Herba Thyrocarpi Sampsonii
Aliases：Hei Gu Feng; Pu Qiang Cao; Dun Xing Cao; Ye Sheng Di; Mao Tiao Gan.
Sampson Thyrocarpus is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the whole plant of Thyrocarpus sampsonii Hance, a plant in the family Boraginaceae. It grows on hillside grasslands, roadsides, gravelly areas, and in thickets. The corolla is pale blue or white, with linear throat appendages. There are four nutlets, dark brown, with the outer bowl-shaped protuberance bearing erect tooth-like processes along the margin, resembling an ancient shield, hence the name “Dunguocao” (Shield-Fruit Grass). It is recorded in National Compendium of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Hunan Materia Medica, Outline of New Chinese Materia Medica, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears Heat and removes toxin; reduces swelling.
Indications
Carbuncles and swellings; furuncles; sore throat; diarrhea; dysentery (bacillary dysentery and enteritis); breast sores; furuncles (for external use).
Modern Pharmacology
Dedicated pharmacological research on Sampson Thyrocarpus itself remains insufficient. The following findings are primarily derived from chemical constituent studies and preliminary pharmacological investigations of the related species Thyrocarpus glochidiatus Maxim., and are provided for reference: Anti-inflammatory effect: The flavonoid constituents (such as luteolin) and organic acids in Sampson Thyrocarpus can inhibit pathogenic microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus. Its ethanol extract can inhibit the COX-2 pathway and alleviate acute inflammatory responses. Antibacterial effect: Sampson Thyrocarpus possesses antibacterial activity and inhibits pathogenic microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus. Antioxidant effect: The flavonoid compounds in Sampson Thyrocarpus possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to alleviate skin inflammation or mild infections. Note: The above pharmacological findings are mostly preliminary experiments or inferences based on related species of the same genus. Systematic pharmacological research on T. sampsonii itself remains to be further conducted. Special warning: Some sources record that Sampson Thyrocarpus is slightly toxic and that long-term use may cause liver cancer. When used, traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis, and it should not be taken in large doses over a long period.
Ingredients
The whole plant of Sampson Thyrocarpus contains the following active constituents: Alkaloids: One of the principal material bases for its Heat-clearing and toxin-removing activities. Flavonoids: Luteolin and others, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Organic acids: These possess antibacterial activity. Others: It also contains triterpenoids, sterols, and other constituents.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 9–15 g; fresh material 30 g. External use: Appropriate amount. Fresh material is pounded into a paste and applied topically.
Contraindications
Not suitable for individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. Contraindicated or should be used with caution during pregnancy. Use with caution in individuals with an allergic constitution, as reactions such as skin rashes may occur. Not suitable for infants, young children, or individuals with impaired liver or kidney function. Special warning: Some sources record that Sampson Thyrocarpus is slightly toxic and that long-term use may cause liver cancer. It should not be taken in large doses over a long period.
Selected Formulas
For furuncles and boils (National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 30g of fresh Dun Guo Cao (Thyrocarpus sampsonii), decoct in water and drink, one dose daily; apply the residue externally to the affected area. Alternatively, crush fresh whole plant and apply externally. For bacillary dysentery and enteritis (National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 15g of Dun Guo Cao, decoct in water and drink twice daily. For sore throat (folk empirical formula) Take 15g of Dun Guo Cao and 20g of Jinyinhua (Lonicera japonica). Decoct in water and drink. For external application for breast pain and furuncles (Flora of China) Grind Dun Guo Cao into powder, mix with tung oil, and apply externally to the affected area.
Medicinal Parts
Whole plant.
Selection & Storage
Dried material should be stored in a well-ventilated, dry place. Protect from moisture and insect damage. Airtight storage is recommended. Avoid direct sunlight. Fresh material should be used promptly or refrigerated for short-term storage.
