Iphigenia indica (L.) Kunth
Aliases：Yì Pì Jiān (literally "Beneficial Hardening" — a transliterated name, possibly referring to its medicinal properties), Cǎo Bèi Mǔ (literally "Grass Fritillaria" — named for its resemblance to Chuan Beimu (Fritillaria) in appearance), Tǔ Bèi Mǔ (literally "Earth Fritillaria" — an alternative name indicating its similar use to Fritillaria but of a different origin), Nào Gǒu Yào (literally "Dogs‑Stupor Medicine" — a folk name indicating its toxicity to dogs), Guāng Cí Gū (literally "Shiny Arrowhead" — referring to its glossy bulb surface), Kǔ Zǐ (literally "Bitter Seed" — named for its bitter taste), Guāng Kǔ Zǐ (literally "Shiny Bitter Seed" — a variant of the above), and Guāng Gū Zǐ (literally "Shiny Bulb Seed" — another variant referring to its glossy appearance). These are all alternative names for 丽江山慈菇 (Lì Jiāng Shān Cí Gū)， i.e., the dried bulb of Iphigenia indica (L.) Kunth.
Lì Jiāng Shān Cí Gū (Lijiang Shancigu) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried bulb of Iphigenia indica (L.) Kunth, a plant belonging to the family Liliaceae. It grows on grassy slopes or under pine forests at altitudes of 1,000–3,000 meters.
Efficacy & Actions
Disperses accumulations, relieves pain, relieves cough, and calms wheezing. It is also recorded as having the effects of clearing heat, removing toxicity, reducing swelling, and dispersing masses.
Indications
Tumors: Breast cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and salivary gland tumors. Respiratory system: Bronchitis and asthma. Others: Gout, scrofula (tuberculous lymphadenitis), skin masses, and sores and toxic swellings.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti‑gout effect: Colchicine, a component of this herb, is an effective agent for acute gouty arthritis. Antitumor effect: Exhibits anticancer activity and is used clinically for breast cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, salivary gland tumors, and other conditions. Anti‑inflammatory effect. Antitussive and antiasthmatic effects: Relieves cough and wheezing by relaxing smooth muscle spasms. Hepatoprotective effect. Inhibiting scar proliferation and preventing adhesion formation. Gastrointestinal irritation: Has a stimulating effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa.
Ingredients
The bulbs, stems, leaves, and seeds of Iphigenia indica contain various alkaloids, mainly including: Colchicine; β‑Lumicolchicine; Cornigerine; N‑Formyl‑N‑deacetylcolchicine.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: grind into powder, 0.3–0.6 g, and steam with honey before taking. For topical application: take an appropriate amount of fresh herb, mash it, mix with vinegar, and apply externally. For powder preparation: grind the bulb into powder, each pack containing 0.5 g.
Contraindications
Overdose can easily cause poisoning. Use with caution in the elderly and infirm, especially those with kidney, gastrointestinal, or heart diseases. Contraindicated during pregnancy. Use with caution in children. Large doses may cause central nervous system paralysis, loss of tactile sensitivity, vomiting, diarrhea, and intestinal bleeding. Wild specimens may contain toxic components and require professional processing to reduce toxicity before use. Avoid concurrent use with Aconitum (Wutou) species. Discontinue immediately if rash, nausea, or other adverse reactions occur. Note the resemblance to Chuan Beimu (Fritillaria cirrhosa) to prevent accidental ingestion and poisoning.
Selected Formulas
For gout (empirical formula) Take Lijiang Shancigu (a local herb), grind into powder. Take 0.3-0.6g, steam with honey and consume. For sores and toxic swellings (empirical formula) Take fresh Lijiang Shancigu, crush it, mix with vinegar, and apply to the affected area. For cervical cancer (Anticancer Plant Medicines and Their Empirical Formulas) Take 18g of Shancigu (a local herb), 10g of Pishi (arsenic), 12g of Xionghuang (Realgar), 18g of Kufan (dried alum), 10g of Pengsha (Borax), 3g of Shechuangzi (Cnidium monnieri), 3g of Bingpian (Borneol), and 0.3g of Shexiang (Musk). Grind together into fine powder and apply externally to the affected area.
Medicinal Parts
It is the dried bulb of Iphigenia indica (L.) Kunth, a plant belonging to the family Liliaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in airtight dry containers in a cool, well‑ventilated place, protected from insects and mold.
