Herba Bulbostylidis Barbatae
Aliases：Qiuzhu Cao (Bulbostylis); Qiuhua Zhu (Globular Style); Yang Cao (Seedling Grass); Da Mao Cao (Large Hairy Grass); Qi Mao (Flag Grass); Longzhua Cao (Dragon-Claw Grass); Qi Suo (Field Sedge); Youma Cao (Oil-Hemp Grass); Goumao Zhen (Dog-Hair Needle).
Niumaocao (Bulbostylis) is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the whole plant of Bulbostylis barbata (Rottb.) Kunth [syn. Scirpus barbata Rottb.], a plant in the family Cyperaceae. It grows in coastal sandy areas, riverbank sandy areas, field edges, and hillside grasslands at elevations of 130–500 meters. It is recorded in Chinese Materia Medica and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Cools Blood and stops bleeding.
Indications
Hematemesis (vomiting of blood); hemoptysis (coughing up blood); epistaxis (nosebleed); hematuria (blood in urine); hematochezia (blood in stool).
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological research on Bulbostylis remains insufficient. Preliminary studies indicate that it contains flavonoids and may possess the following pharmacological activities: Hemostatic effect: The traditional effect of Bulbostylis is to cool Blood and stop bleeding. This may be related to the potential effects of its flavonoid constituents in strengthening capillary resistance and shortening bleeding time. Anti-inflammatory effect: Neo-clerodane diterpenoids isolated from the related medicinal plant Scutellaria barbata (Barbed Skullcap) exhibit inhibitory activity against nitric oxide (NO) production, suggesting that plants of the genus Bulbostylis may possess anti-inflammatory potential. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely preliminary experiments or inferences based on related plants. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Bulbostylis (the whole plant of B. barbata) remains to be further conducted. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
The whole plant of Bulbostylis contains flavonoids, which are its principal active constituents.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 3–9 g.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy. Use with caution during menstruation.
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.
