Involucrum Castaneae Mollissimae
Aliases：Li Mao Ke (Chestnut Hairy Shell) (Tang Materia Medica); Li Ci Ke (Chestnut Thorny Shell) (Ri Yong Ben Cao); Li Hei Ke (Chestnut Black Shell); Feng Li Ke (Wind Chestnut Shell) (Guangdong Chinese Materia Medica); Ban Li Ke Dou (Chinese Chestnut Cupule) (Jiangxi Herbal Medicine Manual).
Chestnut Involucre is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the involucre (cupule) of Castanea mollissima Bl., a plant in the family Fagaceae. It is commonly found from flatlands to mountainous areas at elevations up to 2,800 meters. It is recorded in Newly Revised Materia Medica (Xinxiu Bencao), Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu), Illustrated Diannan Materia Medica (Diannan Bencao Tushuo), Chinese Materia Medica (Zhonghua Bencao), Dictionary of Chinese Materia Medica (Zhongyao Da Cidian), and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears Heat and dissipates nodules; resolves Phlegm; stops bleeding.
Indications
Erysipelas (fire rash); scrofula and phlegm nodules; whooping cough; post-stroke loss of speech; hematochezia; epistaxis (nosebleed); regurgitation; consumptive thirst (xiaoke); chronic bronchitis; lymphadenitis; mumps (parotitis).
Modern Pharmacology
Antibacterial effect: The water decoction, alcohol-soluble fraction, and ethyl acetate extract of Chinese chestnut involucres all exhibit antibacterial activity. Anti-inflammatory effect: Chestnut Involucre possesses anti-inflammatory activity. Antioxidant effect: The flavonoids from Chestnut Involucre exhibit in vitro antioxidant activity, and the purified flavonoids show superior effects compared with vitamin C at the same concentration. Effect on smooth muscle: It can antagonize the excitatory effect of acetylcholine chloride on isolated guinea pig ileum smooth muscle. Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antitumor effects: Chestnut involucres are rich in polyphenols, tannic acid, organic acids, flavonoids, and other compounds, and possess antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. Wound-healing promoting effect: The ethanol extract of Chestnut Involucre contains active constituents that promote wound healing.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: One of the principal active constituents of Chestnut Involucre, with purity reaching 79.16% after purification. Polyphenols and tannins: Polyphenols, tannic acid, and others, with contents far higher than those in chestnut kernels. Organic acids: Malic acid dibutylester, among others. Triterpenoids: Oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, among others. Sterols: Stigmast-4-en-6β-ol-3-one, among others. Others: Emodin, tiliroside (kaempferol-3-O-[6″-O-(E)-p-coumaroyl]glucoside), among others.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 9–30 g. External use: Appropriate amount, decocted in water for washing, or ground into powder and applied topically as a paste.
Contraindications
Individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold should not take it for an extended period. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it under the guidance of a physician.
Selected Formulas
1、 For sudden erysipelas‑like malignant sores (Zhouhou Fang) Take chestnut burr (or skin), the prickly ones, decoct in water and wash the affected area. 2、 For phlegm‑fire headache (Guangdong Chinese Medicine) Take 30g of Fengli shell (chestnut burr) and 3 honey dates. Decoct together and drink. 3、 For whooping cough in children (Guangdong Chinese Medicine) Take 9g of Fengli shell, add 15g of candied winter melon. Decoct and drink. 4、 For phlegm‑fire head scrofula (Guangdong Chinese Medicine II) Take 30g of Fengli shell and 3 honey dates. Decoct together and drink.
Medicinal Parts
Involucre (cupule).
Selection & Storage
Dried material should be stored in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and insect damage. Airtight storage is recommended. Avoid direct sunlight.
