Liriodendron chinense（Hemsl.）Sarg.
Aliases：Mǎ Guà Mù (literally "Saddle‑Hanging Tree"), Shuāng Piāo Shù (literally "Double‑Floating Tree"), Mǎ Guà Mù (literally "Saddle‑Hanging Tree" — variant spelling), Āo Pǔ Pí (literally "Concave Simple Bark"), É Zhǎng Jiū (a variant of "Liriodendron"), and Zhōngguó Mǎ Guà Mù (literally "Chinese Saddle‑Hanging Tree"). (These are all alternative names for É Zhǎng Qiū Gēn, i.e., Liriodendron chinense Root.)
É Zhǎng Qiū Gēn (Liriodendron chinense Root) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the root of Liriodendron chinense (Hemsl.) Sargent., a plant belonging to the genus Liriodendron of the family Magnoliaceae. Liriodendron chinense is a rare plant species endemic to China and is listed as a second‑class nationally protected plant. It is recorded in Guizhou Caoyao (Guizhou Herbal Medicine).
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind and dampness, strengthens tendons and bones; it is also recorded as dispelling wind and dampness, relieving cough, and strengthening sinews and bones.
Indications
Rheumatic joint pain, muscular flaccidity (atrophy); and wind‑cold cough.
Modern Pharmacology
Antitussive effect: The alkaloid constituents in the root have sedative and analgesic effects, which can alleviate cough symptoms. Expectorant effect: The saponin‑like substances in the root can stimulate the increase of respiratory secretions, helping to clear phlegm. Antiasthmatic effect: The flavonoid compounds in the root have anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can reduce asthma symptoms. Antitumor activity: The chemical constituents of Liriodendron plants exhibit antitumor and other biological activities. Antibacterial activity: Liriodendron plants exhibit antibacterial and other biological activities. Antimalarial activity: Liriodendron plants exhibit antimalarial and other biological activities.
Ingredients
Alkaloids: Liriodenine, lysicamine, glaucine, asimilobine, etc. Sesquiterpenes: Epitulipinolide, costunolide, liriodendrin, etc. Phenylpropanoids: Pinoresinol, syringaresinol, etc. Flavonoids: Flavonoid compounds. Others: β‑Sitosterol, daucosterol, syringaldehyde, etc.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 15–30 g (0.5–1 liang, a traditional Chinese unit of weight, approximately 1 liang = 37.5 g); or soak in wine for oral use.
Contraindications
Should be used under the guidance of a physician: 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. Pay attention to medicinal material quality: When purchasing, carefully select reputable suppliers, preferably those who strictly adhere to national standards. Use with caution during pregnancy (based on its pungent-warm nature and general precautions for anti‑rheumatic medicinals).
Selected Formulas
For flaccidity syndrome (muscle atrophy) (empirical formula) ① Take 50g each of Ezhangqiu (Liriodendron chinense) root and Daxueteng (Sargentodoxa cuneata), 15g each of Qiancaogen (Rubia cordifolia root) and Yikouxue (a local herb), 25g each of Jiangdou (Vigna unguiculata) and Mutong (Akebia quinata), and 1.5g of Honghua (Carthamus tinctorius). Soak in wine and take orally. ② Take 30g each of Shuangpiao (Liriodendron chinense) root and Daxueteng, 9g each of Qiancaogen and Yikouxue, 15g each of Jiangdou and Mutong, and 1.5g of Honghua. Soak in wine and take orally. For rheumatic joint pain (empirical formula) ① Take 50g each of Ezhangqiu root and Citong (Erythrina variegata). Steep in water and drink. ② Take 30g each of Shuangpiao root and Citong. Steep in water and drink.
Medicinal Parts
The root (root and rhizome). The root and bark are also used medicinally.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry place.
