Ramulus et Folium Alni Cremastogynis
Aliases：Qī Mù Shāo (Alder Twig-Tip) (Atlas of Chinese Materia Medica); Niushishu Young Leaves (Young Leaves of the “Cow-Dung Tree”); Luo Guai Mu; Cai Ke Suan (Folk Medicines of Guizhou).
Qī Mù Zhī Shāo (Alder Twig and Leaf) is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It refers to the young twigs and leaves of Alnus cremastogyne Burkill, a plant in the genus Alnus of the family Betulaceae. It mostly grows by mountain streams or in forests and often forms colonies. It is recorded in Chinese Materia Medica, Sichuan Materia Medica, Compilation of Common Folk Herbal Medicines, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears Heat and cools Blood; removes toxin.
Indications
Diarrhea; dysentery (watery diarrhea and dysentery); hematemesis (vomiting of blood); epistaxis (nosebleed); yellow-water sores (impetigo); venomous snake bites; gastric bleeding; functional uterine bleeding.
Modern Pharmacology
Dedicated pharmacological research on Alder Twig and Leaf itself remains insufficient. The following findings are primarily derived from chemical and pharmacological studies on the leaves, stem bark, and related species of the genus Alnus, and are provided for reference: Antioxidant effect: The leaf extract of Alnus japonica exhibits strong antioxidant activity, and its active constituents have been isolated and structurally identified. Diaryheptanoids, flavonoids, and tannins in Alnus species are associated with antioxidant activity, and gallic acid has been identified as one of the principal active compounds in Alnus species. Antitumor effect: The ethyl acetate extract of Northeast Alder (Alnus sp.) exhibits antitumor activity. Network pharmacology studies suggest that flavonoids such as naringenin, baicalein, and chrysin may be the core active constituents responsible for its antitumor effects, with EGFR, VEGFA, and AKT1 as key targets. Astringent and hemostatic effects: Alder Twig and Leaf contains various active constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, volatile oils, and tannins, and possesses astringent, hemostatic, Heat-clearing, and toxin-removing properties. Tannins can precipitate proteins to form a protective membrane, contributing to local hemostasis and wound astringency. Pharmacological basis related to traditional uses: Alnus species are used in traditional medicine to treat bleeding, burns, fever, diarrhea, and alcohol intoxication. This is consistent with the traditional effects of Alder Twig and Leaf in clearing Heat, cooling Blood, removing toxin, and stopping diarrhea. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from studies on the leaves or stem bark of other species of the genus Alnus (such as A. japonica and Northeast Alder). Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Alder Twig and Leaf (the young twigs and leaves of A. cremastogyne) remains to be further conducted. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
Alder Twig and Leaf mainly contains the following active constituents: Flavonoids: naringenin, baicalein, chrysin, and others, which are core constituents for antioxidant and antitumor activities. Phenolic acids: gallic acid and others, identified as one of the principal active compounds in Alnus species. Diarylheptanoids: one of the characteristic constituents of Alnus species. Tannins: the material basis for astringent and hemostatic effects. Volatile oils. Polysaccharides: Alder polysaccharides (AAP) have been isolated and purified from related species of the same genus, yielding three fractions: AAP1, AAP2, and AAP3. Note: Systematic chemical studies on Alder Twig and Leaf remain insufficient. The above constituents are largely inferred from research on other species of the Alnus genus.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 9–15 g; or 3–5 qian (approximately 9–15 g). External use: Appropriate amount of fresh material, pounded and applied topically.
Contraindications
Use with caution in individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. Alder Twig and Leaf is cool in nature, and its use may aggravate discomfort in such individuals. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it under the guidance of a physician.
Selected Formulas
1、 For persistent epistaxis (Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica) Take Qimu branch tips and gardenia flowers. Decoct in water and drink. 2、 For watery diarrhea and dysentery (Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica) Take Qimu branch tips and Liuhecao (a local herb). Decoct in water and drink. 3、 For epistaxis (Qinling‑Bashan Natural Medicines Records) Take 15g of Qimu branch tips, 30g of Baimaogen (Imperata rhizome), and 9g of gardenia flowers. Decoct in water and drink. 4、 For gastric bleeding and functional uterine bleeding (Qinling‑Bashan Natural Medicines Records) Take 12g each of Qimu branch tips, Daji root (Cirsium japonicum), and Xianhecao (Agrimonia pilosa). Decoct in water and drink. 5、 For venomous snake bites (Guizhou Folk Medicines) Take an appropriate amount of tender leaves of Niushishu (a local herb). Chew thoroughly and apply to the wound.
Medicinal Parts
Young twigs and leaves.
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.
