Radix Rubi Reflexi
Aliases：Qi Zhi Feng (Seven-Finger Wind) (Guangxi); Shan Yan Tong Zi (Mountain Tobacco-Pipe); Shan Fo Shou (Mountain Finger Citron); Shallow-Lobed Rustyhair Raspberry; Hu's Raspberry (Rubus hui); Red Berry Bramble; Tiger's Claw; Road-Blocking Snake; Mountain-Exit Tiger; Deeply-Lobed Rustyhair Raspberry.
Qizhaofeng is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the root of Rubus reflexus Ker in the Rosaceae family. It grows on hillsides, in valleys, and in thickets under open forests. 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, Guangxi Plant Directory, Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Resource Directory, National Compendium of Chinese Herbal Medicine Names, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels Wind and eliminates Dampness; activates Blood circulation and unblocks collaterals.
Indications
Wind-Cold-Dampness arthralgia; pain in the joints of the four limbs; post-stroke hemiplegia; numbness of the limbs; impaired movement; difficulty turning from side to side; rheumatoid arthritis; dysentery; wind-fire toothache; abnormal vaginal discharge (leukorrhea disorders); metrorrhagia and metrostaxis; menorrhagia; cough due to pulmonary tuberculosis; vomiting; diarrhea; and pediatric malnutrition (gan accumulation).
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological research on Rustyhair Raspberry Root is still in its preliminary stages. The following findings are primarily derived from studies on its total triterpenoids and related species of the same genus, and are provided for reference: Antioxidant activity: Ultrasonic extraction technology was used to optimize the extraction process of total triterpenoids from Rubus reflexus Ker, and their antioxidant activity was studied, confirming that the total triterpenoids possess antioxidant activity. Studies indicate that triterpenoid constituents such as ursolic acid and oleanolic acid are important material bases for the antioxidant activity of Rubus species. Anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic potential: Rustyhair Raspberry Root is traditionally used for Wind-Cold-Dampness arthralgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Its Wind-dispelling and Dampness-eliminating effects are closely related to the anti-inflammatory activity of its triterpenoid constituents (ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, etc.). Various species of the genus Rubus have been confirmed to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Hemostatic and menstrual-regulating effects: In Yao medicine, Rustyhair Raspberry Root is used for uterine bleeding and menorrhagia. Its dual regulatory effects of activating Blood circulation, regulating menstruation, and astringing to stop bleeding may be related to its tannin and triterpenoid constituents. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from preliminary studies on total triterpenoid extracts of Rustyhair Raspberry Root and related species of the same genus. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Rustyhair Raspberry Root (the root of R. reflexus) is still ongoing. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
The root and stem of Rustyhair Raspberry Root mainly contain the following active constituents: Triterpenoids (principal active constituents): Suavissimoside R1 Nigaichigoside F1 2α,3α,19α-Trihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid 2α,3β,19α-Trihydroxyurs-12-en-23,28-dioic acid Ursolic acid Oleanolic acid Sterols: β-Daucosterol β-Sitosterol Others: Euscaphic acid Flavonoids Organic acids Sugars Glycosides Tannins Note: Six triterpenoids and one sterol were isolated and identified from Rustyhair Raspberry Root; compounds 1–7 were all isolated from this plant for the first time. In the quality standard study for Yao medicine, TLC was used to identify euscaphic acid. The euscaphic acid content in 10 batches of Rustyhair Raspberry Root from different production areas ranged from 0.0931% to 0.2443%, with a provisional standard of not less than 0.08% euscaphic acid per gram of medicinal material.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 6–9 g; or steeped in alcohol for oral administration. External use: Appropriate amount, pounded and applied topically.
Contraindications
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it under the guidance of a physician. Do not overdose. Use with caution in individuals with an allergic constitution. Use with caution in individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. A light diet should be maintained during use.
Selected Formulas
For rheumatic joint pain and paralysis/numbness of the limbs (Kepu China) Take 30–60g of Qizhuafeng root. Decoct in water and drink, or soak in wine and drink. For dysentery (Kepu China) Take 15–30g of Qizhuafeng root. Decoct in water, add an appropriate amount of brown sugar, and drink. For metrorrhagia (abnormal uterine bleeding) (A+ Medical Encyclopedia) Take 30–60g of Qizhuafeng (Hongpaoci) root, slice and stir-fry until charred. Decoct in water and drink.
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.
