Herba Dennstaedtiae
Aliases：Guan Zhong (in Guangxi). (This is an alternative name for Wan Jue, i.e., Scabrous Boulder Fern.)
Wan Jue is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the whole herb of Dennstaedtia scabra (Wall.) Moore, a plant belonging to the genus Dennstaedtia of the family Dennstaedtiaceae. It is a terrestrial fern, 70–120 cm tall. The rhizome is stout, densely covered with brown articulate long hairs. Leaves are distant; the petiole is 20–35 cm long, brown, flat on the ventral surface with longitudinal grooves, bearing brown articulate hairs; the lamina is papery, densely covered with white articulate hairs on both surfaces along the veins, triangular‑lanceolate or oblong, with 3–4 pinnate divisions; the pinnae are 15–20 pairs, alternate, stalked; the sori are borne at the apex of the veinlets on the margins of the segments, with a cup‑shaped, yellowish‑green indusium with toothed margins. It was first recorded in Zhongguo Zhuyao Zhiwu Tushuo Juelei Zhiwu Men (Illustrated Handbook of Major Chinese Plants — Pteridophytes).
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind, clears heat, and releases the exterior.
Indications
Common cold with headache and rheumatic arthralgia. It is also used for traumatic injuries.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern research has shown that Wan Jue contains volatile oils, flavonoids, triterpenoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and other components. It exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and anti-tumor effects.
Ingredients
Pterosins: pterosin A, pterosin F, pterosin K, and pterosin V. Onitin: also known as 4‑hydroxypterosin A. Ptaquiloside. Dennstoside A.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–15 g.
Contraindications
Use with caution during pregnancy.
Selected Formulas
For cold with headache (Chinese Medicinal Spore Plants) Take 15g of Wanjue (Dennstaedtia scabra) and 15g of Banlangen (Isatis root). Decoct in water and drink. For cold with headache (empirical formula) Take 10g each of Wanjue, Baizhi (Angelica dahurica), and Bohe (Mint). Decoct in water and drink. For wind‑dampness impediment with pain (empirical formula) Take 15g each of Wanjue, Weilingxian (Clematis root), Sangzhi (Mulberry twig), and Mugua (Chaenomeles fruit). Decoct in water and drink. For traumatic injury (empirical formula) Take 10g each of Wanjue, Sanqi (Notoginseng), Danggui (Angelica), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum), Baishao (White peony root), and Gancao (Licorice). Decoct in water and drink.
Medicinal Parts
Dried whole herb.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
