Radix Araliae Decaisneanae
Aliases：Niao Bu Fu; Hongxin Cijiangmu; Laoya Pai; Songmu (Aralia); Ying Bu Pai; Daye Niao Bu Qi; Cilaobao Gen; Que Bu Zhan; Daying Bu Pu; Ci Song; Que Bu Ta; Xihao Ci Song; Ci Song Shu; Ying Bu Bo; Mei Dong Zhu; Lei Gong Mu; Zhi Lian Mu.
Niao Bu Qi (Decaisne's Spikenard) is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the root of Aralia decaisneana Hance, a plant in the family Araliaceae. It grows on sunny slopes or in open forests at elevations from several hundred meters to 1,000 meters. It is an authenticated variety of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Terminology Standardization and Promotion Project and is recorded in Chinese Materia Medica (Zhonghua Bencao), National Compendium of Chinese Herbal Medicine (Quanguo Zhongcaoyao Huibian), Compilation of Zhuang and Yao Ethnic Medicines of Guangxi (Guangxi Minzuyao Jianbian), Fujian Materia Medica (Fujian Yaowuzhi), Taiwan Medicinal Plant Flora (Taiwan Yaoyong Zhiwuzhi), and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels Wind and eliminates Dampness; activates Blood circulation and unblocks menstruation; removes toxin and reduces swelling.
Indications
Wind-heat common cold with headache; cough; Wind-Dampness arthralgia; soreness and pain of the lower back and legs; Damp-Heat jaundice; edema; strangury with turbid urine; leukorrhea; amenorrhea; postpartum wind pain; traumatic swelling and pain; epigastric pain; sore throat with swelling and pain; swollen and painful gums; acute and chronic hepatitis; nephritic edema; lymph node enlargement; snake bites; diabetes.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Decaisne's Spikenard (the root of Aralia decaisneana) possesses the following significant pharmacological activities: Anti-hepatoma effect: Ursolic acid (UA) and its six derivatives isolated from the root bark of Decaisne's Spikenard exhibit significant in vitro and in vivo antitumor activity against hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Ursolic acid significantly inhibits the proliferation of HepG2 cells and their drug-resistant strain R-HepG2, but has no inhibitory effect on primarily cultured normal mouse cells. In addition, ursolic acid inhibits the growth of H22 hepatoma in vivo. Decaisne's Spikenard is used in folk medicine to treat rheumatism, lumbago, hepatitis, nephritis, and diabetes mellitus. Its anti-hepatoma activity provides a pharmacological basis for the development of novel therapeutic agents for liver cancer. Hypoglycemic effect: Decaisne's Spikenard possesses a hypoglycemic effect and produces significant glucose-lowering effects on epinephrine-induced hyperglycemia and alloxan-induced diabetes. It helps enhance the glucose-lowering effect of antidiabetic drugs. It is also used in folk medicine to treat diabetes. Protective effect against acute myocardial ischemia: Decaisne's Spikenard possesses a protective effect against acute myocardial ischemia. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities: The triterpenoid saponins of Aralia species possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and adaptogenic effects. They exhibit excitatory effects on the central nervous system at low doses and inhibitory effects at high doses, along with antiarrhythmic and antioxidant physiological activities. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from chemical and pharmacological studies on the root bark of Decaisne's Spikenard and related species of the same genus. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Decaisne's Spikenard is still ongoing. Special warning: The root is slightly toxic. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use, and it is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Ingredients
The root bark and stem bark of Decaisne's Spikenard mainly contain the following active constituents: Triterpenoid saponins (principal active constituents): Araloside A, H, and J; Araloside A methyl ester; Chikusetsusaponin Ib and IV; Oleanolic acid 3-O-[α-L-arabinofuranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl] glycoside (Ad-V); 3-O-[β-D-Galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-glucuronopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid glycoside; Oleanolic acid (aglycone); Ursolic acid and its derivatives. Others: Protocatechuic acid; Tannins; Choline; Volatile oils; Alkaloids; Coumarins.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 6–15 g; or steeped in alcohol. External use: Appropriate amount. Pounded and applied topically; or pounded, mixed with wine, stir-fried until hot, and applied topically; or decocted in water for fumigation and washing.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy. The root is slightly toxic and should not be taken in excessive doses. The leaf is slightly toxic; oral use should be approached with caution, and it should not be taken over a long period. It should not be used indiscriminately with other Chinese medicines, so as to avoid drug interactions. Use with caution in individuals with Spleen-Stomach weakness. Use with caution in individuals with an allergic constitution. A light diet should be maintained during use.
Selected Formulas
For wind-heat common cold with headache (Xinhui Herbal Medicine) Take 30g Yingbubo, 30g Yangtao tree, 30g Sepiteng, 30g Shepaole, 15g Rongshuxu (banyan aerial root), and 45g Jiyanteng. Add 4 bowls of water, decoct to 1 bowl, and drink. Reduce the dose for children. For rheumatism (Xinhui Herbal Medicine) Take 30g Yingbubo, 30g Niudali (Millettia speciosa), 30g Qianjinba (Flemingia prostrata), 24g Shinan teng, and an appropriate amount of lean pork. Decoct in water and drink. For joint aching and pain (Selected Common Chinese Herbal Medicines) Take 60g dried Congmu root, appropriate amounts of water and wine, and 1 pig trotter. Stew in water and consume; use for several consecutive doses. For rheumatic headache (Selected Common Chinese Herbal Medicines) Take 15g each of dried roots of Congmu, Xiaofantianhua, Liulengju, and Chou Mudan. Decoct in water and drink. For acute hepatitis, enlarged lymph nodes, pharyngitis, and nephritic edema (Guangzhou Air Force, Common Chinese Herbal Medicine Manual) Take 15–30g Niaobuci. Decoct in water and drink. For amenorrhea (Selected Common Green Herbal Medicines) Take 90g fresh Congmu root (chopped) and 2 eggs (shelled). Decoct in water and take in 2 divided doses. For postpartum wind pain (Selected Common Green Herbal Medicines) Take 60g each of dried Congmu root and dried Huangshenteng root (Berchemia chingii). Stew in water and drink. For dysentery (Yao ethnic medicine) (Guangxi Ethnic Medicine Brief Compilation) Take Niaobuci. Decoct in water and drink. For dizziness and insufficient lactation (Yao ethnic medicine) (Guangxi Ethnic Medicine Brief Compilation) Take Niaobuci and stew with pig trotter.
Daily Consumption
Decaisne's Spikenard and Pig Trotter Soup: The root of Decaisne's Spikenard is stewed with pig trotters. It is used for dizziness and insufficient lactation (Yao ethnic empirical formula). Decaisne's Spikenard Stewed with Lean Pork: The root of Decaisne's Spikenard is stewed with lean pork. It is used for Wind-Dampness arthralgia. Decaisne's Spikenard Stewed with Eggs: Fresh Aralia root is chopped and decocted together with eggs and taken. It is used for amenorrhea.
Medicinal Parts
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. Special note: The root of Decaisne's Spikenard is slightly toxic. It should be stored separately from other medicinal materials and clearly labeled with a toxicity warning to prevent accidental misuse.
