Umbilicaria hypococcinea (Jatta) Liano
Aliases：Hóng Shí ěr Zǐ (literally "Red Stone Ear Seed"), Shí ěr Zǐ (literally "Stone Ear Seed"); Hóng Fù Shí ěr (literally "Red‑bellied Stone Ear"), Hóng Fù Qí Yī (literally "Red‑bellied Navel Lichen"), and Huáng Dǐ Shí ěr (literally "Yellow‑bottomed Stone Ear"). (These are all alternative names for Hóng Shí ěr, i.e., the thallus of Umbilicaria hypococcinea / Red Stone Ear.)
Hóng Shí ěr (Red Stone Ear) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the thallus of Umbilicaria hypococcinea (Jatta) Liano, a lichen belonging to the family Umbilicariaceae. It grows on rock surfaces in alpine zones (above 3,600 meters in altitude), solitary or in patches; it is also found in weathered gravel within rock crevices. It is recorded in Shaanxi Zhongcaoyao (Shaanxi Chinese Herbal Medicine).
Efficacy & Actions
Regulates qi, strengthens the stomach, promotes diuresis, and relieves distension.
Indications
Indigestion, epigastric and abdominal distension and pain, dysentery, infantile malnutrition (gan accumulation), abdominal masses, ascariasis (roundworm infection), and leukorrhea.
Modern Pharmacology
Antibacterial effects: The methanol extract exhibits inhibitory effects against 7 types of intestinal pathogenic bacteria. Antitumor effects: Hóng Shí ěr polysaccharides can inhibit the proliferation of HeLa cells (human cervical cancer cells) at concentrations of 5–800 μg/mL. Antioxidant effects: Hóng Shí ěr polysaccharides and aqueous extracts exhibit antioxidant activity.
Ingredients
Polysaccharides: Hóng Shí ěr polysaccharide, a homogeneous polysaccharide with a sugar content of 90.4%, composed of glucose (Glc), mannose (Man), and glucuronic acid in a molar ratio of 45:1:9. Lichen acids: Gyrophoric acid. Other acids: Atranorin, methyl orsellinate, ethyl orsellinate, orsellinic acid, methyl β-orcinolcarboxylate, usnic acid, and 2,2'-bis[(1,8-dihydroxy-3-methyl)anthraquinone]. Amino acids: Contains more than 10 types of amino acids.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 9–15 g.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in individuals allergic to fungi. Use with caution in patients with Spleen‑Stomach deficiency‑cold. Use with caution during pregnancy. Avoid concurrent use with certain medications. Should not be consumed in excess.
Selected Formulas
For dyspepsia with gastric and abdominal distension and pain (empirical formula) Take 15g of Hongshi'er (a local herb), 6g each of Taibaimi (a local herb) and Taiqianghuo (a local herb), and 2.4g of Tao'erqi (a local herb). Decoct in water and drink. For dysentery with abdominal pain and infantile malnutrition (gan) (empirical formula) Take 9g of Hongshi'er, 6g of Zhushaqi (a local herb), and 1.5g of Taibaimi. Decoct in water, with brown and white sugar as a guide, and drink. For infantile malnutrition (gan), abdominal masses, and ascariasis (empirical formula) Take 6-15g of Hongshi'er, soak in boiling water until swollen, stir-fry with vegetable oil, then decoct in boiling water, and take the soup.
Medicinal Parts
It is the thallus of Umbilicaria hypococcinea (Jatta) Liano, a lichen belonging to the family Umbilicariaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
