Radix Hedyotidis Hedyotideae
Aliases：Mao Ji Shi Teng; Nong Jian Xiao (Pus-Dispelling); Ban Sha Teng; Da Ye Long Dan Cao (Large-Leaf Gentian); Tu Jia Teng; Tian Cha (Sweet Tea); Jie Gu Dan (Bone-Setting Pill); Liang Cha Teng (Cool Tea Vine); Bai Teng Cao (White Vine Grass).
Niu Baiteng Gen (Hedyotis Root) is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the root of Hedyotis hedyotidea (DC.) Merr., a plant in the family Rubiaceae. It grows in valleys, on slopes, under forests, and in thickets. It is an authenticated variety of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Terminology Standardization and Promotion Project and is recorded in Chinese Materia Medica, Manual of Common Chinese Herbal Medicines, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Cools Blood and removes toxin; dissipates Blood stasis and reduces swelling.
Indications
Rheumatic pain of the lower back and legs; sores, carbuncles, and toxic swellings; traumatic injuries; hemorrhoidal bleeding.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Hedyotis (including root, stem, and leaf) possesses the following significant pharmacological activities: Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects: Betulin and ursolic acid in Hedyotis are the main constituents responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity. Studies have shown that betulin and ursolic acid inhibit ConA-stimulated splenocyte proliferation, with betulin exhibiting stronger anti-inflammatory activity and relatively lower toxicity. Both effectively alleviate ConA-induced acute liver injury in mice, demonstrating anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. This provides a scientific basis for the traditional use of Hedyotis in treating hepatitis. Gentiopicroside (10, 20, and 40 μmol/L) in Hedyotis has no significant effect on RAW264.7 cell viability within 24 hours, but significantly inhibits the secretion of inflammatory factors such as NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 from LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Anti-rheumatoid arthritis effect: Studies on Hedyotis extract (15.6, 31.3, and 62.5 g/kg) in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model found that the high-dose group effectively alleviated inflammation in CIA rats. Analgesic effect: Both the water extract and ethanol extract of Hedyotis possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, with the ethanol extract showing stronger activity at the same dose. The petroleum ether and ethyl acetate extracts of Hedyotis significantly reduce xylene-induced mouse ear edema and inhibit thermal and acetic acid-induced pain responses in mice. Antitumor and anti-leukemia effects: Hedyotis possesses antitumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-leukemia effects. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects: Hedyotis possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from chemical and pharmacological studies on the whole plant and root-stem of Hedyotis. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Hedyotis Root (the root of H. hedyotidea) is still ongoing. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
Hedyotis (root and whole plant) mainly contains the following active constituents: Iridoids (principal active constituents): Gentiopicroside Asperulosidic acid methyl ester Hedyotoside Hedanthrosides A–E (new compounds) Hediridosides A–B (new compounds) Triterpenoids: Ursolic acid Oleanolic acid Betulin Epibetulinic acid Lupeol Steroids: β-Sitosterol Δ⁵,²²-Stigmasterol Coumarins: Scopoletin Others: Caffeic acid Lignans Anthraquinone bisglycosides Note: Hedyotis mainly contains pentacyclic triterpenoids and iridoids, which are also the main constituents responsible for its pharmacological effects. Seventeen compounds, including seven new compounds, were isolated from the 70% acetone-water extract. Systematic chemical studies specifically on Hedyotis Root remain to be further conducted.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 15–30 g. External use: Appropriate amount. Pounded and applied topically; or decocted in water for washing.
Contraindications
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it under the guidance of a physician. Not suitable for long-term or high-dose use. Use with caution in individuals with an allergic constitution. Use with caution in individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. A light diet should be maintained during use.
Selected Formulas
For low back and leg pain (Guangzhou Military Unit, Common Chinese Herbal Medicine Manual) Take 15–30g of Niubaiteng root (Hedyotis hedyotidea). Decoct in water and drink. For hemorrhoidal bleeding, furuncles, sores, and carbuncles (Guangzhou Military Unit, Common Chinese Herbal Medicine Manual) Take 15–30g of Niubaiteng root. Decoct in water and drink. Commentaries: Guangzhou Military Unit, Common Chinese Herbal Medicine Manual records: “Treats low back and leg pain, hemorrhoidal bleeding, and boils, sores, and carbuncles.”
Daily Consumption
For use as a daily tea, take an appropriate amount of Hedyotis Root, decoct it in water, and drink the decoction as a tea substitute.
Medicinal Parts
Root.
Selection & Storage
Dried material should be stored in a well-ventilated, dry place. Protect from moisture and insect damage. Keep in an airtight container away from light. Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight. Fresh material should be used promptly or refrigerated for short-term storage.
