Smilacis Ripariae Radix Et Rhizoma
Aliases：Mǎ Wěi Shēn Gēn (literally "Horse Tail Root Extender"), Guò Jiāng Jué (literally "River‑Crossing Fern"), Lǎo Lóng Xū (literally "Old Dragon's Beard"), Jīn Gāng Dòu Téng (literally "Diamond Bean Vine"), Dà Shēn Jīn Cǎo (literally "Large Tendon‑Stretching Grass"), Bèi Liáng Gǔ (literally "Back Ridge Bone"), Qiān Céng Tǎ (literally "Thousand‑Layer Pagoda"), Lǐ Yú Xū (literally "Carp's Whiskers"), Shān Jiāng Dòu (literally "Mountain Cowpea"), Yáo Biān Zhú (literally "Swaying Bamboo"), Bái Xū Gōng (literally "White‑Bearded Duke"), Ruǎn Yè Bá Qiā (literally "Soft‑Leaved Smilax"), Niú Wěi Jué (literally "Ox‑Tail Fern"), Tǔ Chūn Gēn (literally "Earth Spring Root"), Niú Wěi Jié (literally "Ox‑Tail Knot"), Mǎ Wěi Shēn Jīn (literally "Horse Tail Tendon Stretcher"), Qī Céng Lóu (literally "Seven‑Story Building"), and Cǎo Bá Qiā (literally "Herbaceous Smilax"). (These are all alternative names for Niú Wěi Cài, i.e., Smilax riparia.)
Niú Wěi Cài is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried root and rhizome of Smilax riparia A. DC., a plant belonging to the family Liliaceae. It grows under forests, in thickets, in mountain valleys, or in grassy slopes. It is recorded in Jiangxi Caoyao (Jiangxi Herbal Medicine).
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind‑dampness, unblocks the meridians, and resolves phlegm to relieve cough.
Indications
Wind‑dampness bi‑impediment syndrome, strain‑induced low back pain, traumatic injuries, and cough with wheezing.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti‑rheumatoid arthritis effect. Antitumor effect: Shows effective inhibition against the proliferation of mouse melanoma cells B16 and breast cancer cells MCF‑7. Antidiabetic effect. Antioxidant effect: Its antioxidant activity results from the combined action of multiple components, among which peak 9 (oleanolic acid) may be one of the material bases for its antioxidant effects. Anti‑hyperuricemia effect. Anti‑inflammatory effect. Antibacterial effect. Antitussive, expectorant, and antiasthmatic effects.
Ingredients
The root and rhizome of Niú Wěi Cài contain steroidal saponins, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and other chemical components.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–15 g; for large doses, 30–60 g may be used; may also be steeped in wine or stewed with meat. For topical application: appropriate amount, mashed and applied to the affected area.
Contraindications
Use with caution during pregnancy: Niú Wěi Cài has the effect of dispelling wind and unblocking the collaterals, which may cause uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.
Selected Formulas
For rheumatic joint pain and traumatic injuries (empirical formula) Take 30g of Yaobianzhu (Smilax china/heterophylla) root, 15g each of Huchi (a local herb), Shuilonggu (a local herb), and Bajiaofeng (Alangium chinense), 9g of Zhushagen (Ardisia crenata), and 3g of Caowu (Aconitum kusnezoffii). Soak in wine and take 10ml twice daily. Do not exceed the dose. For kidney-deficiency lower back and leg pain (empirical formula) Take 15-30g of Yaobianzhu root, stew with pig trotters and eat. For sciatica (empirical formula) Take 21g of Cao Ba Qia (a local herb), 15g of Paiqiancao root (a local herb), and 12g of Jiegu Jinlilan (a local herb). Decoct with water and wine, and drink. For headache and dizziness (empirical formula) Take 60g of Niuwei Cai (Smilax riparia) root, 15g of Wa'erteng (Tylophora ovata) root, and 2 eggs. Decoct in water, drink the soup, and eat the eggs. For chronic bronchitis and lymphadenitis (empirical formula) Take 9-15g of Yaobianzhu root and 30g of Xiaoye Sandianjin (a local herb). Decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
The tender stems and leaves of Niú Wěi Cài can be consumed as a wild vegetable; they have high nutritional value, soft and palatable fiber, and a fragrant taste.
Medicinal Parts
The dried root and rhizome of Smilax riparia A. DC., a plant belonging to the family Liliaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
