Ranunculus ficariifolius Lévl. et Vaniot
Aliases：Xī Nán Máo Gèn Yè (Southwestern Buttercup Leaf).
Xī Nán Máo Gèn (Southwestern Buttercup) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried aerial parts of Ranunculus ficariifolius Lévl. et Vaniot, a plant belonging to the genus Ranunculus of the family Ranunculaceae. This plant is an annual herb, the whole plant measuring 10–30 cm in length, sometimes rooting at the lower nodes. The basal and stem leaves are broadly ovate or subrhombic, 0.5–3 cm long, with shallow teeth or nearly entire margins, glabrous or appressed pubescent, yellowish-green; the petioles are 1–4 cm long with sheathing bases. The pedicels are opposite the leaves; the flowers are 8–10 mm in diameter, with ovate sepals and 5 oblong petals. The aggregate fruit is subglobose, 3–4 mm in diameter; the achenes are ovoid-globose, about 1.5 mm long, compressed on both sides with small tuberculate protrusions.
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes diuresis and reduces swelling; relieves pain and kills parasites; interrupts malarial attacks.
Indications
Indicated for malaria.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological research has shown that Xī Nán Máo Gèn (Southwestern Buttercup) has the effect of relieving spasms of intestinal smooth muscle.
Usage & Dosage
For external use: apply an appropriate amount, crushed and applied topically to the affected area or acupoints.
Contraindications
Toxic; not for internal use. Use with caution on broken skin. Should be used under the guidance of a physician. Do not self-medicate.
Selected Formulas
For malaria (Sichuan Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take an appropriate amount of fresh stems and leaves of Southwest Ranunculus (Xinan Mao Gen), crush them, and apply to acupoints such as Dazhui (GV14) or Neiguan (PC6). Change the application once daily. For abdominal pain (Sichuan Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take an appropriate amount of Southwest Ranunculus stems and leaves, crush, and apply to the navel. For hernia pain (Sichuan Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take an appropriate amount of Southwest Ranunculus stems and leaves, crush, and apply to the navel.
Medicinal Parts
The dried aerial parts of Ranunculus ficariifolius Lévl. et Vaniot, a plant belonging to the family Ranunculaceae.
Selection & Storage
Mostly used fresh. For storage, it may be washed and dried in the shade, then stored in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.
