Ye Xianghua is the dried whole herb of the Euphorbiaceae plant, Pedilanthus tithymaloides. It is an annual herb and belongs to the category of warm meridian hemostatic drugs. It has the effects of cooling blood, regulating menstruation, dispelling stasis, and reducing swelling. It is mainly used to treat conditions such as excessive menstrual bleeding, bruises, fractures, etc.
【Plant Morphology】
Pedilanthus tithymaloides is an annual herb that grows to about 1 meter in height. The stem is erect, solitary, with oblique and stout branches that release white sap when broken. The young stem is hollow and green. The leaves are alternate, with various shapes, such as ovate, elliptical, deeply lobed or unlobed. The leaves in the middle and lower part of the plant are 4-10 cm long and 2.5-5 cm wide, with pinnate or unlobed shape. The petiole is 2-3 cm long. Some or all of the leaves in the lower part of the inflorescence are purple-red. The inflorescence is cup-shaped and arranged in dense umbels at the top of the stem or branches. The bracts are green and bell-shaped, with 5 lobes at the top. There are 1-2 glands, cup-shaped, and no petal-like appendages. The ovary is ovate, with 3 chambers, and the style is 3, separate, with 2 lobes at the top.
【Identification】
The capsule is ovoid-trigonous, with a diameter of about 5 mm. The seeds are ovate with warty projections on the surface.
【Chemical Constituents】
The seeds contain protein, fat, and fatty acids such as linoleic acid and linolenic acid.
【Functions and Indications】
Ye Xianghua has the effects of regulating menstruation, stopping bleeding, promoting bone healing, and reducing swelling. It is mainly used to treat excessive menstrual bleeding, bruises, and fractures.
【Usage and Dosage】
Internal use: Decoction, 3-9g. External use: Appropriate amount, apply the fresh herb as a poultice.
【Formulas】
1. For excessive menstrual bleeding and bruises: Take 2-3 qian (6-9 grams) of Ye Xianghua, decoct in water, and take twice a day.
2. For external bleeding and fractures: Apply an appropriate amount of fresh Ye Xianghua leaves to the affected area, change the dressing every 2-3 days.
【Pharmacological Actions】
The hot water extract of the flower and leaves has inhibitory effects on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37) in vitro, while the stem and root are ineffective. The juice of the leaves or the plant is toxic and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and delirium when consumed. The toxic component may be in the resin part.
【Pharmacological Research】
It does not have a killing effect on Schistosoma, but it has a significant diuretic effect in patients with ascites caused by schistosomiasis. It also has a strong laxative effect.
【Precautions】
The juice of the leaves or the plant is toxic and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and delirium when consumed. The toxic component may be in the resin part.
