Radix seu Folium seu Caulis Zanthoxyli Multijugi
Aliases：Root and leaf: Centipede Thorn; Small-Leaf Prickly Ash (Guizhou); Centipede Vine; Horse Pepper; Small-Leaf Chili Pepper (National Compendium of Chinese Herbal Medicine). Stem: Centipede Vine (Kunming Common Folk Herbal Medicine); Multijugate Zanthoxylum; Horse Pepper; Small-Leaf Chili Pepper (National Compendium of Chinese Herbal Medicine).
Duoye Huajiao is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the root of Zanthoxylum multijugum Franch., a plant in the family Rutaceae.
Efficacy & Actions
Root: Dispels Wind and disperses Cold to relieve pain; dispels Wind and eliminates Dampness, disperses Cold and relieves pain, and sets bones and stops bleeding. Leaf: Dispels Wind and eliminates Dampness, disperses Cold and relieves pain, and sets bones and stops bleeding. Stem: Dispels Wind and removes toxin; dispels Wind and relieves pain.
Indications
Root: Wind-cold common cold, headache, rheumatic cold joint pain, and toothache; Wind-Cold-Dampness arthralgia, fractures, and external bleeding. Leaf: Wind-Cold-Dampness arthralgia, toothache, fractures, and external bleeding. Stem: Sores, syphilis, and tinea; rheumatic joint pain.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological research on Multijugate Zanthoxylum remains insufficient. The following findings are primarily derived from chemical and pharmacological studies on plants of the genus Zanthoxylum, and are provided for reference: Antibacterial effect: The ethanol extract of Multijugate Zanthoxylum inhibits Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus. Its alkaloid constituents can reduce the release of inflammatory factors and can be used for mild skin infections. Purified flavonoids from Zanthoxylum leaves exhibit significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects: The volatile oil constituents of Multijugate Zanthoxylum can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors and relieve joint swelling and pain. It is clinically used for rheumatoid arthritis. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Zanthoxylum species have been validated through network pharmacology and mouse models of inflammatory pain. Blood circulation-promoting effect: Limonene, linalool, and other constituents in Multijugate Zanthoxylum can dilate blood vessels and promote local blood circulation, providing relief for swelling and pain due to blood stasis caused by traumatic injuries. Insecticidal effect: Its limonene and other constituents have a paralytic effect on Ascaris and Enterobius. It is traditionally used in combination with Areca Seed and Quisqualis Fruit. Antitumor effect: Extracts from the roots, stems, leaves, and fruits of plants in the genus Zanthoxylum all exhibit significant anticancer activity. Network pharmacology studies indicate that constituents such as kokusaginine, skimmianine, diosmetin, β-sitosterol, and quercetin in Zanthoxylum occupy core positions in the multi-target network regulation against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from comprehensive studies or preliminary experiments on plants of the genus Zanthoxylum. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Multijugate Zanthoxylum (Z. multijugum) remains to be further conducted. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use. Special warning: The stem of Multijugate Zanthoxylum is recorded as slightly toxic. Long-term or excessive consumption may cause liver and kidney damage. It is recommended to strictly follow the dosage and regularly monitor liver and kidney function.
Ingredients
The root, leaf, and stem of Multijugate Zanthoxylum mainly contain the following active constituents: Volatile oils (principal active constituents): Limonene, content 22.75% (steam distillation). Linalool, content 21.70%. Ocimene, content 14.27%. Thujene. β-Myrcene. Cineole. Terpinyl acetate. Germacrene D. Alkaloids: Kokusaginine. Skimmianine. Dihydrochelerythrine. Nitidine. Oxynitidine. Flavonoids: Quercetin. Diosmetin. Isorhamnetin. Kaempferol. Others: β-Sitosterol. Coumarins. Amides. Note: Systematic chemical studies on Multijugate Zanthoxylum remain insufficient. The above constituents are largely inferred from research on plants of the genus Zanthoxylum. The leaves and pericarp contain essential oils: geraniol, citral, and anisaldehyde. The root bark and stem bark contain the coumarin aurapten.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 9–15 g; or steeped in alcohol. External use: Appropriate amount. Ground into powder and sprinkled on the affected area, or mixed with sesame oil and applied topically.
Contraindications
It is slightly toxic and should not be taken for a long period or in excessive doses, as long-term or excessive use may cause liver and kidney damage. Use with caution in individuals with a bleeding tendency or in those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs (such as warfarin or clopidogrel), as it may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use this product under the guidance of a physician. Use with caution in individuals with an allergic constitution. Use with caution in individuals with Spleen-Stomach weakness.
Selected Formulas
For cold rheumatic joint pain (Guizhou Herbal Medicine) Take 30g of Xiao Ye Ci Jiao (Duo Ye Hua Jiao root). Soak in wine and take orally. For toothache (Guizhou Herbal Medicine) Take one piece of Xiao Ye Ci Jiao root bark and place it on the painful area. For fractures (Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 500g of Duo Ye Hua Jiao root and soak in 50ml of wine. Take 5ml each time for 7 consecutive days; also apply externally to the affected area. For traumatic bleeding (Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take Duo Ye Hua Jiao leaves, grind into powder, and sprinkle over the wound. For sores and syphilis (Yunnan Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 9–15g of Duo Ye Hua Jiao root. Decoct in water and drink. For tinea (National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take appropriate amounts of Xiao Ye Ci Jiao root bark and Cao Wu (Aconitum kusnezoffii). Grind into fine powder, soak in cooking oil, and apply to the affected area. For tinea (Wugongteng formula) (Kunming Folk Common Herbal Medicine) Grind Wugongteng into powder, add Cao Wu, and soak in raw sesame oil; apply externally. If there is muscle numbness, use a plum-blossom needle to prick the affected area before applying.
Medicinal Parts
Root, leaf, or stem.
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. Special note: The stem of Multijugate Zanthoxylum is recorded as slightly toxic. It should be stored separately from other medicinal materials and clearly labeled with a toxicity warning to prevent accidental misuse.
