Folium Loropetali Chinense
Aliases：Ji Hua Ye, Zhi Mo Hua, Ji Ji, and Bai Qingming Hua. (These are alternative names for Ji Mu Ye, i.e., Folium Loropetali Chinense.)
Ji Mu Ye is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried leaf of Loropetalum chinense (R. Br.) Oliv., a plant belonging to the genus Loropetalum of the family Hamamelidaceae. Loropetalum chinense is an evergreen shrub or small tree, 1–5 m tall, with many branches and young branches covered with stellate hairs. The leaves are alternate, ovate or elliptic, 2–5 cm long, with an acute apex and obtuse base, and entire margins. The flowers bloom in spring, with four white or yellowish‑white strap‑shaped petals. It grows on sunny slopes, roadsides, shrublands, hillsides, and beside ditches in the suburbs. It is recorded in Jiangxi Minjian Caoyao (Folk Herbal Medicine of Jiangxi).
Efficacy & Actions
Astringes to stop bleeding, clears heat and removes toxicity.
Indications
Hemoptysis, hematemesis, hematochezia, metrorrhagia and metrostaxis, persistent lochia after delivery, purpura, summer‑heat diarrhea and dysentery, traumatic injuries, traumatic bleeding, liver‑heat with red eyes, and sore throat. For external use: burns, scalds, and traumatic bleeding, etc.
Modern Pharmacology
Antibacterial effects: The extract of Ji Mu Ye exhibits inhibitory effects against Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Salmonella typhi, and Escherichia coli. The decoction of the stems and leaves can be used as a skin disinfectant. Hemostatic effects: The tannic acid and its derivatives contained in this herb have coagulating and precipitating effects on proteins and serum, constrict capillaries, and promote blood coagulation. Uterine contraction effects: It exerts a contracting effect on the uterus. Wound healing promotion: The extract of white-flowered Loropetalum chinense can significantly promote skin healing in rats, shorten wound healing time, increase wound healing strength, and promote cell and angiogenesis at the wound site.
Ingredients
Tannins: tannic acid and its derivatives. Phenolic acids: gallic acid, ethyl caffeate, chlorogenic acid, etc. Flavonoids: quercetin, isoquercitrin, and other flavonoid compounds. Others: reducing sugars, glycosides, and phenolic substances. In addition, compounds such as 2,4,6-trimethoxyphenol-1-O-β-D-(6'-O-galloyl)-glucopyranoside, D-quinic acid, and salidroside have also been isolated from the branches and leaves of white-flowered Loropetalum chinense.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 15–30 g; or crush for juice extraction. For topical application: appropriate amount of fresh herb, mashed for application to the affected area; or ground into powder for application, decocted in water for washing, or used as a mouthwash.
Contraindications
Contraindications are not well documented; it is recommended to use under the guidance of a physician. Contraindicated in patients with cough and loss of voice due to wind-cold hidden in the lung. Should be used with caution during pregnancy; it is advisable to use under medical guidance to avoid affecting fetal development. When used in decoction, the common dosage is 9–15 g. Fresh herb can also be crushed for juice extraction and taken orally.
Selected Formulas
For treating summer-heat diarrhea and dysentery: Use 21 g of the stems and leaves of Ji Mu, decoct in water and take orally. For red dysentery, add white sugar; for white dysentery, add 15 g of brown sugar, mix and take. (Jiangxi Minjian Caoyao — Folk Herbal Medicine of Jiangxi) For treating traumatic bleeding: Take a handful of fresh Ji Hua leaves, mash and apply topically. (Fujian Minjian Caoyao — Folk Herbal Medicine of Fujian) For treating muscle strain (Shan Jin): Take a handful of fresh Ji Hua leaves, mash with distilled liquor, squeeze out one cup of juice, take 1–2 times daily. (Fujian Minjian Caoyao) For treating purpura: Take 30 g of fresh Ji Mu leaves, mash, add an appropriate amount of boiling water, steep and take the juice. (Caoyao Shouce of Jiangxi — Herbal Handbook of Jiangxi) For treating gastrointestinal bleeding: Take equal amounts of Ji Mu Ye, Lotus Node (Oujie), Biota Leaves (Cebaiye), Ophicalcite (Huarui Shi), and Carbonized Human Hair (Xueyutan), grind into fine powder. Take 6 g each time, 3 times daily, with cold boiled water. (Hubei Zhongcaoyao Zhi — Hubei Herbal Records) For treating abdominal pain: Take 6–12 g of fresh Ji Hua leaves and seeds, form into a ball, and swallow with boiling water before meals. For treating burns: Burn Ji Mu leaves to preserve their properties (charcoal form), mix with sesame oil and apply topically. (Jiangxi Caoyao — Jiangxi Herbal Medicine) For treating impetigo (yellow water sores): Burn the branches of Ji Mu, collect the smoke from the burning medicinal material on a knife blade, and apply the collected soot to the affected area once daily. (Guizhou Caoyao — Guizhou Herbal Medicine)
Medicinal Parts
Dried leaf.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects. Store in airtight dry containers and keep tightly sealed.
