Radix Loropetali Chinensis
Aliases：Ji Hua Gen and Tu Jiang Xiang. (These are alternative names for Ji Mu Gen, i.e., the root of Chinese Loropetalum.)
Ji Mu Gen (Root of Chinese Loropetalum) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried root of Loropetalum chinense (R. Br.) Oliv., a plant belonging to the genus Loropetalum of the family Hamamelidaceae. It commonly grows on sunny slopes, roadsides, shrublands, hillsides, and beside ditches in the suburbs. It was first recorded in Fujian Minjian Caoyao (Folk Herbal Medicine of Fujian).
Efficacy & Actions
Stops bleeding, promotes blood circulation, and exerts astringent effects to secure and firm.
Indications
Hemoptysis, hematemesis, hematochezia, traumatic bleeding, metrorrhagia and metrostaxis, incomplete postpartum lochia, rheumatic joint pain, traumatic injuries, diarrhea, dysentery, leukorrhea, and rectal prolapse.
Modern Pharmacology
Effects on the uterus: The decoction of Ji Mu Gen root exerts excitatory effects on the isolated uterus of rats, mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits, increasing uterine motility and tone. Oral administration of the root decoction at 20 g/kg to female rats for 3 consecutive weeks showed no effect on the growth and development or body weight of their suckling pups. Effects on blood vessels: In isolated perfusion experiments, the root decoction can dilate the hindlimb blood vessels of rats and counteract histamine‑induced edema. Toxicological studies: Oral administration of the root decoction at 12–25 g/kg to rabbits for 3 consecutive days showed no significant effect on the BSP retention rate. The intraperitoneal LD₅₀ in mice is 54 g/kg, indicating that the decoction has very low toxicity.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 15–30 g. For topical application: appropriate amount, grind into powder and apply topically.
Contraindications
This herb has been recorded as slightly toxic or highly toxic. It should be used under the guidance of a physician. Contraindicated during pregnancy. Contraindicated in patients with heart disease or ulcer disease. Contraindicated in children.
Selected Formulas
For hemoptysis (Jiangxi Herbal Medicine) Take 120g of Loropetalum (Jimu) root, decoct in water and drink. For upper gastrointestinal bleeding (Journal of Zhejiang College of TCM, 1982(6):21) Take 30g each of Jimu, Zizhucao (Callicarpa formosana), and Pugongying (Taraxacum mongolicum). Take one dose daily, divided into two portions (morning and afternoon). For rectal prolapse (Jiangxi Herbal Medicine Manual) Take 30g of Jimu root and 5 cun of pig rectum. Stew in water. Drink the soup on the first day; on the second day, drink the soup and eat the intestine together. For leukorrhea in women (Fujian Folk Herbal Medicine) Take 60-90g of Jihua (Jimu) root, slice it, leave it outdoors overnight for seven nights, then dry-roast in a pan. Stir-fry with wine three times. Stew with one hen (no eggs laid, eviscerated) and an appropriate amount of brown sugar until cooked. Take in 2-3 divided doses (drink the soup and eat the meat). For postpartum lochiostasis (Zhejiang Tianmushan Medicinal Plant Records) Take 120-150g of fine fibrous roots of Jihua, decoct in water to extract the juice, add 500g of yellow wine and 180g of brown sugar. Starting from the second day after delivery, take before breakfast and dinner. For hematemesis due to trauma (Hunan Materia Medica) Take the root or leaves of Jihua, cook with lean pork and consume. For toothache (Hunan Materia Medica) Take 30g of Jimu root, boil with one chicken egg and one duck egg. Add 60g of brown sugar and consume. For dysentery and diarrhea (Fujian Materia Medica) Take 30g of Jimu root, 24g of maple tree root, and 15g of pomegranate root. Decoct in water and drink.
Medicinal Parts
It is the dried root of Loropetalum chinense (R. Br.) Oliv., a plant belonging to the family Hamamelidaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
