Herba Osyridis Wightianae
Aliases：Xiao Qingpi; Xiao Qingxiang; Xiao Xianrenzhang; Xiang Geda; Gan Xiangshu; Shansumu; Tu Tanxiang; Doubanxiang.
Gan Tan Xiang is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the whole plant of Osyris wightiana Wall. ex Wight or its variety Osyris wightiana Wall. ex Wight var. rotundifolia (Tam) Tam, a plant in the family Santalaceae. It grows on hillside rocks, riverbanks, or in thickets. It is an authenticated variety of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Terminology Standardization and Promotion Project, and is recorded in Kunming Common Folk Herbal Medicine, Guangxi Medicinal Plant Directory, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels Wind and releases the exterior; activates Blood circulation and regulates menstruation.
Indications
Common cold; cough; irregular menstruation; dysmenorrhea.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological research on Gan Tan Xiang specifically remains insufficient. The following findings are mainly derived from chemical and pharmacological studies on plants of the genus Santalum, and are provided for reference: Effects on gastrointestinal function: Sandalwood medicinal materials have significant effects on gastrointestinal function. Studies have reported the effects of different extracts of sandalwood on the contraction of isolated guinea pig ileum smooth muscle, consistent with its traditional use for epigastric and abdominal pain. Anticancer effect: Sandalwood medicinal materials possess anticancer activity. The sesquiterpenoid constituents in sandalwood, such as α-santalol and β-santalol, have been reported to possess antimitotic activity by interfering with microtubule assembly. Antioxidant effect: Sandalwood medicinal materials possess antioxidant activity. Their essential oil has DPPH free radical scavenging capacity. Effects on the nervous system: Sandalwood medicinal materials have significant effects on the nervous system. Their essential oil has sedative and calming effects, helping to stabilize mood, relieve stress, and improve sleep. Anti-inflammatory effect: Sandalwood possesses anti-inflammatory activity. Related studies have elucidated the pharmacodynamic material basis and preliminary mechanism of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects through UPLC-Q-Exactive Focus-MS/MS combined with network pharmacology. Protective effect against myocardial ischemia: The water and ethanol extracts of sandalwood have protective effects against isoproterenol-induced acute myocardial ischemic injury in rats, and the mechanism may be related to antioxidative stress. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from studies on sandalwood (Santalum album) and plants of the genus Santalum. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Gan Tan Xiang (Osyris wightiana) is extremely limited, and the modern scientific basis for its traditional effects remains to be further explored. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
Gan Tan Xiang (Osyris wightiana) mainly contains the following active constituents: Flavonoids: Eleven compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of the ethanol extract of Osyris wightiana, including (+)-catechin, (+)-afzelechin-3-O-L-rhamnose, afzelechin-(4α-8)-catechin, (+)-catechin-3-O-L-rhamnose, and dihydrokaempferol 3-O-L-rhamnose. Lignans: Lignans such as (±)-lyoniresinol were isolated from Osyris wightiana. Others: Compounds such as kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, 7-deoxyloganic acid, citroside B, and ethyl glucoside were isolated from the stems and leaves of Osyris wightiana. The roots contain an aromatic oil similar to sandalwood, with an odor resembling sandalwood. The leaves contain tannins.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 10–20 g. External use: Appropriate amount, pounded and applied topically, or decocted in water for washing.
Contraindications
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it under the guidance of a physician. Do not overdose.
Selected Formulas
For menstrual irregularities (Bencao Tudian, Vol. 1) Take 12g Shansumu, 12g Xiwan Ye root, and 15g Xiangchun root. Decoct in water and drink. For scabies, tinea, sores, pulmonary tuberculosis cough, and fracture with bruising and swelling (Kunming Folk Common Herbal Medicine) Take an appropriate amount of dried sandalwood. Crush and apply externally, or decoct in water for washing.
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.
