Radix Tetrapanacis
Aliases：Tōng Cǎo Gēn (from Qujing Chinese Herbal Medicine), Tōng Dǎ Gēn (from Guizhou Herbal Medicine). In addition, this herb shares many alternative names with Tōng Cǎo (stem pith), such as Dà Tōng Cǎo, Bái Tōng Cǎo, Fāng Tōng, and Pào Tōng, which are often used interchangeably with Tōng Huā Gēn.
Tōng Huā Gēn is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried root of Tetrapanax papyrifer (Hook.) K.Koch, a plant belonging to the genus Tetrapanax of the family Araliaceae. The plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree, 1–3.5 meters tall, with a thick, unbranched stem and a large white pith (the source of the Chinese medicinal herb “Tōng Cǎo”). The leaves are large, clustered at the top of the stem, palmately 5–11-lobed, with the underside densely covered with white stellate hairs. The panicle can reach over 50 cm in length, with pale yellowish-white flowers. The fruit is spherical and purplish-black. The flowering period is from October to December, and the fruiting period is from January to February of the following year. This herb was first recorded in Caomu Bianfang. Tōng Huā Gēn and Tōng Cǎo (the stem pith of the same plant) originate from the same plant but have different medicinal parts and distinct therapeutic effects.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat and promotes diuresis; promotes Qi flow and aids digestion; activates blood circulation and promotes lactation.
Indications
Indicated for edema, strangury (painful difficult urination), food stagnation with abdominal distension, abdominal masses, wind-dampness arthralgia, irregular menstruation, and insufficient lactation.
Modern Pharmacology
Currently, systematic modern pharmacological research on Tōng Huā Gēn is limited. Studies have shown that Tōng Huā Gēn contains various triterpenoid saponins with oleanolic acid as the aglycone, which may be related to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic activities. The stem pith of the same plant (Tōng Cǎo) has well-established heat-clearing and diuretic effects; as the root of the same plant, Tōng Huā Gēn has similar effects but with stronger action.
Ingredients
Oleanolic acid-28-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester-3-[α-arabinofuranosyl-(1→4)]-β-D-glucopyranosiduronate. Oleanolic acid-28-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranosyl ester-3-α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1→4)-methyl-β-D-glucopyranosiduronate. Other oleanolic acid-type saponin derivatives.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 30–60 g. Some sources also document 1–2 liǎng (approximately 30–60 g). May also be steeped in wine for consumption. For external use: apply an appropriate amount, crushed and applied topically to the affected area.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with Qi deficiency without damp-heat—as this herb is slightly cold and good at clearing and draining, it should not be used in patients with Qi deficiency without damp-heat, as it may further damage vital Qi. Contraindicated during pregnancy—as this herb has blood-activating, lactation-promoting, and labor-inducing effects, it may stimulate the uterus and increase the risk of miscarriage. Use with caution in patients with deficiency-cold constitution or Spleen-Stomach weakness—as this herb is slightly cold, prolonged or excessive use may cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other discomforts. Breastfeeding women and children should use under the guidance of a physician. Avoid long-term or excessive use—accumulation of cold-natured herbs may cause chronic diarrhea, chills, and other side effects. Avoid cold, raw, and greasy foods during use.
Selected Formulas
For lactation induction (Chongqing Herbal Medicine) Take 60g of Tonghuagen (Tetrapanax papyriferus root), 60g of Tuyangshen (a local herb), 60g of Naijiangteng (a local herb), and 30g of fresh Geshanqiao (Cynanchum bungei). Stew with pig trotters, add rock sugar, and take. For postpartum edema with vulvar swelling as large as a measuring vessel (Puji Fang, citing Taichan Jiuhu Fang) Take Tongtuomu root, grind to extract juice, and take orally. For knee joint tuberculosis (Hunan Materia Medica) Take 6g of Tongtuomu root, 30g of Jinyingzi (Rosa laevigata) root, 15g of bamboo root, and 15g of Shenjincao (Lycopodium clavatum). Decoct in water, mix with wine, and drink. For metrorrhagia (Qujing District Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 45g of Tongcao root, 30g of Xuedidan (a local herb), 15g of Fanbaiye (a local herb), and 9g of Huanglongwei (a local herb). Decoct in water, add brown sugar as a guide, and drink.
Daily Consumption
Wine infusion: Take an appropriate amount of Tōng Huā Gēn, steep it in white wine to make a medicinal wine, and consume in moderation. Stewed with pig trotters: Tōng Huā Gēn is stewed together with pig trotters; the soup is taken and the meat is eaten. This is commonly used for promoting lactation after childbirth.
Medicinal Parts
Dried root.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry, well-ventilated place.
