Herba Asteris Alpini
Aliases：Gāo Lǐng Zǐ Wǎn (literally "High Ridge Aster"), an alternative name for Gao Shan Zi Wan (Alpine Aster, Aster alpinus L.).
Gao Shan Zi Wan (Alpine Aster) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the whole herb of Aster alpinus L. (also known as Aster alpinus L. [A. pulchellus Willd.]), a plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. It was first recorded in Zhongguo Gaodeng Zhiwu Tujian (Illustrated Handbook of Higher Plants of China).
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat and removes toxicity.
Indications
Wind‑heat headache and conjunctivitis.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti‑inflammatory effects: The water extract, alcohol extract, and ethyl acetate extract of Alpine Aster all exhibit significant anti‑inflammatory effects. The water extract significantly inhibits carrageenan‑induced foot edema in mice, with an anti‑inflammatory effect comparable to that of aspirin; the alcohol extract significantly inhibits cotton pellet granuloma in rats; the ethyl acetate extract significantly inhibits croton oil‑induced ear edema in mice. Antibacterial effects: The water extract, alcohol extract, and ethyl acetate extract of Alpine Aster all exhibit strong antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus hemolyticus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, and other bacteria. Antioxidant effects: Alpine Aster extracts can significantly reduce serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in mice. Anti‑tumor effects: Alpine Aster extracts have significant inhibitory effects on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells. Other effects: Alpine Aster also exhibits analgesic, antitussive, expectorant, diuretic, and antihypertensive effects.
Ingredients
The root contains fatty acid and lachnophyllum ester.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 3–10 g.
Selected Formulas
This herb is mostly used alone as a decoction for oral administration.
Medicinal Parts
Dried whole herb.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
