Vignae Semen
Aliases：Xiao Dou; Chi Dou; Hong Dou; Hong Xiao Dou; Zhu Gan Chi; Du Chi Dou; Xiao Hong Lü Dou; Zhu Chi Dou; Jin Hong Xiao Dou; Zhu Xiao Dou; Fan Dou; Mi Dou.
Chixiaodou (Rice Bean) is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is a commonly used medicinal material for promoting diuresis and reducing swelling. It is the dried mature seed of Vigna umbellata Ohwi et Ohashi or Vigna angularis Ohwi et Ohashi, plants in the family Fabaceae. It is an authenticated variety of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Terminology Standardization and Promotion Project. It is recorded in Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage), Jingui Yaolue (Synopsis of the Golden Chamber), the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, Zhonghua Bencao (Chinese Materia Medica), and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes diuresis and reduces swelling; removes toxin and expels pus.
Indications
Edema with distension and fullness; leg qi with swelling of the limbs; jaundice with reddish urine; Wind-Dampness-Heat arthralgia; carbuncles, swellings, and toxic sores; intestinal abscess with abdominal pain.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Rice Bean possesses the following pharmacological activities: Antioxidant effect: The aqueous extract of Rice Bean inhibits lipid peroxidation and scavenges superoxide anion radicals. Its phenolic acid constituents exhibit strong DPPH radical scavenging capacity, with IC₅₀ values of 10.22–19.59 μmol/L for some constituents, stronger than the positive control L-ascorbic acid. Hypoglycemic effect and improvement of glucose tolerance: The glycemic index of Rice Bean is significantly lower than that of hyacinth bean, black-eyed pea, and mung bean, and it has the best inhibitory effect on postprandial blood glucose fluctuations in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The 40% ethanol extract of adzuki bean exerts strong hypoglycemic effects in both type 1 and type 2 diabetic animal models. Immunomodulatory and antibacterial effects: Rice Bean enhances cellular immunity and possesses antibacterial activity. Body fluid metabolism-regulating effect: The saponin constituents of Rice Bean regulate body fluid metabolism, consistent with its traditional effect of promoting diuresis and reducing swelling. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from modern experimental studies on aqueous and ethanol extracts, polyphenols, saponins, and other constituents of Rice Bean (and adzuki bean). Rice Bean is a dual-purpose medicinal and edible substance with mild pharmacological actions. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
Rice Bean mainly contains the following active constituents: Triterpenoid saponins (principal active constituents): azukisaponins Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, Ⅴ, and Ⅵ, among others. Flavonoids and polyphenols: phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides, which are important material bases for antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities. Tannins. Nutritional constituents: proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and folate; the protein is relatively rich in lysine. Note: The known constituents of Rice Bean are mainly triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids/polyphenols, tannins, and nutrients. Its saponin constituents possess both body fluid metabolism-regulating and surface-active properties.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 9–30 g; or taken in pills or powders; it may also be cooked as porridge or rice for dietary therapy. External use: Appropriate amount, ground into powder and applied topically as a paste.
Contraindications
Use with caution in individuals with Yin deficiency and fluid damage. Rice Bean has a relatively strong diuretic action; excessive dosing may drain fluids and damage Yin. Tao Hongjing described it as “tending to drive out body fluids, so that prolonged consumption causes dryness.” Contraindicated in individuals with polyuria. Excessive consumption may worsen urinary frequency and may even cause electrolyte imbalance. Not suitable during pregnancy. Rice Bean promotes diuresis and acts in a downward direction; large amounts may carry a risk of miscarriage. Pregnant women should use it only with caution under medical guidance. Use with caution in individuals with a cold-deficient constitution. Rice Bean tends to act downward and promote diuresis; large consumption by individuals with a cold-deficient constitution may aggravate discomfort such as aversion to cold and diarrhea. Use with caution in individuals with weak gastrointestinal function. Its Qi-lowering property may aggravate abdominal distension and abdominal pain.
Selected Formulas
For early-stage jaundice due to static heat in the interior with an exterior pattern (Shanghan Lun, Mahuang Lianqiao Chixiaodou Tang) Take Mahuang (Ephedra), Lianqiao (Forsythia), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen), Chixiaodou (Vignae Semen), Dazao (Jujubae Fructus), raw Zibaipi (Catalpae Cortex), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix). Decoct in water and take. For intestinal abscess with pus formed and heat-toxin bloody stool (Jin Gui Yao Lue, Chixiaodou Danggui San) Use Chixiaodou together with Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) to clear heat, drain dampness, invigorate blood, resolve toxicity, drain pus, and promote tissue regeneration. For edema and difficult urination (Waitai Miyao, Chixiaodou Liyu Tang) Cook Chixiaodou with carp without adding salt, and consume in divided portions.
Daily Consumption
Rice Bean and Job's Tears Water: Cook Rice Bean and Job's Tears together, then strain and drink the liquid. This is a classic combination for fortifying the Spleen and draining Dampness. Individuals with a cold-deficient constitution may stir-fry the Job's Tears before use. Yam and Rice Bean Porridge: Rice Bean 30 g, Chinese Yam 30 g, and rice 50 g, cooked into porridge. It has the effects of clearing Heat and draining Dampness, fortifying the Spleen and harmonizing the Stomach, and promoting diuresis to reduce swelling. Rice Bean and Poria Porridge: Rice Bean 70 g and Poria 20 g, cooked until the beans are tender. Suitable for restlessness, sores and furuncles, and edema caused by internal exuberance of Damp-Heat. Rice Bean and Carp Soup: Rice Bean 100 g and one carp, simmered in a clay pot without salt, consumed in 2–3 portions. Used for edema and difficult urination.
Medicinal Parts
Dried mature seeds.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container in a dry, well-ventilated place. Protect from insects. Airtight storage is recommended. Avoid moisture and direct sunlight. During hot and humid summer months, turn and sun-dry the material or store it sealed under refrigeration to prevent insect infestation and mold.
