Herba Murdanniae Loriformis
Aliases：Hong Mao Cao (Red Thatched Grass) (Sichuan Materia Medica); Di Lan Hua (Ground Blue Flower) (Sichuan Materia Medica); Narrow-Leaf Water Bamboo Grass; Water Bamboo Grass; Chicken-Beak Grass.
Niu E Cao (Beijing Grass) is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the whole plant of Murdannia loriformis (Hassk.) Rolla Rao et Kammathy [syn. Aneilema loriforma Hassk.; A. angustifolium N.E.Br.], a plant in the family Commelinaceae. It grows on moist hillsides, by streams, and in valley grasslands below 1,400 meters in elevation. It is recorded in Chinese Materia Medica, Sichuan Materia Medica, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears Heat and relieves cough; removes toxin; promotes diuresis.
Indications
Pediatric high fever; lung-heat cough with profuse yellow, thick phlegm; redness, swelling, and pain of the eyes; heat dysentery; sores, carbuncles, and toxic swellings; heat strangury; difficult urination.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Beijing Grass (Murdannia loriformis) possesses the following pharmacological activities: Antimutagenic effect: The 80% ethanol extract of Beijing Grass exhibits significant antimutagenic activity in the Salmonella mutation assay. Studies have demonstrated that the extract inhibits mutations induced by various mutagens, providing a pharmacological basis for its traditional use in clearing Heat and removing toxin. Cancer chemopreventive activity: The extract of Beijing Grass inhibits azoxymethane (AOM)-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation in the colon of F344 rats, indicating cancer chemopreventive potential. The above studies on antimutagenic and cancer chemopreventive activities were published in international academic journals, providing modern scientific evidence for the traditional applications of Beijing Grass. Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects: The Taiwan Ministry of Health and Welfare Teaching Herb Garden records that Beijing Grass possesses anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects, consistent with its traditional use for pediatric high fever and lung-heat cough. Note: Modern pharmacological research on Beijing Grass is still ongoing. The above findings are primarily derived from activity screening of Thai traditional medicinal plants and pharmacological studies in Taiwan. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
Systematic chemical studies on Beijing Grass (Murdannia loriformis) remain insufficient. Available data suggest that it contains sphingosine-type constituents, which can affect the nervous system. In addition, plants of the same family commonly contain polysaccharides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other constituents. Dedicated chemical constituent studies on Beijing Grass specifically remain to be further conducted.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 15–30 g. External use: Appropriate amount, pounded and applied topically.
Contraindications
Not suitable for individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. Use with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Do not overdose. During use, avoid pungent, greasy, cold, raw, and other irritating foods.
Selected Formulas
1、 For lung‑heat cough with profuse yellow thick phlegm (Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica, 1982) Take 12g each of Xianye Shuizhuye, Zhuzongcao, Dibaicai, and Shehan, and 30g of Jixiangcao. Decoct in water and drink. 2、 For carbuncles, swellings, and furuncles (Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica, 1982) Take appropriate amounts of Xianye Shuizhuye and Zihuadiding. Crush and apply externally. 3、 For heat strangury with scanty dark urine (Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica, 1982) Take 15g each of Xianye Shuizhuye, Shuidengxin, Cheqiancao, and Pugongying. Decoct in water and drink.
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.
