Herba Saussureae Medusae
Aliases：Snow Lotus; Medusa Snow Rabbit; Medusa Snow Lotus; Paddy Field Snow Rabbit; Paddy Field Snow Lotus; Xiagubei (Tibetan).
Ganqing Snow Lotus is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the dried whole plant of Saussurea medusa Maxim., a plant in the genus Saussurea of the family Asteraceae. It grows on high-altitude gravelly slopes or scree. It is an authenticated variety of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Terminology Standardization and Promotion Project, and is recorded in Revised and Supplemented Tianbao Materia Medica, Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chinese Materia Medica, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Strengthens sinews and unblocks collaterals; tonifies the Kidneys and strengthens Yang; unblocks menstruation and activates Blood circulation.
Indications
Rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain; low back pain due to Kidney deficiency; impotence; cold pain in the lower abdomen in women, amenorrhea, retained placenta; cough due to Lung Cold; incomplete eruption of measles; external bleeding; hematemesis due to consumptive disease, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, metrorrhagia and leukorrhea.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects: Saussurea medusa possesses significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Scopoletin and syringin isolated from Saussurea medusa exhibit significant ameliorative effects on adjuvant-induced arthritis and ACLT-induced osteoarthritis models, and their safety and efficacy have been evaluated. Anticancer effect: Saussurea medusa possesses antitumor-promoting activity. Its lignans, neolignans, flavonoids, and other constituents possess antitumor-promoting activities. Effects on the cardiovascular system: The decoction can enhance cardiac contractility and increase cardiac output, with no significant effect on heart rate; total alkaloids inhibit the heart, weakening myocardial contractility and slowing heart rate. It has a hypotensive effect. Abortifacient effect: Saussurea medusa possesses abortifacient pharmacological activity. Antibacterial and insecticidal effects: Saussurea medusa possesses antibacterial and insecticidal activities. Anti-injury and free radical scavenging effects: Saussurea medusa possesses anti-injury and free radical scavenging effects. Effects on intestinal and tracheal smooth muscle: Saussurea medusa exerts certain effects on intestinal and tracheal smooth muscle. Anti-hypoxic effect: Saussurea medusa possesses anti-hypoxic activity. Aldose reductase inhibitory effect: The 80% aqueous acetone extract of Saussurea medusa exhibits potent inhibitory activity against rat lens aldose reductase (IC₅₀ = 1.4 μg/mL), with the n-butanol-soluble fraction showing the strongest activity (IC₅₀ = 0.8 μg/mL). Immunosuppressive effect: Saussurea medusa possesses immunosuppressive activity. Cytoprotective activity: Saussurea medusa possesses cytoprotective activity.
Ingredients
The whole plant of Saussurea medusa mainly contains the following active constituents: Flavonoids: Thirteen flavonoids have been isolated from Saussurea medusa, including apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and apigenin-4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, among others. Lignans and neolignans: Four lignans (compounds 16–19) and three neolignans (compounds 20–22) have been isolated from Saussurea medusa. Quinic acid derivatives: Three quinic acid compounds (compounds 23–25) have been isolated from Saussurea medusa. Sesquiterpene lactones: Saussurea medusa is rich in modified sesquiterpene lactones. Ionone glycosides: Two new ionone glycosides, saussureosides A and B, have been isolated from Saussurea medusa. Others: It also contains polysaccharides, phenolic acids, coumarins, sterols, amides, alkaloids, and other constituents.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 0.6–1.5 g; or steep 15 g in 100 mL of alcohol, and take 5 mL each time, twice daily. External use: Appropriate amount, pounded and applied topically.
Contraindications
The dosage should not be excessive. Contraindicated during pregnancy. Toxic. Not suitable for long-term or excessive use. Children and the elderly should use reduced doses under medical guidance. If discomfort occurs after taking it, discontinue the medication immediately, record the symptoms, and seek medical attention promptly for follow-up.
Selected Formulas
For traumatic bleeding (Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take an appropriate amount of Snow Lotus, apply to the affected area.
Medicinal Parts
Dried whole plant.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container. Keep in a well-ventilated, dry place. Airtight storage is recommended. Avoid direct sunlight. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture and deterioration. Check the condition of the medicinal material regularly to ensure quality.
