Guangmutong, also known as Mamutong, Kumutong, and Mutong, is listed in the "Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China". It is the stem of the plant Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom. from the Aristolochiaceae family. It is harvested in autumn and winter, and the thick bark is removed and sun-dried.
[Processing method] Take the original medicinal material, remove impurities, wash, soak slightly, moisten thoroughly, cut into thin slices, and dry.
[Appearance of prepared slices] It is a round thin slice, with a yellow or yellowish-white surface. The wood part is wide and has multiple layers of circular holes and radial patterns. The pith is not obvious, and the bark is thin. The periphery is grayish-yellow or light brownish-yellow and rough. It is light and hard in texture, with a slight fragrance and a bitter taste.
[Quality requirements] Determined by cold immersion method, the water-soluble extract should not be less than 16.0%.
[Processing function] Guangmutong has a bitter and cold taste and is toxic. It belongs to the heart, small intestine, and bladder meridians. It has the functions of clearing the heart and purging fire, promoting urination, promoting lactation, and regulating menstruation. It is mostly used in the treatment of painful and difficult urination, hot and painful urination, edema, restlessness and heat in the heart, oral ulcers, abnormal vaginal discharge, amenorrhea, insufficient milk production after childbirth, and damp-heat painful obstruction. Processing the herb makes it clean and facilitates the preparation and dissolution of its components.
