Liriodendron chinense (Hemsl.) Sarg.
Aliases：Mǎ Guà Mù (literally "Jacket‑Hanging Tree"), Mǎ Guà Shù (literally "Jacket‑Hanging Tree" — variant), and Shuāng Piāo Shù (literally "Double‑Floating Tree"). (These are alternative names for É Zhǎng Qiū, i.e., Liriodendron chinense, also known as Chinese Tulip Tree.)
É Zhǎng Qiū is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the root and bark of Liriodendron chinense (Hemsl.) Sargent., a plant belonging to the family Magnoliaceae. It grows in mountain forests at altitudes of 900–1,000 meters. It is recorded in Quanguo Zhongcaoyao Huibian (Compilation of National Chinese Herbal Medicines).
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind and dampness, relieves cough, and strengthens sinews and bones.
Indications
Rheumatic joint pain, muscular weakness and flaccidity (atrophy), and wind-cold cough.
Modern Pharmacology
Antitussive, expectorant, and antiasthmatic effects: The alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids in the root of Liriodendron chinense can relieve cough, clear phlegm, and relieve wheezing. Antibacterial, antimalarial, and antitumor activities: Liriodendron species exhibit antibacterial, antimalarial, and antitumor activities. Compounds isolated from Liriodendron chinense have shown significant inhibitory effects on leukemia cells. Antibacterial effect.
Ingredients
The chemical constituents of Liriodendron species include alkaloids, sesquiterpenes, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and other compounds. Modern research has isolated 22 compounds from Liriodendron chinense. The alkaloid components in its root have sedative and analgesic effects.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 15–30 g; or soak in wine for oral use.
Contraindications
Not suitable for those with Yin deficiency.
Selected Formulas
For flaccidity syndrome (muscle atrophy) (empirical formula) 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. For rheumatic joint pain (empirical formula) Take 50g each of Ezhangqiu root and Citong (Erythrina variegata). Steep in water and drink.
Medicinal Parts
Root and bark.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
