Herba Melasmae
Aliases：Hónggēn Cǎo (literally "Red Root Grass") and Hēi Shuò (literally "Black Capsule"). (These are alternative names for Huàxuèdǎn, i.e., Field Melasma, Melasma arvense.)
Huàxuèdǎn is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried whole herb of Melasma arvense (Benth.) Hand.-Mazz., a plant belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae. It was first recorded in Yunnan Simao Zhongcaoyao Xuan (Selected Chinese Herbal Medicines from Simao, Yunnan).
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat and promotes diuresis, invigorates blood circulation and disperses blood stasis.
Indications
Icteric hepatitis: Caused by damp‑heat encumbering the Liver and Gallbladder. Hepatosplenomegaly: Caused by Liver qi stagnation with blood stasis, or by damp‑heat obstruction. Traumatic injuries: Caused by blood stasis with swelling and pain. Dysmenorrhea: Caused by blood stasis obstructing the uterus.
Modern Pharmacology
Antitumor effect: Melasmoside, extracted from the root of Melasma arvense, exhibits antitumor activity. Animal experiments have shown that its inhibition rate against mouse sarcoma leukemia L759 is 59.38%. Laxative effect: Aucubin, one of its constituents, has been shown to have a laxative effect in mice. Antibacterial, anti‑inflammatory, and antioxidant effects: Modern research has also demonstrated that Huàxuèdǎn possesses antibacterial, anti‑inflammatory, and antioxidant activities.
Ingredients
Aucubin. Hydroxy-β-ionone glucoside. Aucubigenin-1-O-β-gentiobioside. Mussaenoside. Melasmoside.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water. The usual dosage is 10–15 g, or 3–4 qian (approximately 9–12 g) according to the traditional Chinese weight system. For topical application: take an appropriate amount of the fresh herb, mash it, and apply to the affected area.
Contraindications
Use with caution during pregnancy: Due to its effect of invigorating blood circulation and dissolving stasis, and its "minor toxicity", pregnant women should avoid using it. Compatibility contraindication: Should not be used together with Licorice (Gancao).
Selected Formulas
For treating traumatic injuries: Take appropriate amounts of Huàxuèdǎn (Melasma arvense), Zélán (Lycopus lucidus), and Cùjiāngcǎo (Oxalis corniculata), mash them together into a paste, mix with an appropriate amount of wine, and apply externally to the affected area.
Medicinal Parts
It is the dried whole herb of Melasma arvense (Benth.) Hand.-Mazz., a plant belonging to the family Scrophulariaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
