Rhizoma Corydalis Decumbentis
Aliases：Fúshēng Zǐjǐn (literally "Prostrate Corydalis"), Fúdì Yánhúsuǒ (literally "Prostrate Corydalis Tuber"), Yīlì Jīndān (literally "One Golden Pill"), Dònglǐ Shénxiān (literally "Cave Immortal"), Yě Yánhú (literally "Wild Corydalis"), Fēilái Mǔdān (literally "Flying Peony"), Luòshuǐ Zhū (literally "Falling Water Bead"), Tǔ Xuánhú (literally "Earth Corydalis"), Xià Wúzōng (literally "Summer Trace"), and Wúbǐng Zǐjǐn (literally "Stalkless Corydalis"). (These are all alternative names for Xiàtiānwú, i.e., Rhizoma Corydalis Decumbentis.)
Xiàtiānwú is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried tuber of Corydalis decumbens (Thunb.) Pers., a plant belonging to the family Papaveraceae. It was first recorded in Bencao Gangmu Shiyi (A Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes blood circulation to relieve pain, relaxes sinews and unblocks collaterals, dispels wind and dampness.
Indications
Stroke with hemiplegia. Headache (blood stasis headache, liver yang headache). Traumatic injuries (bruises, swelling and pain). Rheumatic arthralgia, low back and leg pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica. Lumbar muscle strain.
Modern Pharmacology
Analgesic effect: It inhibits the release of substance P and blocks its receptors, thereby alleviating pain. It is effective for sciatica, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions. Anti‑arrhythmic effect: The alkaloids in Xiàtiānwú have significant anti‑arrhythmic effects; it protects the heart from ischemia‑reperfusion injury and counteracts arrhythmias during ischemia and reperfusion. Cardiovascular protective effects: It increases coronary blood flow, dilates peripheral blood vessels, and lowers blood pressure; it increases myocardial nutritional blood flow in mice, prolongs hypoxia tolerance time, and reduces oxygen consumption. Antithrombotic effect: It inhibits platelet aggregation and counteracts thrombus formation. Anti‑inflammatory effect: It has anti‑inflammatory effects and can improve joint function. Smooth muscle relaxant effect: It relaxes uterine smooth muscle and intestinal smooth muscle, and has antispasmodic effects. Anti‑cerebral ischemia effect: It has anti‑cerebral ischemia effects.
Ingredients
Xiàtiānwú mainly contains alkaloid compounds, the main type of which are isoquinoline alkaloids.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 4.5–15 g; or 6–12 g, ground into powder and taken in 3 divided doses; or ground into powder, 1–3 g; may also be made into pills. For topical use: Xiàtiānwú eye drops, instilled into the conjunctival sac.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy. Not suitable for those without qi stagnation and blood stasis. Use with caution in children. Use with caution in athletes. Avoid cold, raw, and greasy foods. Should not be taken in excessive amounts or for prolonged periods. Patients with severe chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, or kidney disease should take it under the guidance of a physician. Children, menstruating women, breastfeeding women, and the elderly or infirm should use it under medical supervision. If symptoms do not improve after 3 days of medication, consult a doctor. Contraindicated in patients with abnormal liver or kidney function.
Selected Formulas
For hypertension, hemiplegia due to brain tumor or cerebral embolism (Zhejiang Folk Common Herbal Medicine) Take fresh Xiatianwu (Corydalis decumbens), crush it. Take 4-5 large pieces or 8-9 small pieces each time, 1-3 times daily, with rice wine or boiled water. Continue for 3-12 months. For various types of hypertension (empirical formula) ① Take Xiatianwu, grind into powder, take 2-4g each time. ② Take Xiatianwu, Gouteng (Uncaria), Sangbaipi (Mulberry root bark), and Xiakucao (Prunella), decoct in water and drink. For rheumatoid arthritis (empirical formula) Take Xiatianwu powder, 3 qian each time, twice daily. For lumbar muscle strain (empirical formula) Take 5 qian of the whole plant of Xiatianwu, decoct in water and drink. For stroke with hemiplegia and limb dysfunction (empirical formula) Take Xiatianwu together with Xiakucao, Gouteng, Sangjisheng (Taxillus), and Dilong (Earthworm). Decoct in water and drink. For traumatic injuries with blood stasis and swelling pain (empirical formula) Take Xiatianwu alone, or combine with Jixueteng (Spatholobus), Ruxiang (Frankincense), and Moyao (Myrrh). Decoct in water and drink. For wind-dampness impediment with joint contracture and pain (empirical formula) Take Xiatianwu with Danggui (Angelica), Qianghuo (Notopterygium), Duhuo (Angelica pubescens), and Weilingxian (Clematis). Decoct in water and drink.
Medicinal Parts
It is the dried tuber of Corydalis decumbens (Thunb.) Pers., a plant belonging to the family Papaveraceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects. Store in airtight dry containers in a well‑ventilated, dry place, protected from insects.
