Folium seu Radix Laporteae Interruptae
Aliases：Hong Xiao Ma Cao (Key to the Families and Genera of Chinese Plants); Sang Ye Ma (Mulberry-Leaf Nettle) (Flora of Taiwan); Hong Huo Ma; Huo Ma Cao.
Hong Xiao Ma (Red Small Nettle) is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the leaf or root of Laportea interrupta (L.) Chew, a plant in the family Urticaceae. It grows by streams under forests. It is recorded in Chinese Materia Medica, Taiwan Medicinal Plant Flora, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears Heat and removes toxin; promotes diuresis.
Indications
Sores, carbuncles, and toxic swellings; difficult urination.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological research on Red Small Nettle specifically remains insufficient. However, studies have confirmed that plants of the genus Laportea (Urticaceae) possess multiple pharmacological activities, providing a scientific basis for the traditional effects of Red Small Nettle: Antioxidant effect: The ethanol root extract of Red Small Nettle exhibits strong DPPH radical scavenging capacity (IC₅₀ 32.34 μg/mL), ABTS radical cation scavenging activity of 1,072.57 μM Trolox equivalents/g extract, and ferric reducing ability of 9,456.01 mM Fe(II)/g extract. Antipyretic effect: The ethanol root and leaf extracts of Red Small Nettle at a dose of 400 mg/kg reduced Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia in rats by 68.0% and 57.4%, respectively, confirming the ethnobotanical use of this plant as an antipyretic. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and antihyperuricemic activities: Laportea species (including Laportea interrupta) have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and antihyperuricemic activities, attributed to bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolics, saponins, and β-sitosterol. Nutritional and nutraceutical potential: The leaves of Red Small Nettle contain significant amounts of carbohydrates (19.80 g/100 g), proteins (31.30 g/100 g), starch (15.40 g/100 g), essential amino acids, and minerals, showing promising nutritional and nutraceutical development prospects. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from systematic studies on the genus Laportea. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Red Small Nettle (L. interrupta) is still ongoing. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: The total phenolic content in the flowers is 46.35 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g extract, and the total flavonoid content in the roots is 96.67 mg rutin equivalents (RE)/g extract. Alkaloids. Triterpenoids. Saponins. Tannins.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 10–15 g. External use: Appropriate amount. Fresh material is pounded and applied topically.
Contraindications
Individuals with Spleen-Stomach weakness should take this product with caution. Not suitable for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, infants and young children, or individuals with impaired liver or kidney function. Use with caution in individuals with an allergic constitution. The stinging trichomes of the whole plant can cause irritation such as redness, swelling, and itching upon skin contact. Use with caution in patients with low blood pressure, as this product has potential hypotensive effects. Not suitable for long-term or high-dose use.
Selected Formulas
For carbuncles (Taiwan Medicinal Plant Records) Use the leaves topically; it is a good remedy for carbuncles. As a diuretic (Taiwan Medicinal Plant Records) Decoct the roots and take orally as a diuretic.
Medicinal Parts
Leaf or root.
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. Collection note: The entire plant bears stinging trichomes. Gloves should be worn during collection to avoid direct skin contact.
