Cornu Caprae seu Ovis
Aliases：Shān Yáng Jiǎo (Goat Horn), Mián Yáng Jiǎo (Sheep Horn).
Gǔ Yáng Jiǎo is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the horn of the male goat (Capra hircus Linnaeus) or male sheep (Ovis aries Linnaeus), animals belonging to the family Bovidae. This medicinal material was first recorded in Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat, calms convulsions, improves vision, and detoxifies.
Indications
Indicated for wind-heat headache, febrile diseases with fever and delirium, restlessness, hematemesis, infantile convulsions, palpitations, blindness with glaucoma (green cataract), and carbuncles and sores.
Modern Pharmacology
Antitumor effects: In mice inoculated with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, oral administration of a 100% sheep horn decoction at 9 days post-inoculation resulted in a tumor volume inhibition rate of 79.69% and a tumor weight inhibition rate of 75.43%. Antihypertensive and sedative effects: Studies have shown that goat horn has pharmacological activities and clinical effects similar to those of antelope horn, and is often used as a substitute resource. Compound formulations with goat horn substituting antelope horn have demonstrated antihypertensive effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Ingredients
Goat horn: Contains amino acids, polypeptides, keratin, steroids, glycosides, phospholipid substances (0.14%), and inorganic elements. Sheep horn: Contains phospholipid substances (0.04%), total phosphorus (0.114%), total nitrogen (15.33%), with the same types of phospholipid substances as goat horn.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 5–10 g; or 1–2 qián; or burn to preserve its properties and take in powder form. For external use: burn, grind into powder, and mix with a suitable base for topical application.
Contraindications
Bencao Jingjizhu (Collected Commentaries on the Materia Medica) records: "Cuscuta seed (Tǔ Sī Zǐ) is its guide." As this product is cold in nature, it should be used with caution in patients with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. It should be used under the guidance of a physician. Do not self-medicate.
Selected Formulas
For infantile convulsions (Puji Fang) Take the horn of a black goat, burn it to charcoal while preserving its properties, and take a small amount with wine. For wind patterns with restlessness, confusion, and abdominal pain (Sheng Hui Fang) Take goat horn shavings, lightly stir‑fry, and grind into fine powder. Take 1 qian each time with warm wine, at any time. For sudden persistent hematemesis (Sheng Hui Fang) Take 1 liang of Guixin (Cinnamon) and 2 goat horns (roasted until charred yellow). Grind into powder. Take 2 qian each time with glutinous rice water, at any time. For traumatic pain from contusions and blows (Jianbian Danfang) Take goat horn shavings, mix with sugar water, dry‑roast on a tile until charred, and grind into powder. Take 2 qian each time with hot wine, and also rub the painful area. For sudden red spots on the face and body (Zhouhou Fang) Take goat horn, burn to ash, mix with egg white, and apply topically. For chronic watery diarrhea that does not heal for a long time (Sheng Hui Fang) Take one goat horn, fill it with Baifan (alum), burn to ash, and grind into fine powder. Take 2 qian before meals with fresh water.
Medicinal Parts
Store in a ventilated, dry place.
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place.
