Os Pardi
Aliases：Chuān Sì Tuǐ (Sichuan Four-Leg Bone), Jīn Qián Bào Gǔ (Leopard Bone); Chéng, Jiān Cì Sūn.
Bào Gǔ (Leopard Bone) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the bone of Panthera pardus Linnaeus (Leopard), Neofelis nebulosa (Griffith) (Clouded Leopard), or Uncia uncia Schreber (Snow Leopard), animals belonging to the family Felidae. The skull is oblong in shape, with relatively thin bone, a protruding frontal bone, a relatively long snout, and no groove on the parietal bone. The upper jaw has 3 pairs of incisors, 1 pair of canines, and 4 pairs of premolars; the lower jaw has 3 pairs of incisors, 1 pair of canines, and 3 pairs of molars. The canines are vertical, slightly smaller than those of a tiger, and appear aged with rust-colored stains. The spine has a total of 24 vertebrae, with a relatively long tail consisting of approximately 36 vertebrae. This medicinal material was first recorded in Yilin Zuanyao (Essentials of Medical Compilation).
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind-dampness, strengthens the sinews and bones, calms convulsions, and tranquilizes the mind. It is also recorded as having the effects of dispelling wind, relieving pain, and stabilizing the body.
Indications
Indicated for wind-cold-dampness arthralgia, bone and muscle pain, limb contractures and numbness, soreness of the lower back and knees, and infantile convulsions.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory effects: The alcohol extract of leopard bone, administered intragastrically at 30 g/kg and 60 g/kg, shows significant inhibitory effects on xylene-induced ear edema in mice. The water extract inhibits egg white-induced paw edema, carrageenan-induced paw edema, cotton pellet granuloma formation, and adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Analgesic effects: The alcohol extract of leopard bone, administered intragastrically at 60 g/kg, significantly prolongs the pain latency in the hot plate test in mice and significantly inhibits acetic acid-induced writhing responses. The analgesic effect of leopard bone is similar to that of tiger bone and dog bone. Sedative effects: The alcohol extract of leopard bone, administered intragastrically at 80 g/kg, significantly increases the number of mice sleeping induced by sub-hypnotic doses of pentobarbital sodium and prolongs the sleep time induced by hypnotic doses. Anticonvulsant effects: The alcohol extract of leopard bone, administered intragastrically at 60 g/kg, inhibits pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions in mice. The water extract inhibits convulsions induced by pentylenetetrazol and strychnine. Antitumor effects: The water extract of leopard bone inhibits the growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and sarcoma-180 in mice. Other effects: The water extract of leopard bone also exhibits hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects. Modern research has shown that leopard bone is rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Ingredients
Leopard bone mainly contains calcium phosphate and proteins, among other components. The bone of the clouded leopard contains large amounts of bone collagen, with high levels of calcium and phosphorus. The chemical composition of leopard bone is similar to that of dog bone, containing various trace elements (such as Na, Mg, K, P, Al, Si, Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn, Co, Ni, Cu, etc.) as well as free amino acids and hydrolyzed amino acids. It mainly contains calcium, phosphorus, proteins, bone collagen, and other components.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–15 g; or 3–9 g, crushed before use; or made into pills or powders; or steeped in wine. For external use: apply an appropriate amount, burn to ash, rinse with water to obtain the juice, and use for washing.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with blood deficiency and fire excess. Contraindicated during pregnancy; should not be taken within three months after childbirth. Use with caution in patients with hypertension.
Selected Formulas
For chronic rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (empirical formula) Take 9g each of leopard bone, Mugua (Chaenomeles fruit), and Niuxi (Achyranthes root), and 6g of Guizhi (Cinnamon twig). Grind together into fine powder. Take 3–6g each time, 2–3 times daily, with warm water or yellow wine. For kidney‑deficiency low back pain and flaccidity of sinews and bones (empirical formula) Take 5g of leopard bone, 20g of Danggui (Angelica), 10g of Chuanxiong (Ligusticum), and 5g of Rougui (Cinnamon). Decoct in water, add wine, and drink. For wind‑cold‑dampness impediment with sinew and bone pain (empirical formula, Leopard Bone Wine) Take leopard bone, combine with Qianghuo (Notopterygium) and Duzhong (Eucommia), and make into medicinal wine. Drink in moderation.
Medicinal Parts
Bone. The limb bones are considered to be of the best quality.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container, sealed, in a cool, dry place, protected from insects.
