Daphne Cortex
Aliases：Zǔ Shī Má, Zǒu Sī Mǎ, Zǒu Sī Má, Dà Jiù Jià (Great Rescue), Huáng Yáng Pí (Boxwood Bark), Pá Yán Xiāng (Cliff-climbing Fragrance), Jīn Yāo Dài (Golden Belt), Dōng Xià Qīng (Winter-Summer Green), Ǎi Tuó Tuó (Dwarf Tuo), Huáng Ruì Xiāng (Yellow Daphne), Huáng Gǒu Pí (Yellow Dog Skin).
Zǔ Sī Má is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried stem bark and root bark of Daphne giraldii Nitsche, Daphne tangutica Maxim., and Daphne retusa Hemsl., plants belonging to the genus Daphne of the family Thymelaeaceae. This plant is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub with reddish-yellow, fibrous roots. Zǔ Sī Má is widely used in folk medicine to treat various types of pain, traumatic injuries, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind, unblocks the meridians, disperses stasis, and alleviates pain.
Indications
Indicated for wind-dampness arthralgia, numbness of the limbs, headache, stomach pain, lower back pain, toothache, and traumatic injuries.
Modern Pharmacology
Analgesic effect: Exhibits significant analgesic activity. The main active component responsible for this effect is daphnetin (also known as Zǔ Shī Má Jia Su, i.e., 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin). Anti-inflammatory effect: The injection has been shown to significantly inhibit joint swelling in rats induced by egg white, carrageenan, formaldehyde, and adjuvant. Sedative and hypnotic effects: Daphnetin reduces spontaneous activity in mice and exhibits hypnotic and anesthetic effects. Cardiovascular protective effects: Daphnetin dilates coronary blood vessels, increases coronary flow, and shows significant protective effects against acute myocardial ischemia. Lipid-lowering effects: Significantly reduces serum total cholesterol (TC) levels in hypercholesterolemic mice and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. Immunomodulatory effects: Daphnetin significantly enhances the phagocytic function of peritoneal macrophages in mice, but it may also cause marked atrophy of the thymus and spleen. Free radical scavenging effects: Daphnetin and its complexes show significant scavenging effects on oxygen free radicals.
Ingredients
Coumarins: Daphnetin (also known as 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin), 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin-7-β-glucoside, and daphnetin B. Diterpenoids: Daphnegiraldifin, daphnetoxin, and 12-hydroxydaphnetoxin. Others: Daphnetin (also called Zǔ Shī Má Jia Su), β-sitosterol, α-linolenic acid, and others.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 3–6 g (approximately 1–2 qián). It may also be steeped in wine for consumption.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy. This product is slightly toxic and highly irritating. Its dosage and method of use should be strictly controlled. Direct external application of the raw product may cause strong irritation, leading to inflammation and blistering of the skin and mucous membranes. Use with caution in patients with Yin deficiency and fire excess.
Selected Formulas
For hemoptysis and hematemesis (Inner Mongolia Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 9g of Zitongcao (Onosma hookeri) root, 15g of Tusanqi (Gynura segetum), and 9g of Xianhecao (Agrimonia pilosa). Decoct in water and drink. For small joint pain (Medicinal Plants of Desert Areas) Take 9g of Baimaocao (Zitongcao), decoct in water and take orally for long-term use. It may also be combined with 9g of Sangshen (mulberry fruit) for better effect. It can also be made into powder and taken.
Daily Consumption
For wine infusion: Take an appropriate amount of Zǔ Sī Má and steep it in white wine to make a medicinal wine, then drink it in moderation.
Medicinal Parts
Dried stem bark and root bark.
Selection & Storage
Store dried products in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.
