Radix Aristolochiae Austroszechuanicae
Aliases：Yibin Fangji (literally "Yibin Stephania Root"), Chuan Fangji (literally "Sichuan Stephania Root"), Nanguaye Guangmuxiang (literally "Pumpkin‑Leaf Costusroot"), and Getengxiang (literally "Kudzu Vine Fragrance"); also known as Tu Fangji (literally "Earth Stephania Root") and Qingmuxiang (literally "Green Costusroot" — used in Sichuan). (These are all alternative names for Dayeqingmuxiang, i.e., Aristolochia austroszechuanica.)
Dayeqingmuxiang is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the root tuber of Aristolochia austroszechuanica Chien et C.Y.Cheng ex C.Y.Cheng et J.L.Wu, a plant belonging to the genus Aristolochia of the family Aristolochiaceae. It is recorded in Quanguo Zhongcaoyao Huibian (Compilation of National Chinese Herbal Medicines) and Zhonghua Bencao (Chinese Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes qi circulation to relieve pain, and expels pus to remove toxicity.
Indications
Qi stagnation with epigastric and abdominal distension and pain, rheumatic joint pain, osteoarticular tuberculosis, and snake bites. It is also used for stomach pain, rheumatoid arthritis, orchitis, chronic osteomyelitis, and other conditions.
Modern Pharmacology
Analgesic effect: The alkaloids it contains have analgesic effects, which can relieve neuralgia and muscle soreness. Antipyretic effect: The alkaloids it contains have antipyretic effects, which can lower body temperature and alleviate fever symptoms. Anti‑inflammatory effect: The alkaloids it contains have anti‑inflammatory effects.
Ingredients
Preliminary analysis indicates that the root tuber contains large amounts of starch, cellulose, sugars, tannins, and pigments, as well as four alkaloids and a white crystalline substance. The rootstock of Aristolochia austroszechuanica contains magnoflorine and aristolochic acid A, with a total aristolochic acid content of 0.08%.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 3–6 g; or grind into powder. For topical application: appropriate amount, grind into powder and mix with wine for external application.
Contraindications
Use with caution during pregnancy: This herb contains aristolochic acid A, which possesses nephrotoxic and carcinogenic risks. Pregnant women, women planning pregnancy, and breastfeeding women should avoid using it. Contraindicated in patients with renal insufficiency: Aristolochic acid has well‑established nephrotoxicity and is contraindicated in patients with renal impairment. Patients requiring TCM treatment should first visit a qualified TCM hospital and receive a prescription based on proper syndrome differentiation by a professional TCM practitioner. If other medications are needed during the course of treatment, consult a physician or pharmacist first to avoid potential drug interactions. This herb contains aristolochic acid; long‑term or excessive use may lead to kidney damage and should therefore be avoided.
Selected Formulas
For epigastric and abdominal distension due to qi stagnation (empirical formula) Take Dà Yè Qīng Mù Xiāng (Aristolochia fangchi root), grind into fine powder. Take 1.5-3g each time with boiled water. For bone and joint tuberculosis, and chronic osteomyelitis (empirical formula) Take 90g of Dà Yè Qīng Mù Xiāng, 45g of Qīng Téng Xiāng (a local herb), 7.5g of Huáng Qí (Astragalus), and 7.5g of Chuān Shān Jiǎ Zhū (pangolin scales, stir-fried). Grind together into powder, and make into water pills or tablets (each 0.5g). For bone tuberculosis (clinical empirical formula) Take 320g of Dà Yè Qīng Mù Xiāng, 160g of Qīng Mù Xiāng (Aristolochia), and 8g of Chuān Shān Jiǎ (pangolin scales, sand-fried). Grind together and make into tablets.
Medicinal Parts
t is the dried root tuber of Aristolochia austroszechuanica Chien et C.Y.Cheng ex C.Y.Cheng et J.L.Wu, a plant belonging to the family Aristolochiaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
