Corydalis esquirolii H. Lév.
Aliases：Shānxiāng (recorded in Sichuan Changyong Zhongcaoyao — Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines of Sichuan), Shānxiānggēn (literally "Mountain Fragrance Root"), Lǎolóngcǎo (literally "Old Dragon Grass"), Duànchángcǎo (literally "Broken Intestine Grass"), and Zǐwénzǐjǐn (literally "Seed‑Stripe Corydalis"). (These are all alternative names for Gāoshān Yángbùchī, i.e., Corydalis esquirolii.)
Gāoshān Yángbùchī (Gaoshan Yangbuchi) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the rhizome and root of Corydalis esquirolii H. Lév. (also known as Corydalis esquirolii Levl.), a plant belonging to the family Papaveraceae. It grows in ditches and moist places under forests in mid‑mountain areas. It is recorded in Sichuan Changyong Zhongcaoyao (Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines of Sichuan).
Efficacy & Actions
Clears damp‑heat, relieves pain, and dispels wind‑dampness.
Indications
For oral use: Stomach and cardiac pain, Gallbladder meridian heat disorders, rheumatic arthralgia, headache due to summer‑heat, abdominal pain, painful urination, and hemoptysis due to pulmonary tuberculosis. For external use: Suppurative otitis media, rectal prolapse, sores and toxic swellings, and snake bites.
Modern Pharmacology
Analgesic effect: Using hot‑plate, electrical stimulation, chemical stimulation, and photothermal stimulation methods, it has been proven that shanxiang alkaloid B has analgesic effects on mice, rats, and rabbits. In the mouse hot‑plate test with subcutaneous injection, its effect is equivalent to that of morphine at the same dose, but its duration is shorter. In the mouse chemical stimulation test with intravenous injection, its effect is only 1/10 that of morphine. Overall, its analgesic effect is inferior to morphine, but it acts very quickly and disappears rapidly. Toxicity: Shanxiang alkaloids A, C, D, and E have no analgesic effect and can easily cause convulsions and death in mice. The intravenous LD₅₀ of shanxiang alkaloid B in mice is 99.12 mg/kg, and the subcutaneous LD₅₀ is 1200 mg/kg. Intraperitoneal injection at 1000 and 1500 mg/kg caused deep depression, loss of righting reflex, and slow deep breathing, but did not cause death. Analysis of analgesic components: The root contains alkaloids. The analgesic effect mainly comes from shanxiang alkaloid B.
Ingredients
Shanxiang alkaloid A. Shanxiang alkaloid B (possesses analgesic effect). Shanxiang alkaloid C. Shanxiang alkaloid D. Shanxiang alkaloid E.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 1–2 qian (approximately 3–6 g). For topical application: appropriate amount (depending on the specific condition, decoct in water for washing, or grind into powder and mix with a suitable base for external application).
Contraindications
This herb is slightly toxic and should be used under the guidance of a physician. Shanxiang alkaloids A, C, D, and E can cause convulsions and death in mice. Use with caution in pregnant women and those with a weak constitution. Excessive or long‑term use should be avoided.
Medicinal Parts
It is the rhizome and root of Corydalis esquirolii H. Lév., a plant belonging to the family Papaveraceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
