Ramulus Lithocarpi polystachyi
Aliases：Da Ye Zhou Jing (Large-Leaf Stem); Ji Shan Ke Jing (Ji Mountain Tanoak Stem); Ji Shan Ke Geng (Ji Mountain Tanoak Twig); Tian Cha Jing (Sweet Tea Stem).
Duosui Shike Stem is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the stem and branch of Lithocarpus polystachyus (Wall.) Rehd., a plant in the family Fagaceae. It grows in dense mountain forests at elevations of 400–2,000 meters. It is recorded in Chinese Materia Medica and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels Wind-Dampness; activates Blood circulation and relieves pain.
Indications
Wind-Dampness arthralgia; traumatic injuries and fractures.
Modern Pharmacology
Antioxidant effect: Lithocarpus polystachyus is rich in flavonoids and exhibits significant antioxidant activity. It scavenges free radicals and alleviates oxidative stress damage. Anti-inflammatory effect: Extracts of Lithocarpus polystachyus possess anti-inflammatory activity, and the mechanism involves the regulation of inflammatory signaling pathways. A study published in 2023 demonstrated that Lithocarpus polystachyus exerts a protective effect against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway and regulating NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects: Lithocarpus polystachyus has activity in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. Its rich dihydrochalcone constituents (trilobatin, phlorizin, and phloretin) exhibit significant activity in modulating glucose and lipid metabolism. Antibacterial effect: Extracts of Lithocarpus polystachyus exhibit inhibitory effects against various bacteria. Antitumor effect: Modern studies indicate that Lithocarpus polystachyus possesses antitumor activity. Hepatoprotective effect: Lithocarpus polystachyus exhibits hepatoprotective activity and has long been used in folk medicine for relieving alcohol intoxication and protecting the liver.
Ingredients
The stem and leaves of Lithocarpus polystachyus mainly contain the following active constituents: Flavonoids: Dihydrochalcones represented by phlorizin, as well as trilobatin and phloretin. The trilobatin content in young leaves can reach over 10%, making it the main sweetener component and one of the principal active constituents of L. polystachyus. Triterpenoids: Oleanolic acid-type triterpenoids. Polyphenols: Phenolic acid compounds. Polysaccharides. Others: It also contains organic acids, sterols, and other constituents.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 10–15 g. External use: Appropriate amount. Pounded and applied topically; or decocted in water for washing.
Contraindications
Individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold accompanied by loose stools or diarrhea should not take this product for an extended period. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it with caution. Individuals with an allergic constitution should use it with caution.
Selected Formulas
For wind-dampness impediment with pain (empirical formula) Take 15g of Duosui Shike stem (Lithocarpus polystachyus), 10g of Weilingxian (Clematis chinensis), 15g of Sangjisheng (Taxillus chinensis), and 10g of Wujiapi (Acanthopanax gracilistylus). Decoct in water and drink. For injury and fracture (empirical formula) Take 15g of Duosui Shike stem, 12g of Gusuibu (Drynaria fortunei), 12g of Xuduan (Dipsacus asper), and 10g of Zirantong (Pyrite, pre-decocted). Decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
In folk practice, the young leaves of Lithocarpus polystachyus are commonly used to prepare a traditional herbal beverage known as "sweet tea" (tiancha). It is a traditional drink of the Yao and Dong ethnic groups in western Hunan and is valued for its health-promoting effects, including relieving alcohol intoxication, protecting the liver, and helping prevent hypertension and diabetes.
Medicinal Parts
Stem and branch.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place. Protect from moisture and insect damage. Airtight storage is recommended. Avoid direct sunlight.
