Flos Firmianae
Aliases：Lóng Chuán Huā (Dragon Boat Flower).
Wú Tóng Huā is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the dried flower of Firmiana simplex (L.) W.Wight (also known as Firmiana plantanifolia (L.f.) Marsili), a plant belonging to the family Sterculiaceae. This plant is a deciduous tree, reaching up to 16 meters in height, with greenish, smooth bark. The panicles are terminal, with pale yellowish-green flowers that lack petals. It flowers from June to July. Wú Tóng Huā was first recorded in the Qing Dynasty work Bencao Gangmu Shiyi (Supplements to the Compendium of Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes diuresis and reduces edema; clears heat and detoxifies.
Indications
Indicated for edema, difficult urination, undefined toxic swellings, traumatic redness and swelling, tinea capitis, and burns and scalds.
Modern Pharmacology
Immunoenhancing effects: Taishan Firmiana simplex flower polysaccharides can increase antibody levels in immunosuppressed mice, improve lymphocyte ratio, and enhance lymphocyte transformation rate. Anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects: The extract of Wú Tóng Huā can reduce inflammatory responses and effectively lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) levels, providing a new approach for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. Antibacterial and antiviral effects: The total flavonoids of Wú Tóng Huā show in vitro antibacterial and antiviral effects against various common pathogens in livestock and poultry. Systematic chemical analysis: Modern medical research has systematically analyzed the chemical constituents of Wú Tóng Huā, confirming its abundant bioactive substances.
Ingredients
Triterpenoids: Oleanolic acid. Sterols: β-Sitosterol. Flavonoids: Apigenin. Polysaccharides: Water-soluble polysaccharides.
Usage & Dosage
For edema (Guangzhou Military Unit, Common Chinese Herbal Medicine Manual) Take 9–15g of dried Wutonghua (Firmiana simplex flower), decoct in water and drink. For burns and scalds (Guangzhou Military Unit, Common Chinese Herbal Medicine Manual) Take Wutonghua, grind into powder, mix with a suitable medium, and apply to the affected area.
Medicinal Parts
The dried flower of Firmiana simplex (L.) W.Wight, a plant belonging to the family Sterculiaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture and mold.
