Marsdenia sinensis Hemsl.
Aliases：Sān Bǎi Yín (literally "Three Hundred Silver"), Pó Pó Zhēn Xiàn Bāo (recorded in Zhejiang, literally "Grandma's Needle‑and‑Thread Bag"), Pó Pó Zhēn Qián Bāo (literally "Grandma's Needle‑and‑Money Bag"), Bái Dù Zhòng (literally "White Eucommia" — named for its resemblance to Eucommia bark), and Zhōng Yè Dù Zhòng (literally "Medium‑leaved Eucommia"). These are all alternative names for 牛奶菜 (Niú Nǎi Cài)， i.e., the dried whole herb of Marsdenia sinensis Hemsl.
Niú Nǎi Cài is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried whole herb of Marsdenia sinensis Hemsl., a plant belonging to the genus Marsdenia of the family Asclepiadaceae. It grows in sparse forests.
Efficacy & Actions
Tonifies the Kidney, strengthens sinews, strengthens the Spleen, and supplements qi.
Indications
Kidney deficiency with lumbar pain; rheumatic strain and fatigue; Spleen‑Stomach weakness; and insufficient lactation (postpartum milk deficiency).
Modern Pharmacology
Anti‑snake venom effects: The whole herb preparation of Niú Nǎi Cài has significant anti‑snake bite effects. It primarily exerts its therapeutic effects by inhibiting oxidative damage caused by snake venom and by inhibiting snake venom neurotoxins. Analgesic and anti‑inflammatory effects: Exhibits analgesic and anti‑inflammatory effects. Antitumor activity: Compounds isolated from the root of Niú Nǎi Cài have shown antitumor activity. Strengthening sinews and bones, and promoting circulation: Used in folk medicine to strengthen sinews and bones, relax tendons and activate collaterals, and promote qi circulation to relieve pain.
Ingredients
Ten compounds have been isolated and identified from the root extract of Marsdenia sinensis: α‑Amyrin acetate α‑Amyrin 3β,24‑Dihydroxyurs‑12‑ene Psoralen β‑Daucosterol Isovanillic acid α‑Monopalmitin Linoleic acid Tetracosanoic acid Hexadecanol Among these, compounds 3, 4, 6, and 7 were isolated from this plant for the first time.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water. The daily dosage is 3–6 qián (approximately 9–18 g).
Selected Formulas
For kidney-deficiency lower back pain (Wanxian Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 6 qian each of Niunai Cai (Marsdenia sinensis), Gouji (Cibotium barometz), Xiangbaji (a local herb), and Gusuibu (Drynaria fortunei), 4 qian each of Chengqie Gen (a local herb) and Duhuo (Angelica pubescens), 3 qian each of Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala) and Huaitong (a local herb), and 4 qian of Huzhang (Polygonum cuspidatum). Decoct in water and drink. For rheumatic overstrain (Wanxian Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 5 qian each of Niunai Cai, Wushaofeng (a local herb), Guangbianxian (a local herb), and Jixinqi (a local herb), 3 qian each of Shuibajiao (a local herb), Yiweiyao gen (a local herb), and Niuxi (Achyranthes bidentata), and 4 qian of Mutong (Akebia quinata). Decoct in water and drink. For spleen-stomach weakness (Wanxian Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 5 qian each of Niunai Cai, Miangen Teng (a local herb), Shizhu gen (a local herb), Chou Mudan (Clerodendrum bungei), and Donglü (a local herb), and 3 qian of Sangye (mulberry leaf). Decoct in water and drink. For insufficient lactation (postpartum milk deficiency) (Wanxian Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 6 qian each of Niunai Cai, Tudangshen (a local herb), and Fuling (Poria), 4 qian of Huangqi (Astragalus mongholicus), and 3 qian each of Shichangpu (Acorus tatarinowii) and Tongcao (Tetrapanax papyriferus). Stew with pig trotters and consume.
Medicinal Parts
It is the dried whole herb of Marsdenia sinensis Hemsl., a plant belonging to the family Asclepiadaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
