Hòu Yè Wǔ Wèi Zǐ, Dà Yè Zuān Gǔ Fēng, Jī Cháng Fēng, Hóng Huǒ Fēng Téng. Also known as: Dà Yè Nán Wǔ Wèi, Jiǔ Fàn Tuán, Guò Shān Lóng Téng, Wàn Zhàng Hóng, Chòu Fàn Tuán, Wài Hóng Xiāo, Hóng Guò Shān, Zǐ Gēn Téng.
Hēi Lǎo Hǔ is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried root and climbing stem of Kadsura coccinea (Lem.) A. C. Smith, a plant belonging to the genus Kadsura of the family Schisandraceae. This plant is an evergreen woody liana, growing 3–6 meters in length, with the entire plant being hairless. The lower part of the stem lies prostrate on the ground, while the upper part twines upward; the branches are cylindrical and brownish-black in color. The leaves are leathery, oblong to ovate-lanceolate in shape. Flowers are solitary in leaf axils, dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants), with red tepals. The aggregate fruit is nearly spherical, turning red or dark purple when mature, with a diameter of 6–10 cm or larger. It is named "Black Tiger" (Hēi Lǎo Hǔ) for its dark color and potent nature. Hēi Lǎo Hǔ is both a traditional Chinese medicinal material and an edible fruit, making it a valuable medicinal and edible plant resource.
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes Qi flow to relieve pain; disperses stasis and unblocks the collaterals.
Indications
Indicated for gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, acute gastroenteritis, wind-dampness arthralgia, traumatic injuries, bone fractures, dysmenorrhea, postpartum stasis abdominal pain, and hernia pain. It may also be used for rheumatic arthritis and traumatic swelling and pain.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Hēi Lǎo Hǔ possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antitumor activities. Hēi Lǎo Hǔ is rich in lignans, terpenoids, volatile oils, and phenolic compounds. Scientific research has confirmed that Hēi Lǎo Hǔ exhibits antiviral, antitumor, anti-hepatitis, antioxidant, antiplatelet aggregation, and neuroprotective effects. The tetracyclic triterpenoids found in Hēi Lǎo Hǔ possess biological activities including dispelling wind-dampness, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects. Its anti-inflammatory and anticancer active constituents exert their effects primarily through mechanisms such as inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and regulating the immune system.
Ingredients
Hēi Lǎo Hǔ is rich in diverse chemical constituents, with over 200 compounds identified to date. The main components include lignans, triterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, volatile oils, phenolic acids, and polyphenols, among which lignans and terpenoids are the primary active constituents. A total of 39 lignan compounds and 41 terpenoid components have been identified in the plant. Lignans include kadsulignan G, acetylepigomisin R, and others; terpenoids include Kadcoccilactone series compounds. The seeds contain kadsulignan A and B, while the roots and stems contain neokadsuranin, acetylbinankadsurin A, and others. The pericarp of Hēi Lǎo Hǔ is rich in flavonoids (quercetin, catechin, and anthocyanins), while the seeds have high lignan abundance. The mature seeds are rich in fatty acids, amino acids, and other components.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–15 g of the vine stem; or grind into powder, 0.9–1.5 g; may also be steeped in wine for consumption. For external use: apply an appropriate amount as powder; or crush and apply topically; or decoct in water for washing.
Contraindications
Use with caution or avoid during pregnancy. Hēi Lǎo Hǔ has blood-activating effects, which may increase the risk of miscarriage. Contraindicated in children (especially for alcohol-containing preparations such as Shujin Fengshi Wine). Contraindicated in patients with hypertension, diabetes, and heat pattern syndromes (especially for alcohol-containing preparations). Contraindicated in patients with liver or kidney insufficiency and those allergic to alcohol (especially for alcohol-containing preparations). Avoid cold and raw foods. Use with caution during menstruation and breastfeeding. Elderly or debilitated individuals should use under the guidance of a physician. Consult a physician before long-term continuous use.
Selected Formulas
For chronic gastritis and gastric ulcer (National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 30g each of Heilaohu (Kadsura coccinea), Jiubiying (Ilex rotunda), and Haipiaoxiao (Cuttlefish bone). Grind into powder and take 6g each time, three times daily. For gastric and duodenal ulcers, chronic gastritis, and acute gastroenteritis (Hunan Materia Medica) Take 9-15g of Lengfantuan (Kadsura coccinea) root, decoct in water and drink; or take 0.9-1.5g in powder form. For traumatic injuries and rheumatic joint pain (Hunan Materia Medica) Take 15g each of Lengfantuan root and Tiegu San (a local herb). Decoct in water and drink. For external use, crush fresh vines, stir-fry with wine, and apply. For chronic weakness and lumbar strain with pain (Hunan Materia Medica) Take 30g each of Lengfantuan root and Tiegu San. Soak in 500g of wine for 7 days. Take 30g once daily.
Daily Consumption
Fresh consumption: Wash the ripe fruit, break apart the aggregate fruit one piece at a time, peel off the outer skin, and eat the pulp directly (remember to spit out the seeds). The pulp resembles grape in texture, is juicy, sweet and slightly sour, with an apple-like aroma. Daily consumption should not exceed 200 grams. Fruit wine: Steep Hēi Lǎo Hǔ fruit with rock sugar to make fruit wine. Dried preserves: Sun-dry the fruit, cut it into small pieces, and add honey or rock sugar to make preserves. Fruit salad / yogurt pairing: Cut the pulp into small pieces and mix with other fruits to make a salad, or add to yogurt for consumption.
Medicinal Parts
Dried root and climbing stem.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container in a ventilated, dry place. Dried products should be kept in sealed containers to protect from moisture for daily storage.
