Radix et Herba Potentillae Leuconotae
Aliases：Jinbiao Cao (Jinbiao Grass); Jinxian Biao (Golden Thread Dart); Yinye Weilingcai (Silverleaf Cinquefoil); Hong Diyu (Red Sanguisorba; Yanyuan, Sichuan); Se Ye (Astringent Leaf); Se Cao (Astringent Grass); Bai Ban Renshen Guo (White-Spotted Ginseng Fruit).
Jinxian Biao is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the root and whole plant of Potentilla leuconota D. Don, a plant in the family Rosaceae. It grows on hillside grasslands and under forests at elevations of 1,300–4,600 meters. It is recorded in National Compendium of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Sichuan Materia Medica, Wanxian Chinese Herbal Medicine, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears Heat and removes toxin; promotes diuresis and eliminates Dampness.
Indications
Wind-heat hoarseness; lung abscess (pulmonary abscess); abdominal pain and dysentery; intestinal abscess (appendicitis); excessive leukorrhea in women.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological research on Silverleaf Cinquefoil is still insufficient. The following findings are mainly derived from chemical and pharmacological studies on plants of the genus Potentilla, and are provided for reference: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects: Potentilla leuconota contains flavonoids, tannins, and other constituents, and these active substances confer its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory pharmacological effects. Clinically, Potentilla leuconota is often combined with other heat-clearing and toxin-removing herbs to treat damp-heat dysentery. Antioxidant and astringent effects: Plants of the genus Potentilla are rich in tannins, which possess astringent and antioxidant activities, consistent with its traditional effects of clearing heat, removing toxin, promoting diuresis, and stopping dysentery. Antitussive effect: The root of Potentilla leuconota has wind-dispelling and toxin-removing effects and can be used for rheumatic joint pain. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from comprehensive studies or preliminary experiments on plants of the genus Potentilla. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Silverleaf Cinquefoil (the root and whole plant of P. leuconota) remains to be further conducted. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
Systematic chemical studies on Silverleaf Cinquefoil remain insufficient. According to available data, its active constituents mainly include: Flavonoids: One of the main active constituents of Potentilla leuconota, serving as the material basis for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Tannins: Plants of the genus Potentilla are rich in tannins, which possess astringent, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities. Others: It also contains organic acids, sugars, and other constituents. Note: Systematic chemical studies on Silverleaf Cinquefoil (P. leuconota) are extremely limited. The above constituents are largely inferred from research on plants of the genus Potentilla.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 15–30 g.
Contraindications
Use with caution in individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. Silverleaf Cinquefoil is relatively cold in nature; its use by individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold may aggravate discomfort. 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.
Selected Formulas
For wind-heat hoarseness (Wanxian Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 15g of Se Cao, 9g each of Maidong (Ophiopogon japonicus), Shihu (Dendrobium), Hezi (Chebulae Fructus), and Pangdahai (Sterculiae Lychnophorae Semen). Decoct in water and drink. For dysentery (Wanxian Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 30g of Se Cao, 12g each of Shuihuanglian, Xianhecao (Agrimonia pilosa), Machixian (Portulaca oleracea), and Luoboutou. Decoct in water and drink. For excessive leukorrhea (Wanxian Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 24g of Se Cao, 15g each of Jinyingzi root (Rosa laevigata) and Mianhuazi (cottonseed). Decoct in water and drink.
Medicinal Parts
Root and 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.
