Herba Brandisiae Cauliflorae
Aliases：Hong Hua Jin Yin Teng (Red-Flower Gold-Silver Vine).
Stemflower Brandisia is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the whole plant of Brandisia cauliflora Tsoong et Lu, a plant in the family Scrophulariaceae. The flowers are axillary, and the corolla is purplish-red or red, hence the alias "Red-Flower Gold-Silver Vine." The capsule is ovoid. It grows in low mountain forests. It is recorded in Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae, Chinese Materia Medica, Outline of New Chinese Materia Medica, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Relaxes the sinews and activates the collaterals.
Indications
Rheumatic bone pain; traumatic injuries and fractures.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological research specifically on Brandisia cauliflora remains insufficient. However, the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of the related species Brandisia hancei Hook. f. have been more extensively studied. Its active constituents are phenylpropanoid glycosides, which possess the following pharmacological activities: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: Poliumoside, isolated from the related species Brandisia hancei, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. It inhibits the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and rat lens aldose reductase (RLAR), with IC₅₀ values of 19.69 μM and 8.47 μM, respectively. Antibacterial and antiviral effects: Phenylpropanoid glycosides possess antibacterial and antiviral activities. Neuroexcitatory and lipid-lowering effects: Acteoside exhibits neuroexcitatory and lipid-lowering effects and has therapeutic effects on sexual dysfunction and amnesia. Insect antifeedant effect: Phenylpropanoid glycosides possess insect antifeedant activity.
Ingredients
The whole plant of Stemflower Brandisia contains the following active constituents: Phenylpropanoid glycosides (principal active constituents): Acteoside. 2′-Acetylacteoside. Poliumoside. Brandioside. Others: Dulcitol. Mannitol.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 6–9 g. External use: Appropriate amount of fresh material, pounded and applied topically.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy, as it may affect fetal development. Use with caution in individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold to avoid aggravating discomfort. Not suitable for breastfeeding women, infants and young children, individuals with an allergic constitution, or those with impaired liver and kidney function.
Selected Formulas
For rheumatic bone pain and traumatic fractures (Chinese Materia Medica) Take 6–9g of the whole plant of Jinghua Laijiangteng (Brandisia cauliflora). Decoct in water and take orally; for external use, take an appropriate amount of fresh herb, crush and apply to the affected area.
Medicinal Parts
Whole plant.
Selection & Storage
Dried material should be stored in a well-ventilated, dry place. Protect from moisture and insect damage. Airtight storage is recommended. Avoid direct sunlight. Fresh material should be used promptly or refrigerated for short-term storage.
