Folium Podocarpi Macrophylli
Aliases：Jiāngnán Bǎi Yè (literally "Southern Yangtze Cypress Leaf"), Jiāngnán Cè Bǎi Yè (literally "Southern Yangtze Oriental Arborvitae Leaf" — a name suggesting similarity to Platycladus orientalis), and Jiāngxī Cè Bǎi Yè (literally "Jiangxi Oriental Arborvitae Leaf"). (These are all alternative names for Luó Hàn Sōng Yè, i.e., the branch and leaf of Podocarpus macrophyllus / Folium Podocarpi Macrophylli.)
Luó Hàn Sōng Yè (Folium Podocarpi Macrophylli) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the branch and leaf of Podocarpus macrophyllus (Thunb.) D. Don or Podocarpus macrophyllus (Thunb.) D. Don var. maki (Sieb.) Endl., plants belonging to the family Podocarpaceae. It was first recorded in Guangdong Zhongyao (Guangdong Chinese Herbal Medicine).
Efficacy & Actions
Stops bleeding.
Indications
Hematemesis (vomiting blood) and hemoptysis (coughing up blood).
Modern Pharmacology
Antiviral effects. Free radical scavenging effects (antioxidant activity). Antitussive effects. Effects on cerebral edema: Can increase blood osmotic pressure and reduce intracranial pressure. Effects on the intestines: Has a bidirectional regulatory effect on intestinal motility without affecting normal digestive tract function. In addition, the root bark of Podocarpus has the effects of promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, dispelling wind‑dampness, and killing parasites to relieve itching; the fruit has the effects of promoting qi circulation, relieving pain, and warming the middle to nourish blood.
Ingredients
Steroids: Ponasterone A, makisterone A, B, C, D, ecdysterone, etc. Biflavonoids: Hinokiflavone, neocryptomerin, sciadopitysin, podocarpusflavone A, B, kayaflavone, etc. Volatile oils: Contains volatile oils. The main components of the volatile oil from the branches and leaves are caryophyllene (21.83%), α‑pinene (6.72%), and β‑pinene (5.97%).
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 10–30 g.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in individuals with a history of allergy to Podocarpus. Use with caution in pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency. Use with caution in individuals with allergic constitution. Should not be used in excessive amounts by those with cold‑deficient constitution. Luó Hàn Sōng Yè contains some alkaloid components that may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions; direct consumption is generally not recommended. Internal use should be under the guidance of a physician to avoid adverse reactions from self‑medication.
Selected Formulas
For hematemesis and hemoptysis (empirical formula) Take 30g of Luohansong Ye (Podocarpus macrophyllus leaf), add 2 honey dates, and decoct in water. Drink the liquid.
Medicinal Parts
Branch and leaf.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
