Platycarya strobilacea Sieb. et Zucc.
Aliases：Shān Liǔ Yè (literally "Mountain Willow Leaf"), Xiǎo Huàxiāngshù (literally "Small Fragrant Tree"), Liǔ Mù Shù (literally "Willow Wood Tree"), Fàn Mù Shù (literally "Rice Wood Tree"), Shān Má Liǔ (literally "Mountain Hemp Willow"), and Huàxiāngshùguǒ (literally "Fragrant Tree Fruit"). (These are all alternative names for Huàxiāngshù, i.e., Platycarya strobilacea.)
Huàxiāngshù is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the leaf of Platycarya strobilacea Sieb. et Zucc., a plant belonging to the family Juglandaceae. It is recorded in Zhiwu Mingshi Tukao (Illustrated Catalogue of Plants).
Efficacy & Actions
Leaf (Huàxiāngshùyè): Detoxifies, relieves itching, and kills parasites. Infructescence (Huàxiāngshùguǒ): Invigorates blood, promotes qi circulation, relieves pain, kills parasites, and relieves itching.
Indications
Leaf (Huàxiāngshùyè): Sores, boils, toxic swellings, scrotal eczema, and stubborn ringworm. Infructescence (Huàxiāngshùguǒ): Internal injuries with chest and abdominal distension and pain, traumatic injuries, sinew and bone pain, carbuncles and swellings, dampness sores, and scabies and ringworm.
Modern Pharmacology
Antibacterial and anti‑inflammatory effects: The stems and leaves exhibit inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Naphthoquinone compounds extracted from the leaves exhibit antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and other pathogenic microorganisms. Antitumor effects. Antioxidant effects. Antiviral effects. Anti‑aging effects. Hypotensive and sedative effects. The infructescence of Huàxiāngshù has shown good therapeutic effects on allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis.
Ingredients
The leaf of Huàxiāngshù contains: juglone, 5-hydroxy-2-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, 5-hydroxy-3-methoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, methyl p‑coumarate, p‑coumaric acid, and coumarin. The infructescence of Huàxiāngshù mainly contains volatile oils, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, and other compounds, among which phenolics, flavonoids, and terpenoids are the main active components.
Usage & Dosage
For topical use: appropriate amount, decoct in water for washing; or rub the affected area with tender leaves. The smoke can repel mosquitoes; it can also be thrown into cesspits and sewage to kill larvae and mosquito larvae. Note: Not for internal use. Infructescence (Huàxiāngshùguǒ): For oral administration: decoct in water, 10–20 g. For topical use: decoct in water for washing; or grind into powder and mix with a suitable base for application.
Contraindications
The leaf of Huàxiāngshù is toxic and should not be taken internally. Should be used under the guidance of a physician. Pregnant women, women planning pregnancy, and breastfeeding women should inform their physician of their physiological status before use.
Selected Formulas
For internal injury with chest distension, abdominal pain, and sinew-bone pain (Jiangxi Herbal Medicine Manual) Take 15-18g of dried Huaxiangshu (Platycarya strobilacea) fruit and an equal amount of Shanzhagen (hawthorn root). Decoct in water, add burnt wine, and take on an empty stomach in the morning and evening. For toothache (Jiangxi Herbal Medicine Manual) Take several Huaxiangshu fruits, decoct in water, hold in the mouth and gargle. For damp sores on the feet (Hunan Materia Medica) Take Huaxiangshu fruit spikes, grind with salt into powder, and apply. For tinea and scabies (Hunan Materia Medica) Take Huaxiangshu fruit spikes, decoct in water, and wash the affected area. For infantile head sores (Hunan Materia Medica) Take Huaxiangshu fruit spikes, Fengshu qiu (a local herb), and sulfur. Grind together into powder, mix with tea oil, and apply. For acute inflammation such as carbuncles, furuncles, and toxic sores (Common Chinese Herbal Medicine Formulas) Take equal parts of fresh Huaxiangshu leaves, Tripterygium wilfordii leaves, celery leaves, and garlic. Crush together and apply externally. Do not use on ulcerated sores. For chronic bone abscess with persistent purulent discharge that does not heal (Guizhou Folk Medicines) Take 250g of Huaxiangshu leaves, crush and soak in cold water. Immerse the affected area in the solution for several hours until the sequestrum dissolves, then remove it with tweezers. Wash the area with the solution regularly afterward.
Medicinal Parts
Huàxiāngshùyè (Leaf of Platycarya strobilacea): Leaf. Huàxiāngshùguǒ (Infructescence of Platycarya strobilacea): Dried infructescence (fruit).
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
