Rhizoma Menyanthis Trifoliatae
Aliases：Guò Jiāng Lóng (recorded in Guiyang Minjian Yaocao — Folk Herbal Medicine of Guiyang). (This is an alternative name for Shuì Cài Gēn, i.e., Bogbean Root / Rhizoma Menyanthis.)
Shuì Cài Gēn (Bogbean Root) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the root and rhizome of Menyanthes trifoliata L., a plant belonging to the genus Menyanthes of the family Gentianaceae. It is also known as Mingcai (literally "Sleep-inducing Herb"), Zuicao (literally "Drunken Herb"), and Chuocai (literally "Slow Herb"). Since it has the effect of calming the mind and promoting sleep, ancient people called it "Sleeping Herb". It was first recorded in Jilin Zhongcaoyao (Chinese Herbal Medicines of Jilin).
Efficacy & Actions
Moistens the lungs and relieves cough, promotes diuresis and reduces swelling, and lowers blood pressure.
Indications
Cough, edema, rheumatic pain, and hypertension.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti‑inflammatory effects: The crude extract of Menyanthes trifoliata significantly inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in vitro. Compounds isolated from the plant exhibit anti‑inflammatory activity against LPS‑induced inflammation, with IC₅₀ values of 22.1, 12.7, and 6.7 μM, respectively. Sedative and hypnotic effects: Menyanthes trifoliata is used as a hypnotic remedy in Chinese ethnomedicine. The extract has been shown to possess sedative‑hypnotic effects in mice. Neuroprotective effects: Some compounds from the ethyl acetate fraction of Menyanthes trifoliata exhibit significant protective effects against corticosterone‑induced damage in PC12 cells. Antitumor effects: Menyanthes trifoliata contains various chemical components with antitumor activity. Hypoglycemic effects: Menyanthes trifoliata exhibits hypoglycemic effects. Immunomodulatory effects: Menyanthes trifoliata exhibits immunomodulatory effects.
Ingredients
Menyanthes trifoliata contains various chemical components, mainly terpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, as well as phenolic acids and sugars, etc.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 10–15 g (30 g for fresh herb); or crush and extract the juice for oral use.
Selected Formulas
For moistening the lung and stopping cough (Guiyang Folk Herbal Medicine) Take 30g of fresh Guojianglong (Menyanthes trifoliata root, also known as Shuicai root) or 15g of dried product. Stew with meat and eat, or decoct in water and drink. For eliminating dampness and swelling, and treating rheumatic pain (Guiyang Folk Herbal Medicine) Take 15g each of dried Guojianglong (Shuicai root) and Tonghuagen (a local herb). Decoct in water and drink. For palpitations, insomnia, and hypertension (Zhejiang Medicinal Plant Records) Take 30-60g of fresh Shuicai root, decoct in water and drink, or crush to extract juice and take. For hypertension (Jilin Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 15g of Shuicai root, crush to extract juice, and take twice daily.
Medicinal Parts
It is the root and rhizome of Menyanthes trifoliata L., a plant belonging to the family Gentianaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
