Ramulus Taxi Cuspidatae
Aliases：Chì Bǎi Sōng (Red Cypress Pine), Zǐ Bǎi Sōng (Purple Cypress Pine); commonly known as Hóng Dòu Shān (Chinese yew); also a synonym for Northeast Yew (Taxus cuspidata).
Zǐ Shān is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried branches and leaves of Taxus cuspidata Sieb. et Zucc., a plant belonging to the family Taxaceae. It is mainly produced in Jilin and Heilongjiang, with a small distribution in Liaoning as well. This plant is an evergreen tree, reaching up to 20 meters in height. The bark is reddish-brown with shallow cracks. The leaves are spirally arranged in irregular two rows, linear in shape, 1.5–2.5 cm long and 2.5–3 mm wide, with acute tips and revolute margins. It has a distinctive odor and a taste that is initially slightly sweet, followed by bitterness. Zǐ Shān has a long history of medicinal use, first recorded in Dongbei Yaozhi (Northeast Medicinal Plant Records). This product is toxic and must be used under the guidance of a physician.
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes diuresis, reduces edema, warms the Kidney, and unblocks the meridians.
Indications
Indicated for edema, difficult urination, strangury, irregular menstruation, postpartum blood stasis, and dysmenorrhea. It is also used for nephritic edema and diabetes. In addition, it may be used in the treatment of various neoplastic diseases due to the presence of antitumor components such as paclitaxel.
Modern Pharmacology
Antitumor effects: Paclitaxel, a diterpenoid compound, stabilizes microtubules, inhibits microtubule depolymerization, arrests the cell cycle, and induces cancer cell death, exhibiting broad-spectrum antitumor activity. Zǐ Shān may be used for esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, intestinal cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, leukemia, and other tumors. Hypoglycemic effects. Anti-hepatitis B virus effects. Anti-angiogenic effects. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: Taxus chinensis exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Diuretic and antihypertensive effects.
Ingredients
Diterpenoids (taxanes): Paclitaxel (taxol), taxinine A, H, K, L. Alkaloids: Taxine. Sterones: Ponasterol A, ecdysterone. Flavonoids: Sciadopitysin. Others: Heartwood contains taxusin, isotaxiresinol, and others.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water. Leaves: 5–18 g. Small branches (peeled): 9–15 g.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy—as Zǐ Shān is toxic and may affect fetal development. Dosage should not be excessive; prolonged use is not recommended. Has significant bone marrow suppression effects, which may cause leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Has gastrointestinal irritant effects, which may cause nausea, vomiting, and other discomforts. May cause hair loss, allergic rash, and other adverse reactions. Paclitaxel has strong maternal and embryonic toxicity, which may cause miscarriage. Dongbei Yaozhi (Northeast Medicinal Plant Records) records: The leaves are toxic; the aril is slightly sweet and edible, but excessive consumption may lead to poisoning.
Selected Formulas
For diabetes mellitus (Jilin Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 6g of yew leaves. Decoct in water and take twice daily. Continue use (discontinue if nausea or vomiting occurs; if no side effects, the dose may be gradually increased up to 15g). For nephritis with edema (empirical formula) Take 5–18g of yew leaves and 9–15g of young branches (with bark removed). Decoct in water and drink. For leukemia and various tumors (Yew Wine, empirical formula) Take 1000g of yew stem bark, wash and chop finely, place in a container, add 2500ml of yellow wine, seal and steep for 7 days, then filter and remove the residue. Take orally in moderation.
Daily Consumption
Decoction for oral administration: Take the leaves or small branches of Zǐ Shān, wash them, place in a clay pot, add water, and decoct. Strain and drink the liquid. Wine infusion: The stem bark of Zǐ Shān may be steeped in yellow wine to make a medicinal wine.
Medicinal Parts
Dried branches and leaves.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place.
