Rhizoma Arachniodis Exilis
Aliases：Xiǎo Gǒu Jī (literally "Little Dog Spine" — a common name for Arachniodes speciosa) and Lěng Jué Qí (literally "Cool Fern"). (These are alternative names for Fù Yè ěr Jué, i.e., the rhizome of Arachniodes exilis and related species.)
Fù Yè ěr Jué (Arachniodes exilis Rhizome) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried rhizome of Arachniodes exilis (Hance) Ching, a plant belonging to the family Dryopteridaceae. It grows under forests on slopes, beside streams, or along roadsides.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat, removes toxicity, and heals sores.
Indications
Dysentery and burns/scalds.
Modern Pharmacology
Antifertility effect: Methanol extract of Arachniodes exilis, administered intraperitoneally to mice at 0.8 g/kg or 1.6–2.4 g/kg on days 6–7, 10–11, and 15–16 of pregnancy for 3 consecutive days, can terminate early, mid, and late pregnancy. The mechanism involves inhibition of decidual reaction and induction of uterine contractions, leading to necrosis and expulsion of gestational tissue from the uterine cavity. Uterine contractile effect: Both the decoction and methanol extract of Arachniodes exilis can significantly enhance the rhythmic contractions of isolated uteri from normal non‑pregnant and pregnant mice, with increased muscle tone in some cases. Antitumor effect: The total flavonoids of Arachniodes exilis inhibit the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells and lung cancer A549 cells in a time‑ and concentration‑dependent manner. Total flavonoids at certain concentrations can induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells. In vivo studies have shown that total flavonoids can inhibit tumor growth in a hepatoma xenograft model. Antibacterial and anti‑inflammatory effects: It has heat‑clearing, dampness‑eliminating, and antibacterial and anti‑inflammatory effects, and is used in folk medicine for acute icteric hepatitis, arthritis, and other conditions.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: Total flavonoids are one of its main active components. Compounds such as naringin rutinoside, manghaslin, eriocitrin, and luteolin-7-O-rutinoside have been isolated from the aerial parts. Phenolic compounds. Triterpenoids and steroidal saponins. Organic acids, coumarins, lactones, cardiac glycosides, anthraquinones, etc.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 15–30 g. For topical application: grind an appropriate amount into powder and apply with a suitable base.
Contraindications
Long‑term use of this product may cause uterine coldness and infertility. Contraindicated in individuals allergic to this product; use with caution in those with allergic constitution.
Selected Formulas
For dysentery (empirical formula) Take 15-30g of compound-leaved fern (a local herb), decoct in water and drink. For burns and scalds (empirical formula) Take an appropriate amount of compound-leaved fern, dry in the sun, grind into powder, mix with vegetable oil, and apply.
Medicinal Parts
Dried rhizome.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
