Everyone knows that nowadays we use painkillers to relieve pain. But what did people do in ancient times when there were no painkillers? Don't worry, traditional Chinese medicine also has pain-relieving herbs. Today, I will introduce the herb Xue Man Cao, which has analgesic properties. Xue Man Cao is the whole herb and root of the plant Lonicera japonica, a member of the Caprifoliaceae family. Let's learn more about its analgesic effects!
Analgesic Effects of Xue Man Cao
Research has been conducted on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Xue Man Cao water and alcohol extracts.
The safety of the two extracts was evaluated by administering them at the maximum dosage. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were studied using the xylene-induced ear edema method in mice, the acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice, and the hot plate test for mouse foot pain.
Both extracts of Xue Man Cao significantly inhibited xylene-induced ear edema in mice. They also showed significant antagonistic effects against acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. In the hot plate test, Xue Man Cao significantly prolonged the licking time of mice after exposure to heat.
Orally administering Xue Man Cao water extract (at a dosage equivalent to 630 times the clinical dose for humans) and alcohol extract (at a dosage equivalent to 600 times the clinical dose for humans) to mice did not show any apparent toxicity. Both extracts of Xue Man Cao exhibited good anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Xue Man Cao is not only used in Han medicine and Tibetan medicine, but also by the Hani ethnic group to treat fractures and sprains. The Tujia ethnic group uses it to treat bruises, fractures, and swelling. The Buyi ethnic group also has a traditional recipe that uses the stems and branches of Xue Man Cao to treat rheumatism, joint and bone pain, bruises, fractures, and bleeding.
Identification of Xue Man Cao
The stems of Xue Man Cao are cylindrical, with a diameter of 0.3-1.5cm. The surface is grayish-green to green-brown in color and is hard and brittle. The stems have multiple longitudinal ridges, and the ridges are covered with short yellow-brown to rust-colored hairs. The outer layer of the stem is hard and woody. The pith is wide and white, spongy in texture, slightly shiny, and scattered with small brown-red dots, with more dots on the outer side of the pith.
The odd-pinnate compound leaves are opposite, with short stalks. The leaflets are green-brown to dark green, covered with short hairs, and often wrinkled and broken. When fully expanded, the leaflets are lanceolate in shape, 5-15cm long and 2-4cm wide, with serrated edges.
Occasionally, flowers may appear. The terminal inflorescence is a rounded cone, with small flowers that are light yellow or white. The plant has a slightly fragrant smell and a mild, slightly astringent taste. The color of the stem surface, the longitudinal ridges and hair coverings of the stem, the wide pith, and the scattered brown-red dots are the most characteristic identification points.
Applications of Xue Man Cao in Traditional Formulas
1. Treatment of acute and chronic nephritis: 15g of Xue Man Cao, 30g of Jiupinghua root, 12g of Shanpiti and Shijiaocao each. Decoction and oral administration.
2. Treatment of rheumatic pain and measles: Use Xue Man Cao in an appropriate amount. Decoction and external washing of the affected area.
3. Treatment of infantile paralysis and sprains: First, use plum blossom needles to puncture the affected area, then grind a suitable amount of fresh Xue Man Cao stems and leaves, and wrap them with alcohol.
4. Treatment of fractures: Use a suitable amount of fresh Xue Man Cao whole herb, grind it into a paste, and apply it with alcohol or boiled water.
5. Treatment of edema: Use 3-5 qian (9-15g) of fresh Xue Man Cao tender leaves and root bark, boil them with tofu, and consume the decoction.
6. Treatment of rectal bleeding and prolapse: Use Xue Man Cao, Heisuomei root, and Mangzhonghua root, boil them with pork, and consume the soup.
