Red Snow Tea红雪茶, also known as Deer Heart Snow Tea or Golden Silk Tea, grows on the dead trunks of larch and fir trees in the mossy plant belt of snow-capped mountains at elevations above 4000 meters. It is a rare and precious natural wild plant. When brewed with boiling water, the tea has a bright red color similar to red wine, and the leaves unfurl like coral. The taste is pure with a slight hint of shade aroma. Red Snow Tea has been used in Tibetan medicine for several centuries. Modern medical research shows that it is rich in essential trace elements and offers benefits such as lowering blood lipids and cholesterol, clearing the mind, and nourishing the heart. It is effective for conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, obesity, and general weakness. As a naturally wild plant, it cannot be cultivated artificially. It is a pure natural product with no toxic side effects, making it an excellent choice for health and gifting.

Growing Environment:

• Temperature: Red Snow Tea grows at altitudes of 4000-5000 meters on snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and rocky surfaces. The annual average temperature is around 15°C. At altitudes above 3000 meters, temperatures are below 14°C. In July, the average temperature is 28.2°C, while in January, it is 2.1°C. Spring and autumn temperatures are cool and mild, with averages of 15.4°C in April and 16.7°C in October. The average frost-free period is 210-220 days, with the first frost date around November 5 and the last frost date around March 29. Stable temperatures above 10°C start around April 15 and end between November 4-9. The accumulated temperature above 0°C ranges from 5085 to 5500°C, and above 10°C ranges from 4384 to 4750°C.
• Sunlight: The total annual solar radiation is 506.18 kJ/cm², with 369.69 kJ/cm² of solar radiation during the period with average daily temperatures above 0°C, accounting for 73% of the annual total. The annual sunshine hours are between 2000 and 2230, with an average sunshine percentage of about 50%, indicating relatively abundant light energy resources.
• Precipitation: The annual average precipitation is between 1200 and 1400 mm. Statistics show that over a 25-year average, spring accounts for 28.9%, summer 41.1%, autumn 19.4%, and winter 10.6% of the total precipitation. The annual average number of precipitation days is 125.6, with a relative humidity of 80% and a dryness index below 0.8, indicating a humid zone.
• Soil: Soil types are complex. In the mid-mountain (inner mountain) areas, the predominant soil type is yellow-brown soil, including ordinary yellow-brown soil and mountain yellow-brown soil, with parent material mainly consisting of granite, granite gneiss, and amphibolite gneiss. These soils have high organic matter content, good fertility, and permeability, with a pH of 4.8-5.5. In the outer mountain hill and ridge areas (outer mountain), yellow-brown soil derived from the Shuxian formation is common. Although the soil layer is thick, the plow layer is shallow and clay-heavy, often with an impermeable clay pan layer at the bottom. Fertility and permeability are relatively poor, with a pH of 5-6.5. Along riverbanks and valleys, there are also alluvial soils, such as sandy loam (black sandy soil), with deep soil layers, high fertility, and good permeability, generally found in high-yield tea plantation areas.

Distribution Range

Red Snow Tea is distributed across six provinces and regions in China: Shaanxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Tibet, Yunnan, and Sichuan. The main distribution centers are in southeastern Tibet, northwestern Yunnan, and western Sichuan. Red Snow Tea typically grows in high-altitude areas (3000 to 5800 meters), often attaching to trees such as cypress and spruce, as well as fir, alpine rhododendron, and Emei rose.

Main Values

Modern scientific research confirms that aged Red Snow Tea not only offers the health benefits of other teas but also has more pronounced effects and benefits. It can significantly lower triglycerides and harmful low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) in the blood, increase beneficial high-density cholesterol (HDL), and promote the excretion of cholesterol and fatty compounds through feces. The polysaccharides, fiber, caffeine, and phosphoric acid in the tea have strong fat-decomposing effects. Catechin compounds also help break down fats, reducing cholesterol and neutral fats in the blood and liver.

Anti-Aging and Anti-Radiation: The trace elements, catechins, and vitamins in Red Snow Tea can form stable substances with free radicals, blocking their interaction with macromolecules, alleviating the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and clearing free radicals, thus delaying aging. Catechins and polyphenolic compounds in Red Snow Tea can absorb radioactive substances, reducing the risk of absorbing them and providing anti-radiation benefits.

Anti-Cancer: Components such as tea pigments, tea flavonoids, catechins, and their oxidation, degradation, and complex products are important for cancer prevention and treatment. They have strong abilities to kill cancer cells and block the formation of carcinogenic nitroso compounds, inhibiting certain enzymes that activate carcinogens. The various substances in Red Snow Tea, such as catechins, β-carotene, and vitamins B1, B2, C, and E, play significant roles in cancer prevention.

Health Benefits: Red Snow Tea has a refreshing aroma and a slightly bitter taste, containing various beneficial components that help eliminate internal waste and toxins. It is rich in beneficial substances like snow tea acids, scale acids, horned-leaf acids, mannitol, and D-arabinose, as well as essential vitamins and trace elements. Red Snow Tea has cooling, thirst-quenching, heat-clearing, detoxifying, liver-soothing, and pressure-lowering medicinal values. In Lijiang, Red Snow Tea has a long history of consumption and was a tribute product during the Ming Dynasty. According to the Compendium of Materia Medica, Red Snow Tea is described as not a true tea but a natural herb that is roasted and used as a tea substitute, providing warmth, a bitter taste, and a pleasant fragrance.

Red Snow Tea, with its high content of polysaccharides, tea flavonoids, tea pigments, trace elements, and fiber, offers numerous health benefits, including heat-clearing, thirst-quenching, liver-cleansing, and vision-improving effects. It is considered a superior choice for various health conditions, including high blood pressure, neural weakness, throat inflammation, and more.

Chemical Components of Red Snow Tea

Phenolic Acids and Derivatives:

• Phenolic acids are major secondary metabolites in lichens. From golden thread lichen, snow tea, and related plants, 19 phenolic acid compounds have been isolated.
• Active Ingredient: Snow tea acid (雪茶素) exhibits anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties. The main component, usnic acid (松萝酸), is present in concentrations of 0.74% to 0.91% and has antimicrobial activity.

Steroids:

• Steroidal Compounds isolated from ethanol extracts of snow tea include ergosterol peroxide and β-sitosterol.
• From acetone extracts, compounds such as 3β-hydroxy-5α,8α-epoxyergosta-6,22-diene, 3β-hydroxy-5α,8α-epoxyergosta-6,9,22-triene, ergostane-7,22-diene-3-ol, and ergostane-5,8,22-triene-3-ol have been identified.

Polysaccharides:

• Polysaccharides from plants, including snow tea, are notable for their unique physiological activities and low toxicity, making them valuable in clinical applications.
• Snow tea polysaccharides are composed of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, and glucose, with molecular ratios of 0.77:1.00:0.54:3.39:17.03.

Volatile Oils:

• Extraction Method: Steam distillation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) have identified 67 volatile components in Red Snow Tea.
• Main Components: The primary constituents are alcohols and esters. Notable volatile components include long-chain alkanes, sesquiterpenes and their derivatives, unsaturated aldehydes and ketones, olefins, esters, and alcohols. The predominant compound is palmitic acid (28.52%), a major component of the essential oil.

Inorganic Elements:

• Lichens, including snow tea, are known for accumulating metal elements. Seven medicinal lichens have been tested for trace elements, revealing that snow tea contains 11 essential trace elements, including high levels of silicon (Si) and iron (Fe), which are beneficial for the body. Selenium (Se) content is also present, which may relate to the anti-cancer properties of lichens.
• Nutritional Profile: Red Snow Tea is rich in essential minerals, with a high potassium (K) and low sodium (Na) profile. Such dietary characteristics are beneficial for maintaining acid-base balance and normal blood pressure, aiding in the prevention and management of hypertension.

Other Components:

• Red Snow Tea also contains fatty acids, nucleic acids, carotenoids, polyols, free amino acids, and various phenolic substances.

Harvesting

Red Snow Tea grows in the snow line zone, with optimal growing and reproductive periods limited to 2-3 months each year, characterized by slow growth. During snow cover, the plant is dormant but resumes growth once temperatures rise. Harvesting typically occurs from May to October after the snow has melted. The entire plant is collected, impurities are removed, and it is then dried.

Gentiana crassicaulis粗茎秦艽 (Family: Gentianaceae), commonly known as Rough-stemmed Gentian, is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 30-40 cm. The plant is smooth and hairless throughout, with its base wrapped in persistent fibrous leaf sheaths. It has many fibrous roots, and the few branches grow in clusters. The rosette leaves are ovate-elliptic or narrowly elliptic, 12-20 cm long and 4-6.5 cm wide, with blunt or acute tips, gradually tapered bases, slightly rough edges, 5-7 veins that are prominent on both sides and raised underneath. The leaf stalks are wide, 5-8 cm long, and covered by persistent fibrous leaf sheaths. The stem leaves are ovate-elliptic to ovate-lanceolate, 6-16 cm long, 3-5 cm wide, with blunt to acute tips, blunt bases, slightly rough edges, 3-5 veins prominent on both sides and raised underneath. The petioles are wide, nearly sessile to up to 3 cm long, with the leaves becoming larger and the petioles shorter towards the top of the stem, where the upper leaves are densely clustered, enveloping the inflorescence.

The flowers are numerous, sessile, clustered at the top of the stem in head-like formations or occasionally axillary in whorls. The calyx is membranous, 4-6 mm long, with one side split into a Buddhist-like bract, the tip being truncate or rounded, with 1-5 very small, conical teeth, 0.5-1 mm long. The corolla tube is yellowish-white, with the corolla lobes being blue-purple or deep blue, spotted inside, funnel-shaped, 2-2.2 cm long. The lobes are ovate-triangular, 2.5-3.5 mm long, with blunt tips, entire margins, and slightly oblique folds, triangular, 1-1.5 mm long, with blunt tips and irregular fine teeth. The stamens are inserted in the middle of the corolla tube, with filaments being filiform, 7-8 mm long, and the anthers being narrowly oblong, 1.5-2.5 mm long. The ovary is sessile, narrow-elliptic, 8-10 mm long, with a tapered tip, and the style is linear, 2-2.5 mm long, with a two-lobed stigma. The capsule is enclosed, sessile, elliptical, 18-20 mm long, with shiny reddish-brown seeds, oval, 1.2-1.5 mm long, with a fine reticulate surface. The flowering and fruiting period is from June to October.

Growing Environment: It grows in alpine meadows, slopes, roadside, high mountain grasslands, wastelands, shrubs, forest understories, and forest edges at altitudes of 2100-4500 meters. It does not have strict environmental requirements but prefers a cool, humid climate with ample sunlight. It is cold-resistant, dislikes waterlogging, and young seedlings are sensitive to strong light. The plant grows best in loose, fertile, deep humus-rich soils and sandy loams.

Distribution: It is found in southeastern Tibet, Yunnan (Lijiang, Weixi, Zhongdian, Deqin), Sichuan, northwestern Guizhou, southeastern Qinghai, and southern Gansu in China. It is also cultivated in Lijiang, Yunnan.

Main Value: Rough-stemmed Gentian is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); its medicinal name is Qin Jiao. It mainly contains alkaloids and has a bitter, pungent taste, and is neutral in nature with no toxicity. It is used to dispel wind and dampness, harmonize the blood and relax the muscles, clear heat, and promote urination. It is used to treat rheumatic pain, muscular and skeletal rigidity, jaundice, blood in the stool, bone fever, childhood nutritional heat, and difficulty urinating.

Medicinal Uses:

1. Dispel Wind and Dampness: Qin Jiao has a bitter taste and neutral nature, affecting the liver, stomach, and lung meridians. It can be used to alleviate rheumatic pain and muscle and joint stiffness.
2. Relax Muscles and Tendons: Qin Jiao helps to relax muscles and tendons, easing rheumatic pain and muscle weakness.
3. Clear Heat and Detoxify: Qin Jiao clears heat and detoxifies, which can help with heat-related sores, throat pain, and oral ulcers.
4. Promote Urination and Reduce Swelling: It has diuretic and anti-swelling properties, useful for edema, urinary difficulties, and dysuria.
5. Cough and Asthma Relief: Qin Jiao can help with coughs, asthma, chest tightness, and excessive phlegm.

Protection Status: Listed as Near Threatened (NT) in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

Rough-stemmed Gentian generally refers to Qin Jiao, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its various therapeutic effects, including dispersing wind, relieving dampness, relaxing tendons, clearing heat, promoting urination, and alleviating cough and asthma.

He Shou Wu何首乌 (Pleuropterus multiflorus (Thunb.) Nakai), also known as Ye Jiao Teng, Zi Wu Teng, Duo Hua Liao, and Jiu Zhen Teng, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Polygonaceae family. Its tuberous roots are long and elliptical, dark brown in color; the stems are twining; the leaves are ovate or long-ovate with a pointed tip and a heart-shaped or near-heart-shaped base; the inflorescences are panicle-like, either terminal or axillary, with white or pale green perianths, and the perianth segments are elliptical. The achenes are ovate, three-angled, and dark brown. The flowering period is from August to September, and the fruiting period is from September to October.

He Shou Wu typically grows in valleys, thickets, forest understories, and crevices at altitudes ranging from 200 to 3,000 meters. It thrives in warm, humid climates, tolerates shade, and dislikes drought and waterlogging. It is highly adaptable to its environment, preferring deep, loose, fertile, humus-rich, moist, and well-drained sandy soil. He Shou Wu is native to China, Thailand, and Vietnam, and has since been introduced to Japan, Korea, and the Caucasus region. In China, it is primarily distributed in southern Shaanxi, southern Gansu, East China, Central China, and South China.

The tuberous roots and leaves of He Shou Wu can be used as traditional Chinese medicine. The roots are known for nourishing the blood, replenishing yin, and moistening the intestines to relieve constipation. They are used to treat symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, insomnia, soreness in the waist and knees, premature graying of hair, tinnitus, and nocturnal emissions. The leaves have detoxifying properties, can dissolve nodules, kill parasites, and relieve itching, and are used to treat ulcers, scabies, and other skin conditions. He Shou Wu has long, vigorous vines and can be planted along walls or rocks. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive appearance.

In the culinary field, He Shou Wu can be made into various medicinal dishes and health products. It is also commonly used in cosmetics for hair care, including promoting hair growth. The tuberous roots can be used to produce starch or brewed into wine, and the filtrate can be developed into a natural insecticide.

Other Names: Shou Wu, Di Jing, Chi Lian, Chen Zhi Bai, Hong Nei Xiao, Ma Gan Shi, Chuang Zhou, Shan Nu, Shan Ge, Shan Bo, Shan Weng, Shan Jing, Ye Jiao Teng Gen, Huang Hua Wu Gen, Xue Wa Wa, Xiao Du Gen, Tian Zhu Tou, Tie Cheng Tuo, Chi Shou Wu, Shan Shou Wu, Yao Shou Wu, He Xiang Gong.

Properties and Channels: Bitter, sweet, astringent in taste; slightly warm in nature; enters the liver and kidney channels.

Functions: Processed: Tonifies essence and blood; Raw: Detoxifies, stops malaria, and moistens the intestines to relieve constipation.

Indications:

1. Essence and blood deficiency, dizziness, premature graying of hair, soreness in the waist and knees: Processed He Shou Wu is good for tonifying the liver and kidneys, benefiting essence and blood, and darkening the hair.
2. Prolonged malaria, abscesses, scrofula, dry intestines, and constipation: Raw He Shou Wu has effects on stopping malaria, detoxifying, and moistening the intestines to relieve constipation.

Related Formulas:

1. To treat blood deficiency, pallor, insomnia, and forgetfulness, it is often used with prepared Rehmannia, Angelica sinensis, and Ziziphus jujuba seeds.
2. To treat essence and blood deficiency, soreness in the waist and legs, dizziness, premature graying of hair, and infertility due to kidney deficiency, it is used with Angelica sinensis, wolfberry fruit, and Cuscuta chinensis seeds, such as in Qibao Meiran Dan (from “Jishan Tang Fang”).
3. To treat liver and kidney deficiency, soreness in the waist and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, and deafness, it is often combined with mulberry fruit, black sesame seeds, and Eucommia ulmoides, as in Shou Wu Yan Shou Dan (from “Shi Bu Zhai Yi Shu”).
4. To treat prolonged malaria with qi and blood deficiency, raw He Shou Wu can be used with ginseng, Angelica sinensis, tangerine peel, and ginger, as in He Ren Yin (from “Jingyue Quanshu”).
5. To treat scrofula, ulcers, and skin itching, it can be combined with self-heal, Fritillaria thunbergii, and Angelica sinensis (from “Bencao Huiyan”).
6. To treat generalized swelling, itching, and pain, it can be decocted with fangfeng, Sophora flavescens, and peppermint, as in Shou Wu San (from “Wai Ke Jing Yao”).
7. To treat constipation in the elderly and those with blood deficiency and dry intestines, it can be combined with Cistanche, Angelica sinensis, and hemp seed to moisten the intestines and relieve constipation.

Flowers and Fruits: The inflorescence is cone-shaped, terminal or axillary, 10-20 cm long, with spreading branches, fine longitudinal ridges, and covered with small protrusions along the ridges. The bracts are triangular-ovate with small protrusions, pointed tips, and each bract contains 2-4 flowers. The flower stalks are slender and weak, 2-3 mm long, with joints at the lower part, extending during fruiting. The perianth is deeply 5-lobed, white or pale green, with the perianth segments being elliptical, unequal in size, the outer three segments larger with wings on the back, enlarging during fruiting, and the perianth becoming nearly round with a diameter of 6-7 mm. There are 8 stamens, with the filaments being wider at the base. The ovary has 3 very short styles with a capitate stigma. The achenes are ovate, three-angled, 2.5-3 mm long, shiny dark brown, enclosed in the persistent perianth.

Distribution: He Shou Wu is native to China, Thailand, and Vietnam, and has been introduced to Japan, Korea, and the Caucasus region. In China, it is primarily distributed in southern Shaanxi, southern Gansu, East China, Central China, South China, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou.

Growing Environment: He Shou Wu grows wild in shrublands, hills, slopes, forest edges, or roadside embankments, commonly found in valleys, forest understories, and crevices at altitudes ranging from 200 to 3,000 meters.

Growing Habits: He Shou Wu prefers a warm, humid climate, tolerates shade, and dislikes drought and waterlogging. The ideal temperature for seed germination is 20-25°C. It is highly adaptable to its environment and thrives in deep, loose, fertile, humus-rich, moist, and well-drained sandy soils. Excessive rainfall or waterlogged fields can lead to poor growth or root rot. The flowering period is from August to September, and the fruiting period is from September to October.

Precautions: Use with caution in cases of diarrhea and phlegm dampness. Avoid using iron utensils.

Dosage and Administration:

• Internal Use: Decoction, 10-20 g; can be prepared into pills, powders, or tinctures.
• External Use: Apply as needed, using the decoction for washing, powdered form for sprinkling, or mixed with other substances for topical application.

For blood tonification and yin nourishment, use processed He Shou Wu. For intestinal lubrication, wind-dispelling, malaria treatment, and detoxification, use raw He Shou Wu.

Harvesting and Processing: Harvest the tuberous roots after the stems and leaves wither in autumn or before new shoots emerge the following year. Remove the ends, clean, slice, and dry or lightly roast to produce raw He Shou Wu. If steamed with black beans and then dried, it turns black and is called processed He Shou Wu.

Salvia miltiorrhiza紫丹参 is a perennial, erect herbaceous plant in the Lamiaceae family and the genus Salvia. The plant can grow up to 80 cm tall; its main root is fleshy and deep red; the stems are heavily branched and covered with long, soft hairs; the leaves are odd-pinnate with oval or broad-lanceolate leaflets, and the petioles are densely covered with backward-facing long soft hairs. The inflorescence is a whorled cyme, densely covered with long soft hairs or glandular soft hairs, with lanceolate bracts. The calyx is bell-shaped and purple, while the corolla is purple-blue. The filaments are 3.5-4 mm long, and the connective is 1.7-2 cm long, with the style extending outward. The nutlets are oval in shape. The flowering period is from April to August, and the fruiting period is from September to November.

Distribution: Salvia miltiorrhiza is distributed in China across regions such as Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Shandong, Henan, and Jiangsu, and it is also cultivated in Japan. It grows on slopes, under forest thickets, or near stream valleys at altitudes of 120-1300 meters. The plant prefers a mild and humid climate, is cold-tolerant, highly adaptable, and is suitable for cultivation in sunny locations with deep, well-drained sandy soils. Propagation is generally carried out by seeds, root division, or cuttings.

Medicinal Uses: The root of Salvia miltiorrhiza can be used as medicine and contains tanshinone, which is a potent emmenagogue. It has the effects of removing stasis, promoting new tissue growth, invigorating blood circulation, and regulating menstruation. It is primarily used to treat uterine bleeding, menstrual irregularities, blood stasis, abdominal pain, and dysmenorrhea. It is also effective in treating coronary heart disease. Additionally, it is used to treat neurasthenia and insomnia, joint pain, lymphadenitis, carbuncles, and swellings, as well as acute and chronic hepatitis, and pyelonephritis. Externally, it can be used to wash lacquer sores.

Botanical History

Historical Records: Salvia miltiorrhiza was first recorded in the “Shennong Bencao Jing” (Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica), where it was classified as a top-grade herb. The text states: “Salvia miltiorrhiza has a bitter taste and slightly cold nature; it mainly treats pathogenic factors in the heart and abdomen, bowel sounds as if water is running through, accumulations of cold and heat, dissolves abdominal masses, and stops irritability and fullness, tonifies Qi.” Subsequent materia medica texts throughout history also discussed it. For instance, “Wu Pu Bencao” mentions: “Salvia miltiorrhiza is also known as Red Ginseng or Wood Lamb’s Milk, found in Tongbai or on the shady slopes of Mount Tai. The stems are small, square like Perilla, with hair; the root is red; it flowers purple in April, and the roots are harvested in March and May, then dried in the shade. It treats heart and abdominal pain.” “Tang Bencao” states: “This herb is best harvested in winter, but if collected in the summer months, it will be less effective.” “Tujing Bencao” notes: “Salvia miltiorrhiza grows in the valleys of Tongbai Mountain and Mount Tai, and now it is also found in the states and counties of Shaanxi and Suizhou. It sprouts in February, grows to about a foot tall, with square green stems. The leaves grow opposite each other, similar to mint but with hair. It flowers in March with red-purple blooms, resembling the flowers of Perilla. The root is red, as thick as a finger, and over a foot long, with multiple roots per plant. It is harvested in May and sun-dried.” It also mentions that the herb collected in winter is of good quality, whereas the one collected in summer is inferior. The accompanying illustration of Suizhou Salvia miltiorrhiza is included in this text. “Bencao Gangmu” states: “It is found in mountains everywhere, with five leaves per branch. The leaves are pointed like wild Perilla, green, hairy, and wrinkled. The small flowers are spike-like, resembling moths, with tiny seeds inside. The root skin is red, and the flesh is purple.” The descriptions of Salvia miltiorrhiza in the “Shennong Bencao Jing” to the “Bencao Gangmu” all refer to the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge., a species in the genus Salvia.

Morphological Characteristics:

Salvia miltiorrhiza is a perennial erect herb; its root is thick, fleshy, red on the outside, and white on the inside, 5-15 cm long, and 4-14 mm in diameter, with sparse lateral roots. The stems are erect, 40-80 cm tall, square, grooved, densely covered with long soft hairs, and heavily branched. The leaves are often odd-pinnate, with leaf stalks 1.3-7.5 cm long, densely covered with downward long soft hairs; the leaflets are 3-5 (7), 1.5-8 cm long, 1-4 cm wide, oval, or elliptic-oval, or broad-lanceolate, with an acute or acuminate apex, rounded or oblique base, and serrated margins. The texture is herbaceous, with sparse hairs on both surfaces, denser underneath. The leaflet petioles are 2-14 mm long, densely covered with long soft hairs like the leaf axis. The inflorescence is a whorled cyme with 6 or more flowers, sparse at the lower part and dense at the upper part, forming a 4.5-17 cm long, pedunculate, terminal, or axillary raceme; the bracts are lanceolate, with a tapering apex, wedge-shaped base, entire margins, hairless on the upper surface, sparsely hairy underneath, and shorter or longer than the pedicels; the pedicels are 3-4 mm long, the rachis is densely covered with long soft hairs or glandular long soft hairs.

The calyx is bell-shaped, purple, about 1.1 cm long, slightly enlarging after flowering, with sparse long soft hairs and glandular long soft hairs on the outside, with marginal hairs, densely covered with white stiff hairs inside the midsection, with 11 veins, and is bilabiate; the upper lip is entire, triangular, about 4 mm long, 8 mm wide, with three small apices, the lateral veins having narrow wings, the lower lip is almost as long as the upper lip, deeply divided into two triangular teeth with a tapering apex. The corolla is purple-blue, 2-2.7 cm long, externally covered with glandular short soft hairs, especially dense on the upper lip, with an oblique, incomplete, short soft hairy ring 2-3 mm above the corolla tube base; the corolla tube extends outward, shorter than the corolla limb, with a basal width of 2 mm, gradually widening upward, reaching 8 mm at the throat; the corolla limb is bilabiate, the upper lip is 12-15 mm long, falcate, upright, slightly notched at the apex, the lower lip is shorter than the upper lip, 3-lobed, the middle lobe is 5 mm long, 10 mm wide, with a 2-lobed apex, and the lobe margins have irregular teeth; the lateral lobes are short, rounded at the apex, and about 3 mm wide.

There are two fertile stamens extending to the upper lip; the filaments are 3.5-4 mm long, the connectives are 17-20 mm long, slightly covered with sparse short hairs at the joint in the middle, the upper arm is very elongated, 14-17 mm long, the lower arm is short and thickened, with sterile anthers united at the apex. The staminode is filiform, about 4 mm long. The style is long, up to 40 mm, with an unequally 2-lobed apex, the posterior lobe is extremely short, and the anterior lobe is filiform. The disc is slightly swollen at the front. The nutlets are black, oval, about 3.2 cm long, and 1.5 mm in diameter. The flowering period is from April to August, and the fruiting period follows flowering.

Main Variants

Salvia miltiorrhiza can be divided into two variants: the original form, f. miltiorrhiza, and the white-flowered variant, f. alba C. Y. Wu et H. W. Li in Addenda 582. The latter variant differs from the former by its white flowers and is found in Shandong, with the type specimen collected from Zhangqiu, Shandong.

Distribution and Habitat

Salvia miltiorrhiza is distributed across several regions in China, including Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Shandong, Henan, and Jiangsu, and is also cultivated in Japan. It typically grows on slopes, under forest thickets, or by streams at altitudes of 120-1300 meters. The plant prefers a mild and humid climate, is cold-resistant, and highly adaptable. It thrives in sunny locations with deep, well-drained, sandy soil.

Community Types

Salvia miltiorrhiza primarily inhabits subalpine dark coniferous forests and meadow communities, and can also be found in mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests. Subalpine dark coniferous forests are predominantly composed of spruce, fir, and alpine pine. Meadow vegetation mainly consists of marshy meadows with distinct layers of vegetation, dominated by perennial herbaceous plants from the sedge and Artemisia families. Mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests are rich in tree species, often forming multi-layered forests, with hemlock, alpine pine, and yellow cedar as the dominant coniferous trees.

Growth Habits

Salvia miltiorrhiza is a perennial herbaceous plant with thickened, fleshy roots. Typically, one-year-old plants do not form tuberous roots; it takes several years for the root surface to turn reddish-brown, with older stems becoming yellow-brown or dark green. The plant reproduces through seeds, root division, and cuttings.

Main Uses

The root of Salvia miltiorrhiza is used medicinally and contains tanshinones, which are potent tonic emmenagogues that help resolve blood stasis, invigorate new blood production, promote blood circulation, and regulate menstruation. It is a key gynecological medicine, primarily used to treat uterine bleeding, irregular menstruation, blood stasis, abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and temple pain. It is also effective in treating coronary heart disease. Additionally, it is used to treat neurasthenia with insomnia, joint pain, anemia, mastitis, lymphadenitis, arthritis, boils, carbuncles, erysipelas, acute and chronic hepatitis, pyelonephritis, traumatic injuries, late-stage schistosomiasis with hepatosplenomegaly, and epilepsy. Externally, it can be used to treat poison ivy dermatitis.

According to the “Materia Medica of Southern Yunnan”, it is stated: “Danshen is slightly bitter and slightly cold in nature. It is red in color and enters the heart meridian. It nourishes the heart, generates blood, stabilizes the spirit, and treats forgetfulness, palpitations, and insomnia. It invigorates new blood, removes blood stasis, stabilizes the fetus, and eliminates dead fetuses. It can substitute for the blood-tonifying effect of Siwu Decoction.”

This plant has long been used as a medicinal Danshen variety in Yunnan and is included in the Yunnan Provincial Drug Standards of 1974 and 1996.

Tofu Dregs Fruit is a traditional Chinese medicine, derived from the fruit of the plant Helicia nilagirica Bedd. of the family Proteaceae. It is primarily found in Yunnan Province and is known for its analgesic and sedative properties, commonly used to treat headaches and insomnia. The seeds, roots, leaves, and stem bark of Helicia nilagirica—also known by various names such as “Tofu Fruit,” “Sow Fruit,” “Luoluo Fruit,” and “Radish Tree”—are utilized as medicinal materials. The seeds, in particular, are the raw material for extracting tofu fruit glycoside, also known as “shen shuai guo su,” a traditional medicine used by several ethnic groups in Yunnan. The medicinal parts of this plant vary, including the roots, leaves, stems, and seeds. It is mainly distributed in Dehong, Lincang, Xishuangbanna, Simao, and other regions of Yunnan, as well as counties like Yuanjiang, Chuxiong, and Weishan.

Helicia nilagirica (Bedd.) Characteristics:

Helicia nilagirica, commonly known as the “Sow Fruit,” “Mountain Gourd,” “Bitter Pear,” “Luo Luo Fruit,” or “Muzha,” is a tree that grows between 5 to 12 meters in height with gray bark. The buds are densely covered with rust-colored short hairs, and both young branches and mature leaves are glabrous. The leaves are papery or nearly leathery, obovate-oblong, elliptical, or lanceolate, with a short acuminate or blunt apex and a cuneate base. The racemes are axillary or located in the axils of fallen leaves on young branches, measuring 10-24 cm in length, and are densely covered with rust-colored short hairs. The fruit is slightly flattened, spherical, with a diameter of 2 to 3.5 cm, and the top has a short tip. The base narrows abruptly into a short stalk, and the pericarp becomes leathery after drying, 2 to 4 mm thick, and green. The flowering period is from May to August, and the fruiting period is from November to July of the following year.

Distribution and Habitat:

Helicia nilagirica is distributed in India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and China. In China, it is found in southwestern and southern Yunnan, growing in evergreen broad-leaved forests at altitudes of 1000-2000 meters.

Uses and Applications:

The seeds of Helicia nilagirica contain starch and are commonly consumed by the Jingpo people of Yunnan, China. The bark and pericarp can be used to extract tannins. The plant is traditionally used to treat vascular headaches, neurasthenia, neurasthenic syndrome, and trigeminal neuralgia.

Medicinal Parts:

The medicinal part of Helicia nilagirica is its fruit.

Properties:

• Taste: Astringent
• Nature: Cool
• Meridians: Spleen and Large Intestine

Functions:

• Analgesic: Relieves pain
• Sedative: Calms the mind

Indications:

• Headache
• Insomnia

Dosage and Administration:

Tofu fruit glycoside is extracted and made into tablets for internal use, with a dosage of 25-75 mg.

Collection and Processing:

The fruits are harvested from November to July of the following year when they are fully ripe, then impurities are removed, and the fruits are sun-dried.

Dew Grass(Lushuicao露水草), also known as Spiderweb Blue Ear Grass (Cyanotis arachnoidea C. B. Clarke/蛛丝毛蓝耳草), is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Commelinaceae family. The entire plant is covered in spiderweb-like white hairs; its roots are thick and root-like; the leaves are grass-like or strap-shaped; the stem leaves are alternate, elongated-ovate, with a gradually pointed or blunt tip; the bracts are large and leaf-like; the petals are blue-purple, blue, or white; the capsule is small, wide, and three-angled; the seeds are gray-brown with small pits; flowering occurs from June to September, and fruiting happens in October.

Spiderweb Blue Ear Grass is distributed in southern China and Taiwan, as well as Southeast Asia. It is highly adaptable, with slightly fleshy leaves that can tolerate strong light and drought, preferring sunny conditions. It reproduces both asexually and sexually, with cultivation techniques available.

This plant has therapeutic benefits including warming the meridians and collaterals, dispelling dampness, and relieving pain. It is used to treat rheumatic arthritis, limb numbness, and other symptoms; it also clears heat, detoxifies, cools the blood, and stops bleeding for conditions such as edema, beriberi, urinary difficulties, nosebleeds, hemorrhages, dysentery, sore throat, erysipelas, abscesses, and snake or insect bites. For preparation, clean and chop the plant, simmer with pork for 90 minutes, and season with salt and MSG.

Morphological Characteristics: Spiderweb Blue Ear Grass is a perennial herb with a height of 30–50 cm. The stems are clustered, erect or slightly inclined at the base, and flattened. The leaves are linear, 10–25 cm long and 3–5 mm wide, often rolled inward with a gradually pointed tip; the leaf sheaths are flat with white soft hairs at the sheath mouth; the leaf tongue is truncate. The inflorescence is a pyramidal cluster, 15–18 cm long, with branches nearly whorled or single, often twisted; the spikelets are slender with 3–8 small flowers; the glumes are lanceolate with a pointed tip and veined; the outer lemma is ovate-lanceolate, arranged loosely, and the inner lemma is slightly shorter, often persistent with a truncate tip; the anthers are yellow. Flowering and fruiting occur from April to September.

Distribution: Spiderweb Blue Ear Grass is found in India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Southeast Asia. In China, it is distributed in the southern mainland regions, Taiwan, Fujian (Xianyou, Pinghe, Nanjing, Zhangpu), Jiangxi (Longnan), Guangdong (Meixian, Wengyuan, Dinghu, Liannan, Lianping, Huaiji, Guangzhou, Huiyang), Hainan (Chengmai, Baoting), Guangxi (Nanning, Lingchuan, Longlin, Shanglin, Guiping, He County, Lingui), Guizhou (Pan County, Xingren, Anlong), Yunnan (Yanshan, Mengzi, Cangyuan, Tengchong, Pingbian, Xishuangbanna, Fengqing, Jingdong, Kunming, Qujing), and Zhejiang (Yueqing, Pingyang, Cangnan). It grows in valleys, stream banks, and moist rocks below 2700 meters above sea level.

Growth Habits: It has strong environmental adaptability, with slightly fleshy leaves that tolerate strong light and drought, and it prefers sunny conditions. It grows well in high mountain plains and general soils, particularly in warm, moist, and loose fertile environments at around 2000 meters above sea level. It does not tolerate heavy frost and goes dormant in winter.

Main Value: The whole plant is used in medicine, with benefits such as warming the meridians and collaterals, dispelling dampness, and relieving pain. The primary active ingredient is p-sitosterol, which constitutes 1.2% of the dried plant weight, with up to 2.9% in the rhizome. It treats rheumatic arthritis, limb numbness, and other symptoms, and also clears heat, detoxifies, cools the blood, and stops bleeding for conditions such as edema, beriberi, urinary difficulties, nosebleeds, hemorrhages, dysentery, sore throat, erysipelas, abscesses, and snake or insect bites. For preparation, clean and chop the plant, simmer with pork for 90 minutes, and season with salt and MSG.

Properties and Indications:

• Taste and Nature: Sweet taste, neutral nature.
• Functions: Dew Grass has cooling, cough-relieving, and pain-relieving effects.
  • Cough Relief: Combine Dew Grass with garlic and Platycodon root, simmer and drink to treat whooping cough caused by weakness and insufficient lung Qi due to cold.
  • Pain Relief: Chew Dew Grass or drink as a decoction to treat acute abdominal pain.

Related Formulas:

1. For Whooping Cough:
   • Dew Grass (5 qian), garlic (3 cloves), Platycodon root (2 qian). Simmer and drink.
   • Dew Grass root, dried and ground into powder (0.5 to 1 qian), take with ginger syrup.
2. For Acute Abdominal Pain:
   • Dew Grass root (3 qian). Chew or drink as a decoction.

Yao Spring Sand阳春砂 is derived from the dried mature fruits of Amomum villosum Lour., a plant in the Zingiberaceae family. It is used as a traditional Chinese medicine known as “Sand Seed” or “Sand Seed Honey” (缩砂蜜, 缩砂仁). It has the functions of resolving dampness, stimulating the appetite, warming the spleen, stopping diarrhea, regulating Qi, and stabilizing the fetus. It is mainly produced in provinces such as Guangdong, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Fujian. Yao Spring Sand is one of the traditional “Sand Seeds” listed in various editions of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and is a mainstream variety in the market. It is a major medicinal herb from the south and is widely used as a spice and in soups. It is one of the renowned four southern medicines and is among the eight varieties protected by legislation in Guangdong Province. Yao Spring Sand is a perennial evergreen herb, reaching a height of 1.5 to 2 meters. It has erect stems and horizontally spreading stolons. The leaves are arranged alternately in two rows, narrow, elongated, lanceolate, unbranched, and petiole-less; they are 14 to 40 cm long, 2 to 5 cm wide, with entire margins and parallel veins; the leaf sheaths embrace the stem. The inflorescence is a loose, spherical spike emerging from the nodes of the stolons, with 8 to 12 flowers. The flower calyx is tubular with three shallow lobes at the apex, and the corolla tube is long and slender with three lobes at the tip. Flowers are white and bloom from late spring to early summer. The stamens and pistils are fused but not congenitally, forming a pseudo-staminal column. The fruit is elliptical or oval, red-brown when mature, with soft spines. The seeds are irregularly polyhedral, dark brown when mature, and have a distinctive aroma. The mature fruits of Yao Spring Sand are excellent for pickling and braised dishes.

Identification of Medicinal Materials:

Yao Spring Sand, Green-Shell Sand: Oval or elliptical, with indistinct three ridges, 1.5 to 2 cm long and 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter. The surface is brownish-yellow with dense, spine-like projections, and the apex has remnants of the flower calyx, while the base often has a fruit stalk. The fruit skin is thin and soft. The seeds are gathered in clusters with three blunt ridges, and the cluster is divided into 3 segments by white partitions, with 5 to 26 seeds in each segment. The seeds are irregularly polyhedral, 2 to 3 mm in diameter; the surface is brownish-red or dark brown with fine wrinkles, covered with a pale brown membranous testa; the texture is hard, and the endosperm is gray-white. The aroma is strong and aromatic, with a pungent, slightly bitter taste.

Hainan Sand: Long elliptical or oval with distinct three ridges, 1.5 to 2 cm long and 0.8 to 1.2 cm in diameter. The surface is covered with flake-like, branched soft spines, and the base has a fruit stalk mark. The fruit skin is thick and hard. The seed clusters are smaller, with 3 to 24 seeds per segment; the seeds are 1.5 to 2 mm in diameter. The aroma is slightly milder.

(1) Cross-section of Yao Spring Sand Seeds: The testa may sometimes be residual. The seed coat’s epidermal cells are arranged radially, slightly thickened walls; the hypodermal cells are one row containing brown or reddish-brown substances. The oil cell layer is one row of oil cells, 76 to 106 μm long and 16 to 25 μm wide, containing yellow oil droplets. The pigment layer consists of several rows of brown cells, irregularly arranged polygonal cells. The inner seed coat is a single row of reticulate thick-walled cells, yellow-brown, with very thick inner and side walls, small cells, containing silica granules. The outer endosperm cells contain starch grains and a few small calcium oxalate crystals. The inner endosperm cells contain small starch grains and fatty oil droplets. The powder is gray-brown. The inner seed coat’s thick-walled cells are red-brown or yellow-brown, polygonal in appearance, with thick walls, non-lignified; the cell cavities contain silica granules. The seed coat’s epidermal cells are pale yellow, elongated, often arranged perpendicularly to the hypodermal cells; the hypodermal cells contain brown or reddish-brown substances. The pigment layer cells are shriveled with indistinct boundaries, containing reddish-brown or dark brown substances. The outer endosperm cells are rectangular or irregularly shaped, filled with small starch grains forming starch clusters, with some embedding small calcium oxalate crystals. The inner endosperm cells contain small starch grains and fatty oil droplets. The oil cells are colorless, with thin walls, occasionally scattered oil droplets.

(2) Determination of Volatile Oil Content: Take the volatile oil from the [content determination] section and prepare a solution containing 20 μl per 1 ml of ethanol as the test solution. Also, prepare a solution of camphor acetate in ethanol containing 10 μl per 1 ml as the reference solution. Perform a thin-layer chromatography test (Appendix VI B) by applying 1 μl of each solution to the same silica gel G thin-layer plate, using hexane-ethyl acetate (22:1) as the developing solvent. After development, dry the plate, spray with 5% vanillin-sulfuric acid solution, and heat until the spots are clearly visible. The test solution should show the same purple-red spots at the corresponding positions as the reference solution on the chromatogram.

Pharmacological Effects

1. Effects on the Digestive System: 1.1. Effects on Isolated Intestinal Smooth Muscle: Segments of the small intestine from rats, guinea pigs, or rabbits were placed in Tyrode’s solution bath. The effects of the drug solution on spontaneous intestinal activity and its antagonistic effects against acetylcholine and BaCl2 were observed using a recording device. Results showed that the decoction of Yangchun Sand (2.5-5 × 10^-3 g crude drug/ml) could enhance the contraction of the guinea pig and rat small intestine. At higher doses, it exhibited inhibitory effects on the intestinal tract, showing reduced tension and amplitude. Yangchun Sand decoction partially inhibited the tonic and spastic contractions of the rat small intestine induced by acetylcholine and barium chloride. The volatile components of Yangchun Sand (1.3 × 10^-3 g crude drug/ml) could mildly stimulate the rabbit intestine, followed by a notable inhibitory effect, reducing tension, contraction frequency, and amplitude. It could also partially or completely antagonize the excitatory or spastic effects induced by acetylcholine and BaCl2, depending on the concentration.1.2. Effects on Intestinal Propulsive Movement: Mice weighing 20-24g were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group was given Yangchun Sand decoction (0.5 g/kg), while the control group was given distilled water. The length of the charcoal suspension reaching different segments of the intestine/percentage of the entire intestine was measured to assess intestinal propulsive movement. The treatment group showed 82.2 ± 4.4%, compared to the control group (62.5 ± 2.9), with P < 0.01, indicating that Yangchun Sand enhances intestinal motility.
2. Effects on Platelet Aggregation: Rabbits weighing 2.0-2.6 kg were divided into two dose groups, receiving oral Yangchun Sand at 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg, respectively, while the control group received the same volume of solvent. Blood samples were taken from the carotid artery at 15, 30, 60, and 90 minutes after administration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) were prepared, and platelet aggregation was measured using ADP as the aggregator. Results indicated that Yangchun Sand significantly inhibited platelet aggregation.
3. Effects on Arachidonic Acid-Induced Acute Death in Mice: Mice (20-22 g) were divided into two treatment groups, receiving oral Yangchun Sand at 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg, respectively, while the control group received the same volume of solvent. Arachidonic acid was injected intravenously 1.5 hours after administration, and mortality within 15 minutes was observed. The results showed 2 and 1 deaths in the 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg groups, respectively, compared to 7 deaths in the control group, with P < 0.001, indicating that Yangchun Sand has a significant protective effect against arachidonic acid-induced acute death in mice.
4. Effects on Collagen and Epinephrine-Induced Acute Death in Mice: Mice (20-22 g) were divided into two treatment groups, receiving Yangchun Sand at 0.6 and 1.2 g/kg, respectively, while the control group received the same volume of solvent. Collagen and epinephrine mixed solution was injected intravenously 1.5 hours after administration, and mortality within 15 minutes was observed. The results showed 3 and 2 deaths in the high and low dose groups, respectively, compared to 8 deaths in the control group, with P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, indicating that Yangchun Sand has a significant protective effect against collagen and epinephrine-induced acute death in mice.

Identification of Traditional Chinese Medicine:

Yangchun Sand and Green-Shelled Sand: They are oval or egg-shaped with inconspicuous three ridges, measuring 1.5-2 cm in length and 1-1.5 cm in diameter. The surface is brown with dense, thorn-like projections, the tip has remnants of the calyx, and the base often has a fruit stalk. The fruit skin is thin and soft. The seeds are grouped together with three blunt ridges, divided by white partitions into three segments, each containing 5-26 seeds.

Hainan Sand: It is long oval or egg-shaped with prominent three ridges, measuring 1.5-2 cm in length and 0.8-1.2 cm in diameter. The surface is covered with plate-like, branched soft thorns, and the base has a fruit stalk scar. The fruit skin is thick and hard. The seed clusters are smaller, with each segment containing 3-24 seeds; seeds have a diameter of 1.5-2 mm. The aroma is slightly lighter.

Medicinal Value:

Yangchun Sand is used in traditional Chinese medicine to regulate Qi, strengthen the spleen, and resolve dampness. It is used to treat symptoms such as stomach bloating, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stasis, morning sickness, and fetal movement issues. The fruit shell, known as Spring Sand Shell, has similar medicinal functions but is milder. The flowers and flower stalks, known as Spring Sand Flower, can ease the chest and regulate Qi, treating cough and asthma. The seeds contain volatile oil, including α-borneol, and saponins (approximately 0.69%). The essential oil of Yangchun Sand leaves and seeds is chemically similar and can substitute for the fruit in medicinal use.

Characteristics:

The fruit is oval or egg-shaped with inconspicuous three ridges, measuring 1.5-2 cm in length and 1-1.5 cm in diameter. The surface is brown with dense, thorn-like projections, the tip has remnants of the calyx, and the base often has a fruit stalk. The fruit skin is thin and soft. The seed clusters have three segments, each with 6-15 seeds. The seeds are irregular polyhedral, 2-3 mm in diameter, with a brownish-red or dark brown surface, covered with a membranous false seed coat. The seeds are hard, with gray-white endosperm. The aroma is intense, with a pungent, cool, and slightly bitter taste.

Chemical Components:

The seeds contain a pale-colored volatile oil with components such as ethylborneol, camphor, camphene, limonene, β-pinene, and bitter orange oil, as well as flavonoids.

Properties and Actions:

Yangchun Sand is warm in nature and has a pungent taste. Its functions include resolving dampness, stimulating appetite, warming the spleen, stopping diarrhea, and regulating Qi to stabilize the fetus. It is used for conditions like spleen and stomach coldness, food stagnation, vomiting and diarrhea, morning sickness, and fetal movement issues.

Pima Grass (披麻草) is written in “Kunming’s Folk Medicinal Herbs”. Pima Grass, a traditional Chinese medicinal material. This product is the whole plant of Dracontium stenophyllum of the Liliaceae family. Harvested in autumn, washed, cut into sections, and dried. Functions and indications: Internal use for inducing vomiting, strengthening bones, and relieving seizures. External use for stopping bleeding, alleviating pain, and unblocking nasal passages. For severe injuries, grind into powder and take with alcohol; for nasal congestion and neuralgia, grind into powder and inhale; for external bleeding, apply the powdered form directly to the wound.

Characteristics of Pima Grass:

• Plant Height: 60-110 cm.
• Stem: Hairless, with a brown or yellowish-white membranous sheath at the base. The upper part of the sheath turns into a fibrous bundle with few networked holes after withering.
• Root: Fleshy, cylindrical, 2-3 mm thick, and yellowish-brown.
• Leaves: Yellow-green, 7-9 in number, mostly basal or near the base, with 2-3 scattered along the upper stem. Leaf blades are strap-shaped, elongated, 30-50 cm long, varying widely in width (usually between 1-4.5 cm), tapering to a point at the tip, with a sessile base, hairless on both sides, and with a prominent central rib.
• Inflorescence: Conical and narrowly tower-shaped, 40-50 cm long. Multiple side racemes are mostly nearly erect, with some nearly spreading, 12-15 cm long, each with 8-20 or more flowers, either sparse or dense. The terminal raceme can be up to 30 cm long, with many flowers, dense or sparse. The inflorescence axis, flower stalks, and small bracts are covered with white or dirty yellowish woolly hairs.
• Flowers: Pale yellow-green or yellow-green; flower stalks are short or long, 7-12 mm; small bracts are yellow-green, lanceolate to ovate, 4-5 mm long, shorter than the flower stalks; flowers are bisexual and staminate, with 6 tepals, nearly equal, oval-shaped, with acute tips, short claws at the base, 8-9 mm long, 3-4 mm wide; filaments are curved downward, hairless, 2-3 mm long, and the anthers are yellow-green and kidney-shaped; the ovary is green, hairless, nearly equal in length to the filaments, with 3 separate and downward-curved stigmas; staminate flowers lack a degenerate ovary. Bisexual flowers are located at the base of the terminal raceme and the upper side branches, while staminate flowers are on the side branches.
• Fruit: Light yellow-green, erect, approximately parallel to the main axis, flattened into an elongated ovate or cylindrical shape, 2.8 cm long, about 1.2 cm wide; seeds are nearly cylindrical, about 5 mm long, with narrow wings on both sides, longer wings at both ends, forming an elliptical shape with pointed ends, 9-11 mm long, 3.5 mm wide.
• Flowering Period: August to September; fruit ripens in November.
• Habitat: Found in Jingdong, Lijiang, Jianchuan, Dali, Chuxiong, Nanhua to Gejiu, growing on mountain slopes or grasslands at altitudes of 2400-3100 meters; also distributed in Xichang, Huiedong, and Huili in Sichuan. The type specimen (Forrest 11511) was collected from Dali. This species is closely related to Mongzi Rhizome (蒙自藜芦) but can be distinguished by its smaller flowers and the absence of a dark honey-gland band on the inner side of the tepals. The root is used in medicine, applied externally for fractures, contusions, and bleeding from wounds, and internally as an emetic. It is highly toxic and should be used with caution.

Cultivation and Processing of Pima Grass:

• Plant: The root of the Liliaceae plant, Narrow-leaved Rhizome (狭叶藜芦) and Dali Rhizome (大理藜芦). Harvested in autumn and winter, cleaned, and used fresh or dried.

Morphology:

1. Narrow-leaved Rhizome (狭叶藜芦)
   • Description: Perennial herb, 50-120 cm tall. The bulb is not noticeably enlarged. The base of the plant remains with leaf sheaths that tear into blackish-brown net-like fibers. Lower leaves are strap-shaped, narrowly elongated, or lanceolate, 25-40 cm long, 2-6 (or 8) cm wide, with sharp tips and a sheath-like base embracing the stem, hairless on both sides. The conical inflorescence is 20-80 cm long, with weakly developed side racemes usually bearing staminate flowers, and terminal racemes with bisexual flowers; the lower bracts are longer or shorter than the branches. Flowers are dense or slightly sparse with very short pedicels, about 8 mm. Tepals are 6, yellow-green, rarely green, usually ascending, elongated or ovate-elongate, 5-7 (or 8) mm long, slightly hairy at the base on the back. The capsule is upright, 1.5-2 cm long. Flowering and fruiting period: July to October.
2. Dali Rhizome (大理藜芦)
   • Description: This species differs from Narrow-leaved Rhizome mainly in its expanded conical inflorescence; the side racemes are slender, slightly curved downward, with flower stalks 7-15 mm long, longer than the small bracts. Flowering period: autumn.

Ecological Environment:

1. Narrow-leaved Rhizome: Grows in forest understories or grass slopes at altitudes of 2000-4100 meters.
2. Dali Rhizome: Found in moist, fertile areas of mountain grasslands, scrub, or sparse forests at around 2400 meters elevation.

Distribution: Found in Sichuan, Yunnan, and other regions.

Properties:

• Taste and Temperature: According to “Yunnan Traditional Chinese Medicine”: pungent, bitter, cool, highly toxic.

Effects:

• Functions: The root of the Liliaceae plants, Narrow-leaved Rhizome and Dali Rhizome, is used for contusions, fractures, paralysis, epilepsy, rheumatic pain, and traumatic bleeding.
• Main Uses: To promote blood circulation and reduce swelling, relieve pain and stop bleeding, expel phlegm, and open the orifices. Treats contusions, fractures, paralysis, epilepsy, rheumatic pain, and traumatic bleeding.

1. “Yunnan Traditional Chinese Medicine”: Reduces swelling and relieves pain. Treats contusions and rheumatic pain.
2. “Yunnan Traditional Chinese Medicine Selection”: Activates blood circulation and removes blood stasis, reduces inflammation and pain, assists in bone setting, and stops bleeding. Treats contusions, fractures, traumatic bleeding, paralysis, and epilepsy.
3. “Guizhou Medicinal Plant Directory”: Expels phlegm, induces vomiting, clears heat, and dispels wind. Treats manic disorders, colds with nasal congestion, and hemorrhage.

Dosage and Administration:

• Internal Use: Powdered, 0.03-0.06 g per dose; or steeped in liquor.
• External Use: Apply an appropriate amount, crushed and used as a poultice.

Cautions and Contraindications: Avoid combining with ginseng, Xuan Shen, Dan Shen, Sha Shen, Dang Shen, Ku Shen, Xi Xin, Shao Yao, and other herbs.

Formulas:

1. For Contusions: Soak 50 g of Dali Rhizome roots in 500 ml of white wine. Take 5 ml of the liquid and the soaked root (about 1 inch long) each time.
2. For Fractures, Paralysis, and Epilepsy: Take 2 g of dried Dali Rhizome root powder with wine or boiling water, twice a day.
3. For Traumatic Bleeding: Crush fresh Dali Rhizome root and apply it externally.
4. For Contusions and Rheumatic Pain: Use 50 mg of Narrow-leaved Rhizome three times a day with boiling water.

Pima Grass (披麻草) as described in “Kunming’s Folk Medicinal Herbs”:

• Source: Whole plant of Dali Rhizome from the Liliaceae family.
• Functions: Induces vomiting, strengthens bones, and relieves phlegm. Externally used to stop bleeding, relieve pain, and open orifices. Treats severe contusions with powdered root taken with liquor; nasal congestion and neuralgia with powdered root inhaled; traumatic bleeding with powdered root applied externally.

Scutellaria amoena C. H. Wright (滇黄芩) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Lamiaceae family. Here is an overview of its characteristics, distribution, and uses:

Morphological Characteristics

• Plant Type: Perennial herb
• Height: Up to 35 cm
• Stem: Light purple, with downturned or nearly spreading fine hairs and soft hairs along the ridges
• Leaves: Oblong-ovate or elongated oval, with a rounded or blunt tip and a rounded or shallowly heart-shaped base. The upper side is sparsely covered with fine hairs, while the underside has sparse fine hairs along the veins or is nearly hairless
• Inflorescence: A terminal raceme covered with glandular fine hairs
• Bracts: Lanceolate to oblong
• Calyx: Pale purple
• Corolla: Purple or bluish-purple, with a slightly knee-shaped tube near the base. The lower lip has near-round middle lobes and triangular side lobes
• Nutlets: Black, ovoid, with a navel-like protrusion near the base
• Flowering Period: May to September
• Fruit Period: July to October

Distribution and Habitat

• Region: Found in the central and south-central parts of Yunnan, central to northwestern Yunnan, southern Sichuan, and northwestern Guizhou, China
• Habitat: Grows in Yunnan pine forests at altitudes of 1300-3000 meters

Medicinal Value

• Taste: Bitter
• Nature: Cold
• Functions: Clears heat, drains fire, dries dampness, detoxifies, stops bleeding, and stabilizes pregnancy
• Uses: Treats lung heat cough, liver fire headache, red and swollen eyes, damp-heat jaundice, hot dysuria, bleeding disorders, and unsettled fetus

Edible Use

• The stems and leaves can be used as a tea substitute.

Morphological Features

• Root and Rhizome: Nearly vertical or oblique, thick, up to 11 mm in diameter, often branched at the top with 1-2 stems emerging, and frequently forked at the base
• Stem: Up to 35 cm tall, four-angled with slight grooves, covered with fine hairs or sparse soft hairs, often purple, with internodes 1.2-2 (3.8) cm long
• Leaves: Grass-like, oblong-ovate or elongated oval, varying in size and shape along the stem, with rounded or wedge-shaped bases, green on top and lighter underneath, sparsely hairy or nearly hairless
• Flowers: Arranged in terminal racemes 5-14 cm long, with calyx and corolla covered with glandular fine hairs; the corolla tube is slightly curved, widening towards the throat; the upper lip is helmet-shaped, and the lower lip has rounded middle lobes and triangular side lobes
• Nutlets: Ovoid, black, 1.25 mm long and about 1 mm wide, with a navel-like protrusion near the base

Main Uses

• Medicinal Uses:
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine: Used for treating heat-related symptoms
  • Tibetan Medicine: Functions similar to Scutellaria baicalensis
  • Lisu Medicine: Used for treating high fever, cough from lung heat, damp-heat dysentery, jaundice, hot dysuria, bleeding, red and swollen eyes, and unsettled fetus
  • Nuojiang Medicine: Treats fever
  • Dian Province Records: Used for cough, fever, dysentery, jaundice, hot dysuria, red and swollen eyes, boils, blood heat vomiting, and unsettled fetus
  • Yi Medicine: Treats dysentery, mumps, cough, liver pain, eye pain, respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis, acute bacterial dysentery, leptospirosis, hepatitis, nephritis, pyelonephritis, and hypertension
• Edible Value:
  • Used as a substitute for Scutellaria baicalensis in Yunnan and its stems and leaves can be used as a tea substitute.

Lijiang Mountain Toad Lily (丽江山慈菇)

Scientific Name:Iphigenia indica (L.) A.Gray ex Kunth

Family: Liliaceae

Description:

• Type: Perennial herb
• Height: 10-25 cm
• Bulb: Small, egg-shaped, white with brown membranous scales
• Stem: Single, upright, emerging from the top of the bulb
• Leaves:
  • Shape: Linear to lance-shaped, 7-15 cm long, 3-9 mm wide
  • Arrangement: Scattered, base tubular or sheath-like, clasping the stem, with a central vein, gradually narrowing towards the top
• Flowers:
  • Inflorescence: Spikelike, emerging from the leaf cluster, with a triangular shape
  • Flowers: 2-10, dark purple, in a raceme, with narrow lance-shaped tepals
  • Stamens: Purple-black, about 1/3 the length of the tepals, opposite the tepals
  • Ovary: Superior
  • Fruit: Capsule, yellow-brown, 3-chambered with numerous round brown seeds having distinct linear ribs
• Blooming Period: June to August
• Fruit Maturity: August to September

Habitat:

• Altitude: 1000-3000 meters
• Environment: Mountain slopes, grasslands, or under pine forests

Distribution:

• Regions: Central and northern Yunnan, southwestern Sichuan, western Guizhou, and Tibet, China

Reproduction:

• Methods: Typically propagated by seeds or bulbs

Medicinal Properties:

• Taste: Bitter
• Nature: Warm
• Toxicity: Highly toxic
• Functions:
  • Dispels cold
  • Relieves asthma
  • Analgesic
  • Anti-cancer
• Uses:
  • Treats bronchitis, asthma, gout, breast cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, and salivary gland tumors

Preparation and Usage:

• Harvesting: Bulbs are harvested in summer and autumn, cleaned, dried, and powdered for medicinal use.

Summary

Lijiang Mountain Toad Lily is a valuable medicinal plant with notable applications in treating respiratory conditions and various cancers. Its specific growing conditions and characteristics make it a unique and significant plant in traditional medicine.

Lijiang Mountain Toad Lily (丽江山慈菇) – Main Values and Applications

Modern Applications:

• Autumn Crocus Amide Injection: Used for various therapeutic purposes, including anti-gout and anti-cancer treatments.

Pharmacological Actions:

• Anti-Gout: Helps in alleviating symptoms of gout.
• Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation.
• Anti-Tumor: Exhibits properties that inhibit tumor growth.
• Scar Proliferation Inhibition: Prevents excessive scar formation.
• Adhesion Prevention: Reduces the formation of adhesions.
• Hepatoprotective: Protects the liver.
• Gastrointestinal Irritation: May stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa.

Medicinal Value:

• Properties: Bitter, slightly pungent, warm, highly toxic.
• Uses:
  • Traditional: Disperses cold, relieves asthma, analgesic, anti-cancer, dissolves masses, and stops pain.
  • Conditions Treated: Includes bronchitis, asthma, gout, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, scrofula, skin tumors, nasopharyngeal cancer, and salivary gland tumors. [7]

Pharmacological Value:

• Cervical Cancer Treatment:
  • Formula: 18g Lijiang Mountain Toad Lily, 10g Arsenic, 12g Realgar, 18g Alum, 10g Borax, 3g Cnidii Fructus, 3g Borneol, 0.3g Musk. Grind into a fine powder and apply externally. (From “Anti-Cancer Plant Medicines and Their Recipes”)
• Internal Use:
  • Preparation: Grind to a powder (0.3-0.6g) and steam with honey.
• External Use:
  • Preparation: Fresh product, crushed and mixed with vinegar for topical application.

Collection and Processing:

• Harvesting: Summer and autumn, remove stems, leaves, and rootlets, clean, and dry.
• Processing: Remove impurities from the raw material, then crush when used.

Storage:

• Conditions: Store in a dry, cool, and ventilated place, protect from pests and mold.

Usage Cautions:

• Toxicity: Excessive use can lead to poisoning. Use with caution, especially in the elderly, those with kidney, gastrointestinal, or heart conditions, and avoid use during pregnancy.
• Misidentification Risks: The bulb of Lijiang Mountain Toad Lily resembles that of Fritillaria (川贝母), leading to potential poisoning incidents if mistaken for Fritillaria. Proper identification is crucial.

Identification:

• Appearance: Irregular short-conical bulb, 0.7-2 cm in diameter, 1-1.5 cm high. Tapered apex, often with a depressed or flat base. Surface color ranges from yellow-white to gray-yellow brown, smooth with a longitudinal groove. Hard texture, fracture surface is horn-like or slightly powdery, white or yellow-white. Bitter and slightly numbing taste.

Herbal Material Characteristics

1. Bulb Characteristics:
   • Shape: Irregular short-conical
   • Diameter: 0.7-2 cm
   • Height: 1-1.5 cm
   • Apex: Tapering
   • Base: Often indented or flat
   • Surface: Yellowish-white or grayish-brown, smooth, with a longitudinal groove extending from the base to the apex
   • Texture: Hard, with a fracture surface that is corky or slightly powdery, whitish or yellowish-white
   • Taste: Bitter with a slight numbing effect
2. Microscopic Identification:
   • Cross-Section of the Bulb:
     • Epidermal Cells: Single layer, flat, 30-60 μm long, 18-23 μm thick
     • Inner Tissue: Broad parenchyma with sparse vascular bundles, each bundle containing 3-7 xylem vessels with annular or reticulate thickenings, diameter 9-45 μm
     • Starch Granules: Found in parenchyma cells, mostly single, irregularly round or semi-lunar, with star-shaped or punctate hilum; many starch granules are gelatinized
3. Physicochemical Identification:
   • Take 1 g of powdered material, add 10 ml of 85% ethanol, and reflux on a water bath for 10 minutes. Filter while hot. Take 1 ml of the filtrate, evaporate to dryness on a water bath, dissolve in 6 mol/L hydrochloric acid, boil for 2-3 minutes, add 1-2 drops of ferric chloride solution. A greenish-brown color indicates the presence of the substance. Add a few drops of chloroform, shake, and the chloroform layer should show a yellowish-brown color.

Dosage and Administration:

• 1 to 2 fen, ground into powder and steamed with an appropriate amount of honey.

Summary

Lijiang Mountain Toad Lily is a potent medicinal herb with a range of therapeutic uses, especially noted for its anti-cancer properties. It requires careful handling due to its toxicity and similarity to other herbs that could lead to accidental poisoning. Proper processing and storage are essential to maintain its efficacy and safety.

Dengzhan Xixin灯盏细辛, a traditional Chinese medicine, refers to the dried whole herb of the Compositae family plant Erigeron breviscapus. It is harvested in the summer and autumn seasons, with impurities removed and then sun-dried. The herb has a pungent, slightly bitter taste and is warm in nature. It targets the heart and liver meridians. Dengzhan Xixin is known for promoting blood circulation, unblocking channels, relieving pain, dispelling wind, and dispersing cold. It is commonly used for treating conditions such as stroke-induced hemiplegia, chest pain due to heart disease, rheumatic pain, headache, and toothache.

During the extensive promotion of Chinese herbal medicine in the last century, an elderly Miao Chinese medicine practitioner in his 90s from Qiubei County, Wenshan, shared a remedy: using Dengzhanhua (the flower of Dengzhan Xixin) boiled with eggs to treat cerebral hemiplegia. Clinical trials conducted by the Provincial Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and other organizations confirmed that extracts from this plant are highly effective in treating cerebral hemiplegia, coronary heart disease, cerebral thrombosis, cerebral hemorrhage, and cerebral embolism. Since then, this small flower has gradually gained prominence in Yunnan Province’s pharmaceutical industry.

The earliest systematic research on Dengzhan Xixin began at the Yunnan Provincial Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, initially focusing on studies related to Dengzhanhua extract and scutellarin (a flavonoid compound found in the herb). With the growing popularity of products such as “Dengzhanhua Injection,” “Hua Tuo Zao Wan,” “Scutellarin Tablets,” and “Yimai Kang Tablets,” research and development on Dengzhan Xixin have seen a surge in interest. Dengzhan Xixin is highly effective, has a long history of use, and enjoys a strong social foundation, with minimal side effects, making it well-liked by users. It has now been listed as a key Chinese herbal medicine for national development and an essential emergency medication in traditional Chinese medicine for treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Pharmacological References:

• “Dian Nan Ben Cao”: Dengzhan Xixin is commonly used for treating injuries, with effects of dispersing cold, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain.
• “Guangxi Pharmacopoeia”: It is used to treat head sores in children.
• “Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine”: It has effects of dispersing cold, strengthening the spleen, eliminating stagnation, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain.
• “Selected Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicines”: It disperses cold, relieves the exterior, stops pain, promotes blood circulation, and activates muscles. It is used to treat toothache, acute gastritis, high fever, traumatic injuries, rheumatic pain, chest pain, malaria, post-polio syndrome, paralysis caused by encephalitis, and schistosomiasis.

The Guardian of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Health—Dengzhan Xixin

Dengzhan Xixin contains complex chemical components and has a wide range of pharmacological effects, exhibiting characteristics of multi-component, multi-target, and holistic regulation in its therapeutic actions. The components responsible for its cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protective effects are primarily flavonoids like scutellarin, which work through mechanisms such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation, vasodilation, and neuron protection. Clinically, it is widely used for ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and has shown good efficacy in treating viral myocarditis, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, and hypertension.

Research by Lin et al. found that scutellarin can protect against acute myocardial infarction and focal cerebral ischemia caused by cardio-cerebral ischemia, reducing the infarct size in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, scutellarin can inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis, reduce oxidative stress, and protect against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Subarachnoid hemorrhage complicated by cerebral vasospasm is a major cause of death and disability, and scutellarin can reduce mortality and disability rates by mitigating vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage. Therefore, as the “guardian” of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health, Dengzhan Xixin has significant advantages in preventing the development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Yunzhi Refined Medicinal Slices – Dengzhan Xixin

1. Basic Information

• Product Name: Dengzhan Xixin – The Guardian of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Health
• Specification: 10g per bag
• Origin: Hainan
• Properties: Pungent, slightly bitter; Warm in nature; Targets the heart and liver meridians
• Effects: Activates blood circulation, unblocks channels, relieves pain, dispels wind, and disperses cold
• Indications: Used for stroke-induced hemiplegia, chest pain due to heart disease, rheumatic pain, headache, and toothache
• Usage and Dosage: Oral intake of 9-15g; External use as needed
• Manufacturer: Guangdong Yunzhi Traditional Chinese Medicine Slices Co., Ltd.

2. Application and Promotion

Neurology – Ischemic Stroke

• Dengzhan Xixin injection can alleviate vascular spasms in the ischemic area, improve collateral circulation, reduce brain tissue damage, and lower disability rates. The total flavonoids in Dengzhan Xixin can prevent glucose-induced circulatory congestion by increasing cerebral blood flow and reducing vascular resistance.

Internal Medicine – Coronary Heart Disease and Angina

• The cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protective components of Dengzhan Xixin are primarily flavonoids such as scutellarin. These components act through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation, vasodilation, and neuron-protective mechanisms.

Cardiology – Viral Myocarditis

• Scutellarin injection combined with phosphocreatine can reduce inflammation and myocardial damage. Dengzhan Xixin injection combined with Myocardial Protection Granules is used to treat viral myocarditis.

3. Manufacturer Information

Guangdong Yunzhi Traditional Chinese Medicine Slices Co., Ltd.

• Overview: Part of Zhongzhi Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. (listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, stock code 03737.HK), established in November 2019 in Yunfu City. The company invested 350 million RMB in the project, covering 200 acres.
• Focus: Specializes in the production of small-packaged traditional Chinese medicine slices, refined slices, and the research and development of new types of traditional Chinese medicine slices (such as decoction slices). The company aims to become a leading platform for the development, production, and testing of high-quality traditional Chinese medicine slices in Guangdong Province.

Botanical Characteristics

• Type: Perennial herb, 5-50 cm tall.
• Root: Thick, woody, with numerous fibrous roots.
• Stem: Erect, with a few branching umbels, covered with short, hard hairs or glandular hairs.
• Leaves: Basal leaves form a rosette, spoon-shaped or lanceolate, 1.5-11 cm long, 0.5-2.5 cm wide, with blunt tips and small pointed apices; stem leaves are few, often 2-4, long oval or lanceolate, 1-4 cm long, 0.5-1 cm wide, semi-enveloping the stem at the base, and without petioles.
• Habitat: Grows in mountainous areas, under sparse forests, in grasslands, or on sunny slopes.

Production Method

• Preparation: Remove soil, bundle into small bunches, dry in the shade, or properly oven-dry.

Properties

• Taste: Pungent, slightly bitter; Warm.
• Meridians: Targets the heart and liver meridians.
• Effects: Activates blood circulation, unblocks channels, relieves pain, dispels wind, and disperses cold.
• Indications: Stroke-induced hemiplegia, chest pain due to heart disease, rheumatic pain, headache, and toothache.
• Usage and Dosage: 9-15g, either decocted or powdered and used with eggs. For external use, apply as needed.

Relevant Literature

1. “Guangxi Medicinal Plant Directory”: “Used for treating head sores in children.”
2. “Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine”: “Disperses cold, strengthens the spleen, eliminates stagnation, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain.”
3. “Selected Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicines”: “Disperses cold, relieves the exterior, stops pain, promotes blood circulation, and activates muscles. Treats toothache, acute gastritis, high fever, traumatic injuries, rheumatic pain, chest pain, malaria, post-polio syndrome, paralysis due to encephalitis, and schistosomiasis.”

Fritillaria refers to a genus of perennial herbaceous plants in the Liliaceae family. The bulbs are deeply buried in the soil and covered with bulb scales. The stems are erect and unbranched, with basal leaves that have long stalks; the stem leaves are opposite, whorled, or scattered. The flowers are large or slightly smaller, typically bell-shaped, nodding, radially symmetrical, borne singly at the top or in racemes or umbels, and have leafy bracts. The seeds are numerous, flat, and have narrow wings along the edges. The plant derives its name from its shape, as noted in the Bencao Jing Jizhu, which states, “The shape resembles clustered cowries,” hence the name “Fritillaria.”

There are now over 85 species of Fritillaria, mainly distributed in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in the Mediterranean region, North America, and Central Asia. In China, the number of Fritillaria species far exceeds the original 20 species and two varieties. Fritillaria prefers a cool and moist climate, is hardy, but dislikes hot and dry conditions. It thrives in sunny environments with well-drained clay and can also grow in partial shade. After flowering, the bulbs wither and go dormant during the summer. To prevent the bulbs from rotting in the soil due to moisture, they should be dug up when the leaves turn yellow and stored in moist sawdust, sand, or peat.

Fritillaria has a long history of use in China. The earliest record is found in the Han Dynasty’s Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, where it is classified as a middle-grade herb. It is commonly used to clear heat, moisten the lungs, dissolve phlegm, and relieve cough, making it a frequently used traditional Chinese medicine for bronchitis and chronic bronchitis. It is suitable for use as an undergrowth plant in forests, and alpine species are ideal for rock gardens. Some species with less odor can also be used as cut flowers.

Botanical History

Origin and Distribution Research The establishment of the genus Fritillaria dates back to the 1550s, named “Fritillaria L.” by Linnaeus in Species Plantarum and Genera Plantarum. According to records, the genus contains about 60 species divided into five sections: Sect. Fritillaria (Fritillaria group), Sect. Rhinopetalum (Rhinopetalum group), Sect. Petillium (Petillium group), Sect. Theresia (Theresia group), and Sect. Liliorhiza (Liliorhiza group). The distribution range lies between latitudes 26°N and 65°N. In the Eurasian distribution area, the northern boundary is about 58°N to 60°N, such as the distribution of Fritillaria meleagris Linn. and Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don. The southernmost species, like Fritillaria cirrhosa, are found in the Hengduan Mountains of Yunnan, China, around Yangbi, Dali, and Luquan, approximately at latitude 26°N. The easternmost species, Fritillaria camtschatcensis, are around 160°E, while the westernmost species, Fritillaria lusitania, are at approximately 9°W. In North America, the northern boundary of the distribution is in Wales, Alaska, around 65°N, 168°W, which represents the western and northern boundaries of Fritillaria distribution in North America. The southern boundary is around 32°N, as seen in Fritillaria biflora. The Mediterranean region has the most species of Fritillaria. Although only 39 species and three subspecies are distributed in the Iran-Turkey region, this area contains four of the five sections of Fritillaria, including the primitive Sect. Fritillaria and the more specialized Sect. Petillium, Sect. Rhinopetalum, and Sect. Theresia. However, the highly evolved Sect. Liliorhiza is not found in this region. The region not only has many primitive species but also has more specialized groups, making Iran-Turkey a diversification center for Fritillaria species. However, due to environmental influences, Fritillaria species have not fully developed in this region. In contrast, in the Mediterranean region, species from Sect. Fritillaria have undergone significant development, making it the center of abundance for the genus.

Morphological Characteristics

Fritillaria is a perennial herb with bulbs deeply buried in the soil, covered by bulb scales. Typically, the bulbs consist of 2(-3) whitish scales (each scale having 2-3 pairs of small inner scales), though some species have multiple scales surrounded by numerous small grain-like scales. The former type of bulb is nearly ovoid or spherical, while the latter often forms a rosette-like structure. The stem is erect, unbranched, with a portion located underground. Basal leaves have long stalks; stem leaves are opposite, whorled, or scattered, with tips that may or may not curl, and the base semi-clasping the stem.

The flowers are relatively large or slightly smaller, usually bell-shaped, nodding (but the pedicel gradually turns upwards after fertilization, becoming erect during the fruiting period), radially symmetrical, with a few slightly bilaterally symmetrical. They are either solitary or arranged in racemes or umbels, with leaf-like bracts. The tepals are oblong, spatulate to narrowly ovate, often fused, with a nectary at the base of the inner surface. There are 6 stamens, with basifixed or dorsifixed anthers that are two-lobed and dehisce inwardly. The style is 3-lobed or nearly entire; the stigma extends beyond the stamens. The ovary is trilocular with 2 rows of ovules per locule, with a central placentation. The capsule is 6-angled, often winged, and dehisces along the dorsal suture. Seeds are numerous, flat, with narrow wings along the edges.

Growth Environment

The growth environments for Fritillaria species vary slightly. For instance, Fritillaria cirrhosa typically grows in forests, under shrubs, on grasslands, riverbanks, or in mountain valleys and rock crevices. Fritillaria thunbergii thrives in shaded areas or bamboo groves on lower-altitude hills. Fritillaria ussuriensis is found in low-altitude forests, meadows, or river valleys. Fritillaria pallidiflora grows at altitudes of 1300-2000 meters in forests, grasslands, or sandy crevices, while Fritillaria przewalskii grows at altitudes of 1800-2300 meters in riverbank meadows, rock crevices, or moist, rocky areas. Fritillaria karelinii is commonly found in arid deserts or Artemisia steppes.

Fritillaria prefers cool, moist climates, is cold-hardy, and avoids hot, dry conditions. It thrives in sunny environments with well-drained clay but can also grow in semi-shaded conditions. After flowering, the bulb withers and enters a dormant phase during the summer. To prevent rot caused by moisture in the soil, the bulbs should be lifted when the leaves turn yellow and stored in moist sawdust, sand, or peat.

Distribution Range

Fritillaria is primarily distributed in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, especially in the Mediterranean region, North America, and Central Asia, with the most diverse species found in the northern Mediterranean, Iran, and Turkey. In China, Fritillaria species are found in all provinces except Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Taiwan, Jiangxi, Inner Mongolia, and Guizhou (where their presence is suspected but not confirmed by specimen collection). The most species-rich regions are Sichuan (8 species) and Xinjiang (6 species). Based on distribution areas, they are generally divided into the Hengduan Mountains and adjacent regions, the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and the Xinjiang region.

Growth Habits

Fritillaria species have slightly different growth habits depending on the specific environmental conditions and geographical regions in which they are found.

Major Value

Medicinal Value

The herbal medicine “Fritillaria” refers to the dried bulbs of the Fritillaria plant, which has a long history of use in China. The earliest record dates back to the Han dynasty’s “Shennong Ben Cao Jing,” where it is listed as a medium-grade herb. It is commonly used to clear heat, moisten the lungs, resolve phlegm, and relieve cough. The Fritillaria-derived medicinal materials are categorized into six types based on their source: Fritillaria cirrhosa, Fritillaria thunbergii, Fritillaria pallidiflora, Fritillaria verticillata, Fritillaria ussuriensis, and Fritillaria anhuiensis, with Fritillaria anhuiensis being the only type not included in the 2015 edition of the “Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China.” Fritillaria cirrhosa is considered the highest quality, sourced from various species including Fritillaria cirrhosa, Fritillaria unibracteata, Fritillaria przewalskii, Fritillaria taipaiensis, and Fritillaria delavayi. Fritillaria thunbergii is the most commercially available, with its primary source being Fritillaria thunbergii and its variant Fritillaria thunbergii var. platyphylla. Fritillaria pallidiflora is sourced from Fritillaria pallidiflora and Fritillaria verticillata. Fritillaria ussuriensis is the dried bulb of Fritillaria ussuriensis, widely cultivated in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, with a production second only to Fritillaria thunbergii. Fritillaria anhuiensis is the dried bulb of Fritillaria anhuiensis, a new type of Fritillaria medicinal material developed in the 20th century.

The bioactive compounds in Fritillaria, primarily alkaloids, have been found in over 130 varieties, most of which are steroidal alkaloids. These alkaloids are categorized into two main types based on their carbon skeleton: isosteroidal alkaloids and steroidal alkaloids. The isosteroidal alkaloids are further divided into cevanine (A), jervine (B), and veratramine (C) types based on the E and F ring connections, with 80% being cevanine, making it a characteristic chemical component of the Fritillaria genus. Steroidal alkaloids are divided into solanidine (D) and secosolanidine (E) types based on the connection of the nitrogen element to the indole or piperidine ring.

Economic Value

Due to its significant medicinal and economic value, Fritillaria (Bei Mu) has become an important source of income for local communities in the production regions.

Ornamental Value

Fritillaria is suitable as an understory ground cover plant, with alpine species ideal for rock gardens, and those with minimal odor can be used as cut flowers. The flowers of Fritillaria are graceful and elegant, with unique and attractive fruit and leaf forms, and the blossoms are vibrant and colorful. Some species have a delicate and pleasant fragrance that is soothing and refreshing.

Outside of China, species such as Fritillaria persica, Fritillaria meleagris, and Fritillaria thunbergii (Zhe Bei Mu) are cultivated as ornamental plants. In Europe and North America, Fritillaria species are often planted in gardens or containers for decorative purposes, showcasing the ornamental value of this genus. In China, only a few species are used for landscaping and beautification, such as Fritillaria pallidiflora and Fritillaria ussuriensis, which are early spring ephemeral plants and valuable genetic resources for early spring flowers and landscaping in northern China. Fritillaria thunbergii is suitable for cultivation under forest canopies and is ideal for shaded environments.

Fritillaria blooms early in the year (February to May), with bell-shaped, drooping flowers. The perianth segments vary in color (yellow, yellow with purple spots, yellow-green with purple squares, purple-red with white spots, white, etc.), with green or purple-red stems, and leaves that are either broad and ribbon-like (Anhui Bei Mu) or fine and silky (Southern Anhui Bei Mu), with curled or hooked leaf tips. These characteristics make it an excellent flower for early spring viewing. Among these, Fritillaria anhuiensis, Fritillaria hupehensis, Fritillaria anhuiensis var. hupehensis, and Fritillaria hupehensis var. alba have high ornamental value and are suitable for planting in gardens and along roadsides. These species are easy to cultivate and propagate, and when introduced to Hefei, they have grown and multiplied well.

Cultural Significance

Fritillaria gets its name from its shape. As described in the “Annotations on the Materia Medica,” it is named “Bei Mu” because it resembles a cluster of shells.