Rhododendron delavayi Franch.
Aliases：Mǎ Yín Huā (literally "Horse Silver Flower"), Mì Tǒng Huā (literally "Dense Tube Flower"), Hóng Shān Chá (literally "Red Camellia"), Dù Juān (literally "Cuckoo" — the common name for rhododendrons), Má Lì Guāng (literally "Hemp Power Light"), Yìng Shān Hóng (literally "Red Covering the Mountain" — a common name for azaleas), Cāng Shān Dù Juān (literally "Cang Mountain Rhododendron"), and Hóng Mǎ Yīng Huā (literally "Red Horse Tassel Flower"). (These are all alternative names for Mǎ Yīng Huā, i.e., Rhododendron delavayi.)
Mǎ Yīng Huā (Rhododendri Delavayi Flos) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the flower of Rhododendron delavayi Franch. [R. arboreum Smith subsp. delavayi (Franch.) Chamberlain; R. pilovithanum Balf. f. et W. W. Smith], a plant belonging to the genus Rhododendron of the family Ericaceae. It grows in shrub thickets on slopes, roadsides, and near villages at altitudes of 1,200–3,200 meters. It was first recorded in Zhiwu Mingshi Tukao (Illustrated Catalogue of Plants).
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat, removes toxicity, cools blood, and stops bleeding.
Indications
Osteomyelitis, gastrointestinal bleeding, hemoptysis, epistaxis, metrorrhagia and metrostaxis, and irregular menstruation.
Modern Pharmacology
Toxic components: Grayanotoxin I, a representative toxin found in Rhododendron species, is present in Mǎ Yīng Huā. Accidental ingestion or overdose in medicinal use can cause poisoning, mainly manifested as nausea, vomiting, hypotension, and respiratory depression. Severe cases may result in respiratory failure and death. Chemical composition studies: Using LC-MS/MS technology for non-targeted metabolomics analysis of the flowers at different blooming stages, various metabolites have been identified, including flavonoids, organic acids, phenolic acids, amino acids and their derivatives, lipids, and alkaloids. Clinical applications: Modern clinical practice uses it for osteomyelitis, influenza, dysentery, gastrointestinal bleeding, and irregular menstruation.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: Flavonoid compounds. Organic acids and phenolic acids. Amino acids and their derivatives. Lipids and alkaloids. Glycosides and terpenoids. Grayanotoxin I: A representative toxin of the Rhododendron genus.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–15 g.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy. The oral dosage should not be excessive. Symptoms of poisoning: Overdose may cause nausea, excessive salivation, dyspnea, arrhythmia, etc.. Severe cases may result in respiratory failure and death. This herb is slightly toxic and should be used under the guidance of a physician.
Selected Formulas
For osteomyelitis (Selected Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicines) Take 60g of fresh Mayinghua (Rhododendron delavayi flower), decoct in water and drink. For gastrointestinal bleeding, epistaxis, hemoptysis, and menstrual irregularities (Selected Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicines) Take 9-15g of Mayinghua, decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
Mǎ Yīng Huā is a medicinal material and is primarily used for medicinal purposes. Currently, its flowers are also consumed as a wild vegetable. However, as this herb is slightly toxic, it should be used under the guidance of a physician and should not be taken arbitrarily.
Medicinal Parts
It is the flower of Rhododendron delavayi Franch., a plant belonging to the family Ericaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
