Lycopsis orientalis L.（亦作 Anchusa ovata Lehm.）
Aliases：Yě Hàn Yān (Wild Dry Smoke, from Inner Mongolia), Tǎ Xī Nà Gān Nà (Mongolian transliteration, from Inner Mongolia), Shuǐ Sī Lì (Water Private Benefit), Niú Shè Cǎo (Cowshed Grass).
Láng Zǐ Cǎo is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the dried leaves of Lycopsis orientalis L. (also known as Anchusa ovata Lehm.), a plant belonging to the family Boraginaceae. This plant is an annual herb, 10–40 cm tall, often branching from the base, with spreading sparse hispid hairs. The leaves are alternate, sparsely hispid on both surfaces, with undulate-crenate margins. The corolla is blue-purple, sometimes purplish-red. Láng Zǐ Cǎo was first recorded in Xinhua Bencao Gangyao (New China Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Detoxifies, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain. It also exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects.
Indications
Indicated for sores and swellings, toxic sores and swellings, and traumatic injuries. Xinhua Bencao Gangyao (New China Materia Medica) records: "The leaves have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects; crush and apply to the affected area to treat sores."
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory effects: The water extract of Láng Zǐ Cǎo can effectively inhibit exudation, swelling, and proliferation during inflammatory responses, showing significant anti-inflammatory effects. Its mechanism may be related to reducing IL-1β, increasing IL-2 levels, and inhibiting other inflammatory cytokines. Analgesic effects: The water extract significantly reduces acetic acid-induced writhing responses in mice and increases the pain threshold in the hot plate test, exhibiting significant analgesic effects. Promotion of skin ulcer healing: The water extract can significantly promote the healing of skin ulcer tissues in mice. Antibacterial effects: Láng Zǐ Cǎo contains flavonoids, terpenoids, and other components with antibacterial activity, capable of inhibiting bacterial growth and reproduction. A 2008 study from Lanzhou University confirmed that it contains shikonin derivatives with an inhibition rate of 68.9% against Staphylococcus aureus. Antioxidant effects: Láng Zǐ Cǎo is rich in antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress damage to the body. Antitumor effects: Some studies suggest that components in Láng Zǐ Cǎo exhibit antitumor activity. In addition, the water extract can effectively reduce capillary permeability during inflammation, decrease the production of cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, downregulate COX-2 expression in ulcer tissues, and reduce PGE2 production.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: Exhibiting antibacterial activity. Terpenoids: Exhibiting antibacterial activity. Shikonin derivatives: Showing inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus. γ-Linolenic acid: The seeds are rich in oil containing γ-linolenic acid. Others: Various bioactive chemical constituents.
Usage & Dosage
For external use: apply an appropriate amount of fresh leaves, crushed and applied topically to the affected area. Dried leaves may also be ground into powder and mixed with a suitable base for topical application.
Contraindications
Not clearly documented. Should be used under the guidance of a physician. Do not self-medicate. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children should consult a physician before use. This product is for external use only and should not be taken orally.
Selected Formulas
For sores and swellings (Xinhua Compendium of Materia Medica) Take an appropriate amount of fresh leaves of Langzicao (Anchusa azurea), crush them, and apply externally to the affected area.
Medicinal Parts
The dried leaf of Lycopsis orientalis L., a plant belonging to the family Boraginaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store dried products in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture and mold.
