Edgeworthia chrysantha Lindl.
Aliases：Meng Hua Gen (Dream Flower Root); Jie Xiang Gen (Oriental Paperbush Root); Meng Hua Shu Gen; Bai Yi Shu Gen; Xue Hua Shu Gen.
Meng Hua Gen is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It refers to the root bark and stem bark of Edgeworthia chrysantha Lindl. (Oriental Paperbush), a plant in the family Thymelaeaceae.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels Wind and unblocks collaterals; nourishes the Liver and Kidney.
Indications
Wind-Dampness arthralgia (rheumatic joint pain and musculoskeletal pain); traumatic injuries; nocturnal emission, premature ejaculation, turbid urine, and strangury due to deficiency; profuse uterine bleeding and leukorrhea; blurred vision due to Kidney deficiency and tearing upon exposure to wind.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects: The chloroform extract fraction of the root bark and stem bark of Oriental Paperbush exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity in the xylene-induced mouse ear edema model and the Freund's complete adjuvant-induced paw edema model (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001), and significant analgesic activity in the acetic acid-induced writhing test (p < 0.01). Among the three major coumarins isolated from this fraction—edgeworin, edgeworoside A, and edgeworoside C—edgeworin and edgeworoside A exhibited both anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, whereas edgeworoside C exhibited only analgesic activity. Glucose uptake-promoting effect: A metabolomics study published in 2025 isolated nine compounds from the root of Oriental Paperbush, among which a newly identified coumarin glycoside exhibited significant glucose uptake-enhancing activity. Molecular docking analysis indicated that this compound activates AMPK through an allosteric site, thereby promoting glucose uptake. This suggests that the root of Oriental Paperbush has potential for development as a functional food for adjunctive glucose lowering.
Ingredients
The root bark and stem bark of Oriental Paperbush mainly contain the following active constituents: Coumarins: edgeworin, edgeworoside A, B, and C, rutarensin, limettin, umbelliferone, and daphnoretin.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 6–15 g; or steeped in alcohol. External use: Appropriate amount, pounded and applied topically.
Contraindications
Pregnant women and individuals with a weak constitution should use this product under the guidance of a physician. This product contains coumarin constituents. Individuals with photosensitivity should avoid prolonged sun exposure after use.
Selected Formulas
1、 For rheumatic sinew and bone pain, numbness, and paralysis (empirical formula) Take 10g Jiexiang root (Edgeworthia chrysantha), 10g Weilingxian (Clematis chinensis), and 30g Changchunteng (Hedera nepalensis var. sinensis). Decoct in water and drink. 2、 For traumatic injuries (empirical formula) Take 10g Jiexiang root, 15g Honghuoma root, 15g Tiekuaizi root, and 15g Shan Gaoliang root. Soak in wine or decoct in water and drink. 3、 For spermatorrhea (empirical formula) Take 10g Jiexiang root, 10g Huangjing (Polygonatum rhizome), 10g Huangbai (Phellodendron bark), 10g Zhuzongcao (Adiantum herb), 10g Yeguanmen, and 10g Hehuanpi (Albizia julibrissin bark). Decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
There is also a folk practice of cooking the flowers of Oriental Paperbush (not the root) together with pork liver as a dietary remedy for eye disorders.
Medicinal Parts
Root bark and stem bark.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place. Protect from moisture and insect damage. Keep in an airtight container. Avoid direct sunlight.
