Rhododendri Daurici Folium
Aliases：Ying Shan Hong (literally "Reflecting Mountain Red"), Ying Shan Hong (literally "Welcoming Mountain Red"), Shan Beng Zi (literally "Mountain Collapser"), Kao Shan Hong (literally "Leaning on Mountain Red"), Da Zi Xiang (literally "Dazi Fragrance"), Jin Da Lai (literally "Golden Dalai"), and Dongbei Man Shan Hong (literally "Northeast Man Shan Hong"). (These are all alternative names for Man Shan Hong, i.e., Daurian Rhododendron Leaf.)
Man Shan Hong is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried leaf of Rhododendron dauricum L., a plant belonging to the genus Rhododendron of the family Ericaceae. It often grows on ridges, slopes, and under forests on acidic soils.
Efficacy & Actions
Relieves cough, eliminates phlegm, and relieves asthma.
Indications
Cough, wheezing, and excessive phlegm.
Modern Pharmacology
Effects on the respiratory system: The decoction of Man Shan Hong has a significant antitussive effect, with the main active component being germacrone; the aqueous solution and the active component farrerol exhibit significant expectorant effects; the alcohol extract solution can antagonize bronchospasm, exhibiting an antiasthmatic effect. Antibacterial effects: The decoction and alcohol extract of Man Shan Hong exhibit inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus albus, Streptococcus hemolyticus (group A), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other bacteria. Effects on the cardiovascular system: Appropriate doses of Man Shan Hong preparations exhibit digitalis‑like cardiotonic effects; large doses can slow the heart rate and weaken contractility. In addition, Man Shan Hong has antihypertensive effects. Modern clinical applications: Man Shan Hong possesses antitussive, expectorant, and antiasthmatic pharmacological effects and is widely used in antitussive and antiasthmatic preparations, such as Qinbaohong Zhike Granules, Xiaochuan Granules, Qiangli Zhike Ning Capsules, Zhikechuan Granules, Manjin Zhike Tablets, and Compound Man Shan Hong Syrup.
Ingredients
Volatile oils: Germacrone (also known as dalmacrone), juniper camphor, menthol, α‑, β‑, and γ‑eudesmol, etc. Flavonoids: Farrerol, hyperoside, isohyperoside, quercetin, myricetin, taxifolin, etc. Coumarins: Scopoletin, umbelliferone, etc. Phenolic acids: Vanillic acid, rhododendrol, etc. Others: Hydroquinone and trace amounts of grayanotoxin. Researchers have isolated seven active compounds from Man Shan Hong, namely farrerol, myricetin, quercetin, taxifolin, umbelliferone, hyperoside, and juniper camphor.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 15–30 g; or 25–50 g. For ethanol extraction: 6–12 g, extracted with 40% ethanol.
Contraindications
Use with caution in the elderly: Large doses of Man Shan Hong may cause sudden drop in blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and various arrhythmias. The risk of toxicity is significantly higher in elderly patients due to declined metabolic and compensatory functions. Use with caution in patients with liver disease. Use with caution in patients with hypotension: Man Shan Hong has a strong blood pressure‑lowering effect and should not be taken by patients with pre‑existing hypotension. Contraindicated during pregnancy: This herb is toxic and is contraindicated in pregnant women. Contraindicated in individuals with allergic constitution: Those allergic to Man Shan Hong should not use it. Adverse reactions: A small number of patients may experience mild gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms, such as dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, stomach pain, headache, chest tightness, and dry mouth, which usually resolve spontaneously within 1–3 days after discontinuation. When the leaf dosage exceeds 90–120 g, toxic symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, slowed heartbeat, skin redness, dyspnea, numbness of limbs, and balance disorders may occur. Toxic component: The main toxic component of Man Shan Hong is grayanotoxin.
Selected Formulas
For chronic bronchitis (empirical formula) Take 100g of coarse powder of Manshanhong (Rhododendron dauricum) leaves, add 500g of white liquor, soak for 7 days, then filter. Take 15-20ml each time, three times daily. For cough, wheezing, and profuse phlegm (empirical formula) Take an appropriate amount of fresh Manshanhong leaves, wash and air-dry, then eat raw.
Daily Consumption
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and heat.
Medicinal Parts
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and heat.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and heat.
