Aspongopus
Aliases：Hēi Dōu Chóng, Guā Hēi Chūn, Pì Bǎn Chóng, Dǎ Pì Chóng, Pì Bā Chóng, Qiāng Láng Chóng, Chūn Xiàng, Gān Bèi, Jiāng Bèi, Guā Lǐ Xiāng, Guā Hēi Qīng, Jiǔ Xiāng Chóng, Guā Chóng Chūn, Fàng Pì Chóng, Guā Lǐ Chūn, Chòu Bā Chóng, Chòu Chóng, Chòu Dà Jiě, Chòu Qīng Guī Chóng, Hè Huáng Hēi Guī Chóng.
Jiǔ Xiāng Chóng is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried body of Aspongopus chinensis Dallas, an insect belonging to the genus Aspongopus of the family Pentatomidae. The body is slightly hexagonal, flattened and elliptical in shape, 1.6–2 cm long and about 1 cm wide, with a brownish-brown or brownish-black surface and a slight luster.
Efficacy & Actions
Regulates Qi and relieves pain; warms the middle and assists Yang.
Indications
Indicated for gastric cold with distension and pain, Liver-Stomach Qi pain, Kidney deficiency impotence, and soreness and pain of the lower back and knees. It may also be used for chest and hypochondriac distension and pain, Liver Qi stagnation, epigastric and abdominal distension and pain due to food stagnation and Qi stagnation, acid regurgitation with fetid belching, poor appetite, as well as Kidney Yang deficiency with impotence, premature ejaculation, cold and painful lower back and knees, and frequent nocturia. Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu) records that it “treats diaphragm and epigastric Qi stagnation, Spleen and Kidney deficiency, and strengthens primordial Yang”; Bencao Xinbian states that it is “the best among insects, most suitable for inclusion in pills and powders to support weakness”.
Modern Pharmacology
Antibacterial effects: Jiǔ Xiāng Chóng exhibits strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, and Shigella flexneri. Antitumor effects: Jiǔ Xiāng Chóng possesses antitumor activity. Its water decoction may exert therapeutic effects on liver cancer through 15 components such as adenosine, acting on 13 targets including EGFR, MAPK1, and CCND1, regulating 20 cancer-related pathways. Protection against reproductive injury: Jiǔ Xiāng Chóng can improve reproductive injury. Experimental studies have shown that the number of intromissions in the low-, medium-, and high-dose intervention groups was 2.65, 2.62, and 1.65 times that of the model group, respectively; the number of ejaculations was 2.01, 1.94, and 1.25 times that of the model group, respectively; serum testosterone levels increased by 1.14, 1.22, and 1.23 times compared with the model group. Anti-inflammatory effects: Exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. Anticoagulant effects: Possesses certain anticoagulant effects. Promotion of metabolism: Promotes metabolism. Anti-peptic ulcer effects: Possesses anti-peptic ulcer effects. In addition, Jiǔ Xiāng Chóng also exhibits activities such as promoting neural stem cell proliferation, and is widely used clinically in the treatment of tumors, chronic renal failure, premature ejaculation, epigastric pain, and gastritis.
Ingredients
Fatty acids: Contains Jiǔ Xiāng Chóng oil, which includes stearic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and others. Proteins and amino acids: Contains proteins and various amino acids. Odorous components: The foul odor emitted primarily originates from aldehydes or ketones. Nucleosides: Contains uracil, xanthine, hypoxanthine, and others. Others: Contains fats, chitin, vitamins, and trace elements including Fe, Cu, and Zn.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 3–9 g; or make into pills or powders, 0.6–1.2 g each time.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with Yin deficiency and internal heat. Use with caution in patients with Yin deficiency and Yang hyperactivity. Use with caution in patients with a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding—as this herb has blood-activating effects. Not suitable for patients with Stomach Yin deficiency complicated by Qi stagnation and blood stasis, manifested as epigastric distension, burning pain, and a dry red tongue. Contraindicated during pregnancy—as Jiǔ Xiāng Chóng contains ingredients that break blood and promote Qi movement, which may cause uterine excitation.
Selected Formulas
For qi stagnation in the diaphragm and supporting liver-kidney depletion (Shesheng Zhongmiao Fang, Wulong Wan) Take 1 liang of Jiuxiangchong (Aspongopus, half raw and half cooked), 4 qian of Cheqianzi (Plantago seed, lightly stir-fried), 4 qian of Chenpi (Tangerine peel), 5 qian of Baizhu (Atractylodes), and 8 qian of Duzhong (Eucommia, fried with butter). Grind into fine powder, mix with honey to make pills the size of waxberry seeds. Take 1.5 qian each time with salt water or salt wine, on an empty stomach, and again before bed. For chest and hypochondriac pain (Jilin Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 3 liang of Jiuxiangchong and 2 liang of roasted Quanxie (Scorpion). Grind into powder, mix with honey to make pills, each weighing 1 qian. Take half a pill each time, twice daily. For impotence and cold pain in lower back and knees (empirical formula) Take equal parts of Jiuxiangchong, Muxiang (Costus root), Yanhusuo (Corydalis), and Houpo (Magnolia bark). Decoct in water, strain, and drink warm.
Daily Consumption
Deep-fried Jiǔ Xiāng Chóng with Salt and Pepper: Take 30 g of Jiǔ Xiāng Chóng, deep-fry until crispy, sprinkle with salt and pepper, chew and swallow, then follow with wine or warm water. Jiǔ Xiāng Chóng Medicinal Wine: Crush 40 g of Jiǔ Xiāng Chóng, place in a gauze bag, add 400 ml of white wine, and steep for 7 days. Take 10–20 ml warm on an empty stomach twice daily.
Medicinal Parts
Dried body (dried whole adult insect).
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place in a sealed container.
