Spatholobus sinensis Chun & T. C. Chen
Aliases：Huá Mì Huā Dòu (literally "Chinese Dense‑flowered Bean" — referring to its dense flower clusters), Xuè Gé Lóng (literally "Blood‑Pattern Dragon" — a local name, possibly referring to the red color and twisted vine form), Xuè Téng (literally "Blood Vine"), Hóng Téng (literally "Red Vine"), and Hóng Pí Téng (literally "Red‑Bark Vine"); Hóng Jú Huā Xīn (literally "Red Chrysanthemum Center" — referring to the reddish radial pattern visible in cross‑section), Shān Hóng Téng (literally "Mountain Red Vine"), and Huā Xuè Téng (literally "Flowered Blood Vine"); Dà Huó Xuè (literally "Great Blood‑Activator" — referring to its strong blood‑activating effect), and Wǔ Huā Xuè Téng (literally "Five‑Flowered Blood Vine" — referring to the five leaflets of its compound leaves). These are all alternative names for 红血藤 (Hóng Xuè Téng)， i.e., the dried vine stem of Spatholobus sinensis Chun & T.C. Chen.
Hóng Xuè Téng (Chinese Spatholobus) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried vine stem of Spatholobus sinensis Chun et T.Chen, a plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. According to the Xinhua Bencao Gangyao (New Compendium of Materia Medica): "The vine stem is used as a substitute for Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus suberectus)." It grows in dense mountain valleys.
Efficacy & Actions
Tonifies blood and activates blood circulation.
Indications
Anemia; amenorrhea; irregular menstruation; and sinew and bone pain.
Modern Pharmacology
Coagulation effect: The decoction of Hóng Xuè Téng can significantly prolong blood coagulation time. Effect on erythrocyte aggregation: Its ethanol extract inhibits erythrocyte aggregation at high concentrations but promotes it at low concentrations. Modern studies have shown that Hóng Xuè Téng contains abundant active components and has significant research value.
Ingredients
Liposoluble constituents: A total of 49 chemical components have been identified from the liposoluble fraction of Hóng Xuè Téng, mainly including sterols (20.637%), triterpenoids (20.49%), unsaturated fatty acids and esters (8.067%), saturated fatty acids and esters (8.566%), and phenyl derivatives (6.209%). Isolated compounds: Several compounds have been isolated from the vine stem of Hóng Xuè Téng, including: Zizyvoside I Spatholosineside B (a new compound) Ethyl 2,4‑dihydroxybenzoate Bis(2‑ethylhexyl) benzene‑1,2‑dicarboxylate 2‑Palmitoylglycerol 1‑(26‑Hydroxyhexacosanoyl)‑glycerol Lupeol β‑Sitosterol Spatholosineside A 2′,4′,5,7‑Tetrahydroxyisoflavone Isoliquiritigenin Lupinalbin A Naringenin Protocatechuic acid
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–15 g.
Contraindications
Use with caution during pregnancy.
Medicinal Parts
Dried vine stem.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well‑ventilated, dry place.
