Folium seu Radix Syzygii Buxifolii
Aliases：Xiaoye Putao; Yulin Mu; Xizi Lian; Jia Huangyang; Shan Wuzhu. Other aliases of Chinan (Boxleaf Syzygium) include: Chilan; Shiling; Shan Shiliu; Guazi Chai; Xiye Ziling Shu; Chinan Putao; Guazi Mu.
Niujinzi is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the leaf, root, or root bark of Boxleaf Syzygium (Syzygium buxifolium Hook. et Arn.), a plant in the genus Syzygium of the family Myrtaceae. It grows in hilly thickets or at forest edges. It is recorded in National Compendium of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Illustrated Catalogue of Plants, Guizhou Herbal Medicine, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears Heat and removes toxin; promotes diuresis and relieves asthma.
Indications
Leaf: whitlow, furuncles, lacquer dermatitis, and scald and burn injuries. Root and root bark: edema and asthma; for external use, scald and burn injuries. Supplementary record (Chinan entry): cough with dyspnea, strangury with turbid urine, urinary calculi, dysentery and hepatitis, uterine prolapse, rheumatic pain, hernia, orchitis, hemorrhoids, carbuncles and swellings, scald and burn injuries, and traumatic swelling and pain.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological research on Niujinzi remains insufficient. The following findings are primarily derived from chemical and pharmacological studies on Chinan (S. buxifolium) and related species of the same genus, and are provided for reference: Spleen-strengthening and Stomach-harmonizing effects: The terpenoid constituents in Chinan can promote the secretion of digestive juices and improve poor appetite, abdominal distension, and loose stools caused by Spleen deficiency. Phlegm-resolving and asthma-relieving effects: The flavonoid substances in Chinan can relax the bronchi and provide auxiliary relief for phlegm-dampness type cough and asthma, especially mild cases in children. Stasis-dissipating and swelling-reducing effects: External application can accelerate local circulation and reduce swelling and pain after traumatic injuries and sprains. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from preliminary studies on Chinan. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Niujinzi (the leaf, root, or root bark of S. buxifolium) remains to be further conducted. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
The root of Boxleaf Syzygium mainly contains the following active constituents: Terpenoids: friedelin, ursolic acid, pomolic acid, and oleanolic acid. Sterols: β-sitosterol and daucosterol. Chemical constituents of the related species Syzygium cordatum: The wood and bark contain friedelin, epifriedelinol, β-sitosterol, asjunolic acid, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and tannins. The bark and leaves contain leucodelphinidin and leucocyanidin.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decoct in water, 15–30 g (root or root bark). External use: Grind into powder and mix with tea oil for topical application; or pound fresh leaves and apply topically to the affected area (for sores and carbuncles); or decoct in water and wash the affected area (for lacquer dermatitis); or grind dried leaves into powder, mix with tea oil, and apply to the affected area (for scald and burn injuries).
Contraindications
Use with caution during pregnancy. Contraindicated in individuals allergic to Boxleaf Syzygium. Use with caution in individuals with an allergic constitution.
Selected Formulas
For sinew and bone pain (Hunan Materia Medica) Take 15–30g of Chimu root (Syzygium buxifolium). Stew with pig trotters and take with wine. For uterine prolapse (Zhejiang Medicinal Plant Records) Take 120g each of Chimu root and Jinyingzi root (Rosa laevigata), or add 30g of Zhike (Citrus aurantium). Decoct in water and drink. For hernia (Zhejiang Medicinal Plant Records) Take 30g of Chimu root and 4 litchi fruits. Decoct in water, then mix with yellow wine and brown sugar, and drink. For back flower sores (carbuncle on the back) (Hunan Materia Medica) Take equal parts of Chimu root, sunflower receptacle, and Zhupoteng (a local herb). Grind into powder. First apply honey to the affected area, then sprinkle the powder on top.
Daily Consumption
The ripe fruit of Niujinzi is edible. The fruit of Boxleaf Syzygium turns purplish-black when ripe and has a faint sweetness. After washing, it can be eaten directly, or simmered with honey into a jam, which is sweet and sour and refreshing, helping to cut through greasiness. Note: Individuals with Stomach Heat or constipation should consume it sparingly. For medicinal use, choose Boxleaf Syzygium from a reliable source. Do not collect wild plants from polluted areas.
Medicinal Parts
Leaf, root, or root bark.
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.
