Tupistra chinensis Baker
Aliases：Bā Lín Má (literally "Bark Forest Hemp"), Xīn Bù Gān (literally "Heart Does Not Dry" — implying strong efficacy), Yán Qí (literally "Rock Astragalus"), Dà Hán Yào (literally "Great Cold Medicine" — indicating its cold nature), Wàn Nián Pān (literally "Ten‑Thousand‑Year Clinger"), Zhú Gēn Qī (literally "Bamboo Root Seven"), Niú Wěi Qī (literally "Ox Tail Seven"), Zhú Gēn Shēn (literally "Bamboo Root Ginseng"), Bāo Gǔ Qī (literally "Corn Seven"), Yán Qī (literally "Rock Seven" — variant), Shí Fēng Dān (literally "Stone Wind Elixir"), Sōu Shān Hǔ (literally "Mountain‑Searching Tiger"), Xiǎo Wàn Nián Qīng (literally "Little Evergreen"), Kāi Hóu Jiàn (literally "Throat‑Opening Sword" — indicating its use for throat ailments), Lǎo Shé Lián (literally "Old Snake Lotus" — related to its use for snake bites), Qīng Lóng Dǎn (literally "Blue Dragon Gallbladder"), and Luó Hàn Qī (literally "Arhat Seven"). (These are all alternative names for Kāi Kǒu Jiàn, i.e., the rhizome of Tupistra chinensis and T. ensifolia.)
Kāi Kǒu Jiàn (Tupistra chinensis Rhizome) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the rhizome of Tupistra chinensis Baker and Tupistra ensifolia Wang et Tang, plants belonging to the family Liliaceae.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat, removes toxicity, dispels wind-dampness, disperses stasis, and relieves pain.
Indications
Diphtheria, sore throat and tonsillitis, rheumatic arthralgia, rheumatoid arthritis and lumbago with leg pain, traumatic injuries, stomach pain and gastric ulcers, carbuncles, sores and toxic swellings, and snake and rabid dog bites.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti‑inflammatory effects. Antitumor effects. Antioxidant effects. Antibacterial effects. Cardiovascular activity. Expectorant effects.
Ingredients
Steroidal compounds (such as saponins, which are its main active components). Polysaccharides. Volatile oils. Fatty acids. Chlorogenic acid. Flavonoids. Alkaloids. Metal elements.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: Decoct in water, 1.5–3 g. Grind into powder, 0.6–0.9 g. For topical application: appropriate amount, mashed for application.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy. This product is toxic and should be used under the guidance of a physician. Dosage should not be excessive: There have been reports of poisoning with 9 g. Avoid tobacco, chili peppers, vinegar, and acidic foods (according to Shaanxi Zhongcaoyao — Shaanxi Chinese Herbal Medicine). Symptoms of poisoning: Headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, etc. Discontinue immediately and seek emergency treatment. Mechanism of toxicity: Contains rhodexin with digitalis‑like effects; large doses may cause cardiac conduction block and cardiac arrest.
Medicinal Parts
It is the rhizome of Tupistra chinensis Baker and Tupistra ensifolia Wang et Tang, plants belonging to the family Liliaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
