Zanthoxyli Armati Fructus
Aliases：Tǔ Huā Jiāo (literally "Earth Pepper" / "Soil Pepper" — used in Hunan and Shanghai), Shān Huā Jiāo (literally "Mountain Pepper" — used in Guangdong), Yě Huā Jiāo (literally "Wild Pepper" — used in Sichuan), Gǒu Huā Jiāo (literally "Dog Pepper"), Huā Hú Jiāo (literally "Flower Pepper"), Sōu Shān Hǔ (literally "Mountain-Searching Tiger"), Shān Jiāo (literally "Mountain Pepper"), Yán Jiāo (literally "Rock Pepper"), Jī Jiāo (literally "Chicken Pepper"), Wàn Huā Zhēn (literally "Ten Thousand Flower Needles"), Bái Zǒng Guǎn (literally "White Chief Steward"), and Cài Jiāo (literally "Vegetable Pepper"). (These are all alternative names for Zhú Yè Jiāo, i.e., the dried mature fruit of Zanthoxylum armatum / Bamboo‑leaf Pricklyash.)
Zhú Yè Jiāo (Bamboo-leaf Pricklyash) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried mature fruit of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. (also known as Zanthoxylum planispinum Sieb. et Zucc. and Zanthoxylum alatum Roxb.), a plant belonging to the genus Zanthoxylum of the family Rutaceae. It grows in sparse forests, thickets, and along roadsides at altitudes below 2,300 meters. It is recorded in Quanguo Zhongcaoyao Huibian (Compilation of National Chinese Herbal Medicines).
Efficacy & Actions
Warms the middle, dries dampness, disperses cold, relieves pain, expels parasites, and relieves itching.
Indications
Cold pain in the epigastrium and abdomen, cold‑dampness vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain due to roundworm infestation (roundworm‑type abdominal pain), toothache due to dental caries, eczema, and scabies with itching and sores.
Modern Pharmacology
Analgesic and anti‑inflammatory effects: Multiple active components in the volatile oil of Zhú Yè Jiāo can act on targets such as PTGS2, CHRM3, and PPARA, exerting anti‑inflammatory and analgesic effects through multiple pathways. The ethyl acetate fraction shows significant therapeutic effects on inflammation and pain. Hepatoprotective effects: Exhibits liver‑protective activity. Anthelmintic effects: Expels intestinal parasites such as roundworms. Antispasmodic effects: Relieves smooth muscle spasms. Platelet aggregation inhibitory effects. Hypoglycemic effects: The ethyl acetate fraction exhibits hypoglycemic activity. Antibacterial effects. Effects on the immune system: Increases the phagocytic rate and phagocytic index of peritoneal macrophages, and enhances the E‑rosette formation rate in peripheral blood. Effects on the cardiovascular system: Exerts stimulating effects on the heart, increasing myocardial tension and cardiac output, and has significant vasoconstrictive effects. Effects on uterine smooth muscle: Has a strong contracting effect on uterine smooth muscle.
Ingredients
Alkaloids: Zanthoxylamide, etc. Lignans: L‑Asarinin, L‑Planispine (or L‑Zhuyejiaoresinol), β‑Syringaresinol, etc. Flavonoids. Amides. Triterpenoids. Steroids: β‑Sitosterol, etc. Coumarins. Volatile oils: Sesamin, cholesteryl myristate, (−)‑β‑chamigrene, etc. Fatty acids.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 6–9 g; or grind into powder, 1–3 g. For topical application: an appropriate amount, decoct in water for washing or as a mouth rinse; or soak in alcohol for external application; or grind into powder and pack into carious tooth cavities; or mash the fresh herb and apply. Root: decoct in water, 9–30 g (60–90 g for fresh herb); grind into powder, 3 g; or soak in wine. Leaf: decoct in water, 9–15 g; for topical use, an appropriate amount.
Contraindications
This product is slightly toxic and should not be used in excessive amounts or for prolonged periods. Contraindicated during pregnancy. It should be used under the guidance of a physician. Contraindicated in individuals allergic to this product; use with caution in those with allergic constitution.
Selected Formulas
For stomach pain and toothache (empirical formula) Take 3-6g of Zhuyejiao (Zanthoxylum armatum) fruit and 9g of Shanjiao gen (a local herb). Grind into powder and take with warm boiled water. For stomach pain and abdominal distension pain (empirical formula) Take 9g of Zhuyejiao leaves and 6g of Wuyuzi (Evodia rutaecarpa). Crush and apply to the navel. For abdominal pain and diarrhea (empirical formula) Take 6-9g of Zhuyejiao, decoct in water and drink. For abdominal pain due to ascariasis (empirical formula) Take 6g of Zhuyejiao and 9g of Kulianpi (Melia azedarach bark). Decoct in water, add an appropriate amount of vinegar, and drink. For deficiency-cold stomach pain (empirical formula) Take 6g of Zhuyejiao fruit and 9g of fresh ginger. Decoct in water and drink. For traumatic injuries (empirical formula) Take an appropriate amount of fresh Zhuyejiao leaves, crush them, add a little wine, stir-fry until hot, and apply externally or rub on the affected area. For rheumatic pain (empirical formula) Take 15g of Zhuyejiao root bark, 15g of Touguxiang (a local herb), 9g of Heifengteng (a local herb), and 9g of Daxueteng (Sargentodoxa cuneata). Soak in 500g of wine. Take 30g three times daily. For cold with headache (empirical formula) Take 9-15g of Zhuyejiao root, decoct in water and drink. For knife wounds (empirical formula) Take an appropriate amount of Zhuyejiao leaves, grind into powder, and apply to the wound.
Medicinal Parts
It is the dried mature fruit of Zanthoxylum armatum DC., a plant belonging to the family Rutaceae. Its root, stem, and leaves are also used separately as medicinal materials.
Selection & Storage
Store in airtight dry containers in a cool, well‑ventilated place. The root should be stored in a well‑ventilated, dry place.
