Gypsophilae Acutifoliae Herba（亦作 Gypsophila acutifolia Fisch. var. gmelini Regel）
Aliases：Zi E Shi Tou Hua (Purple‑sepal Stone Flower) — an alternative name for Guang Geng Si Shi Zhu (Smooth‑stem Gypsophila Herb).
Guang Geng Si Shi Zhu (Smooth‑stem Gypsophila Herb) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried whole herb of Gypsophila acutifolia Fisch. var. gmelini Regel, a plant of the family Caryophyllaceae. It is a perennial herb, glabrous throughout, 30–40 cm tall, with a thick taproot. Stems are clustered, branched at the base, and erect or ascending. Leaves are simple, opposite, linear or linear‑lanceolate, 1.4–4 cm long and 1–2 mm wide, with an acute apex, connate at the base forming a short sheath, and with one vein. It commonly grows on semi‑sunny slopes at altitudes of 2,800 to 3,000 meters. It was first recorded in Qingzang Gaoyuan Yaowu Tujian (Illustrated Handbook of Medicinal Plants of the Qinghai‑Tibet Plateau).
Efficacy & Actions
Relieves cough and transforms phlegm.
Indications
Cough.
Modern Pharmacology
Guang Geng Si Shi Zhu belongs to the genus Gypsophila of the family Caryophyllaceae. Plants of this genus possess significant medicinal value, and the triterpenoid saponins isolated from them have applications in pharmaceuticals, detergents, cosmetics, and other fields. Chemical studies on the related species Gypsophila oldhamiana have shown that it contains sterols, fatty acids, saponins, and other components. Research on the structural modification of gypsogenin (the sapogenin from Gypsophila) has revealed that its derivatives can inhibit cancer cell proliferation through mechanisms such as cell cycle arrest and induction of apoptosis.
Ingredients
Research on the chemical constituents of Guang Geng Si Shi Zhu is still insufficient. Compounds isolated and identified from the related species Gypsophila oldhamiana include: octadecyl p‑coumarate, octadecyl caffeate, ferulic acid, soya‑cerebroside I, soya‑cerebroside II, D‑3‑methyl‑chiroinositol, α‑spinasterol‑3‑O‑β‑D‑glucopyranoside, α‑spinasterol, β‑sitosterol, daucosterol, etc.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 6–9 g.
Selected Formulas
For cough (empirical formula) Take 6–9g of Guang Geng Si Shi Zhu (Gypsophila oldhamiana), decoct in water and drink. For various nasal diseases such as nasal obstruction (empirical formula) Take Guang Geng Si Shi Zhu, combine with Muxiang (Costus root), Duhuo (Angelica pubescens), and Xionghuang (Realgar), etc., to make Wuwei Muxiang ointment for external use.
Medicinal Parts
Dried whole herb.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
