Helwingia japonica (Thunb.) Dietr. var. hypoleuca Hemsl. ex Rehd.
Aliases：Yè Shàng Zhū (Leaf-borne Pearl), Qīng Tōng Cǎo (Green Vessel Grass; in the Quanzhou area of Guangxi, the stem pith is used medicinally).
Bái Bèi Qīng Jiá Yè is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the leaf of Helwingia japonica (Thunb.) Dietr. var. hypoleuca Hemsl. ex Rehd., a plant belonging to the family Cornaceae. This plant is a deciduous shrub, reaching up to 2 meters in height. Its most distinctive feature is that the inflorescences are borne directly on the surface of the leaf blade along the midvein, which is relatively rare in the plant kingdom.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat, promotes diuresis, activates blood circulation, and detoxifies.
Indications
Indicated for edema, heat strangury (painful dribbling urination), hematochezia (blood in stool), sores and swellings, and traumatic stasis and swelling.
Modern Pharmacology
Antibacterial effects. Anti-inflammatory effects. Antioxidant effects. Hypoglycemic effects. Lipid-lowering effects. Antitumor effects.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: These are among its main active components. Polysaccharides. Saponins. Components with protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activity have also been isolated from the related species Helwingia japonica (the same genus).
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 6–15 g. For external use: apply an appropriate amount of fresh herb, crushed and applied topically to the affected area.
Contraindications
Pregnant women should use with caution. There are currently few clear contraindications documented regarding its use. It is recommended to consult a physician before use.
Selected Formulas
There are currently few well-documented formulas specifically for Bái Bèi Qīng Jiá Yè. Its use is more common in folk medicine, often as a single herb or applied fresh externally. For example, in the southwestern minority regions of China, the fresh leaves are often crushed and applied topically to treat traumatic injuries.
Daily Consumption
Bái Bèi Qīng Jiá Yè is primarily used for medicinal purposes and has limited daily dietary applications. Common methods of use include oral administration as a decoction or external application of the fresh crushed herb.
Medicinal Parts
Dried leaf.
Selection & Storage
Store dried products in a dry place.
