Leaves of the Elephant Plant, also known as Poinsettia or Red Star, are a type of traditional Chinese medicine used to treat dysmenorrhea and injuries. It has the effects of regulating menstruation, stopping bleeding, promoting bone healing, and reducing swelling. As a valuable medicinal herb, the Elephant Plant has high medicinal value. However, it is also highly toxic. Accidental ingestion may lead to symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting and diarrhea. Let's take a closer look at this Chinese herbal medicine, the Elephant Plant.
Elephant Plant
I. Main Characteristics
The Elephant Plant belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. It is cultivated throughout the country and the whole plant is used as medicine. It has a bitter, astringent, and cold nature and is toxic. The leaves of the Elephant Plant can be harvested all year round, washed, and used fresh or dried.
The Elephant Plant can grow up to 80cm in height. The leaves are alternate; the shape of the leaves varies, including ovate, elliptic, lanceolate, or linear. The leaves in the middle and lower parts are 4-10cm long and 2.5-5cm wide, with lobed or unlobed shapes. The petiole is 2-3cm long. The leaf base or all of the lower part of the inflorescence leaves are purple-red. The inflorescence is arranged in dense umbels on the stems and branches; the involucre is campanulate, about 3-4mm wide, with 5 lobes at the top; there are 1-2 glands, cup-shaped, without petaloid appendages. The capsule is nearly spherical, about 5mm in diameter, and hairless; the seeds are ovate with warty projections.
II. Main Components
The seeds contain proteins and fatty oils, with linoleic acid and linolenic acid as the main components in the oil. The leaves and plant sap are toxic.
III. Pharmacological Effects
It can regulate menstruation, stop bleeding, promote bone healing, and reduce swelling. It is used to treat excessive menstrual bleeding, injuries, and fractures.
(1) Antibacterial effect: Flower and leaf extracts have inhibitory effects on Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro, while stems and roots are ineffective.
(2) Toxic effect: The leaves or plant sap are toxic and ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and delirium. The toxic components may be present in the resinous part.
The Elephant Plant is cultivated throughout the country and is recorded in traditional medicine for treating injuries and menstrual disorders in the Wenshan area of Yunnan Province. In recent years, its chemical composition and pharmacological effects have been studied.
IV. Usage and Dosage
Oral administration: Decoction, 6-10 grams of flowers. The leaves are mainly used externally for poultices.
Toxic symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and delirium.
Rescue methods: 1. Early induction of vomiting, gastric lavage; 2. Oral administration of tannic acid protein or general antidotes; 3. Intravenous fluids and symptomatic treatment.
V. Contraindications
The leaves should not be taken internally.
