Ramulus et Folium Euryae Chinensis
Aliases：Xia La Yan (Cantonese dialect name; National Compendium of Chinese Herbal Medicine); Mi Sui Zai (Fujian dialect name; Fujian Materia Medica); Ai Cha (Dwarf Tea; Guangxi Medicinal Plant Directory); Ai Po Cha; Gang Cha (Hill Tea); Mi Sui Ling Mu (Rice-Grain Eurya); Ye Ling (Leaf Eurya); Hua Ling (Chinese Eurya); Shan Cha Ye (Mountain Tea Leaf).
Mi Sui Hua (Chinese Eurya) is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the stem and leaf of Eurya chinensis R. Br., a plant in the genus Eurya of the family Theaceae. It grows in barren hill grasslands, by villages, along riverbanks, and in thickets. It is recorded in National Compendium of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Fujian Materia Medica, Chinese Materia Medica, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears Heat and eliminates Dampness; removes toxin and promotes wound healing.
Indications
Common cold with fever; Damp-Heat jaundice; sores, ulcers, and toxic swellings; scald and burn injuries; snake and insect bites; external bleeding.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Chinese Eurya possesses the following significant pharmacological activities: Antitumor effect: The pentacyclic triterpenoid 11α-hydroxybetulinic acid, isolated from Chinese Eurya for the first time, exhibits strong inhibitory effects on the proliferation of A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells, HeLa cervical cancer cells, and HepG2 liver cancer cells. Its inhibitory activity against A549 lung cancer cells reaches the potency of the positive control doxorubicin. Phenolic glycosides from Chinese Eurya exhibit cytotoxic activity against nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells, with some compounds showing moderate inhibitory activity against 5-8F cells. Anti-coronavirus effect: The leaf extract of Chinese Eurya exhibits in vitro inhibitory effects against coronavirus HCoV-OC43. Among the 23 monomeric compounds isolated from the leaves, triterpenoids (betulinic acid, α-amyrin) and flavonoids (naringenin, eriodictyol, quercetin) showed marked antiviral activity. Betulinic acid can remove virus particles from HCoV-OC43-infected cells and significantly inhibits the PLpro and N7-MTase activities of SARS-CoV-2. Anti-hepatic fibrosis effect: Euryachincoside (ECS), a novel phenolic glycoside isolated from Chinese Eurya, exhibits significant anti-hepatic fibrosis effects in HSC-T6 rat hepatic stellate cells and carbon tetrachloride-induced mouse models. It ameliorates liver injury, reduces inflammatory cytokine secretion and collagen deposition. The mechanism involves inhibiting TGF-β-induced Collagen I and α-SMA expression and mediating the Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects: New coumarins isolated from the stems of Chinese Eurya—(±)-euryacoumarin A, 6-demethylobtusinin, and euryacoumarin B—along with the known compounds scopoletin and obtusinol, possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from modern experimental studies on extracts and isolated compounds from the stems and leaves of Chinese Eurya. The modern scientific basis for its traditional effects is being progressively elucidated. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
The stems, branches, and leaves of Chinese Eurya mainly contain the following active constituents: Triterpenoids: erythrodiol, betulinic acid, friedelin, lupeol, and 11α-hydroxybetulinic acid. Flavonoids: naringenin, eriodictyol, quercetin, and isoastilbin. Coumarins: euryacoumarin A, euryacoumarin B, 6-demethylobtusinin, scopoletin, and obtusinol. Phenolic glycosides: Euryachincoside (ECS). Diterpenoids: euryachins C–E (ent-kaurane-type diterpenes). Sterols: β-sitosterol and stigmasterol. Others: o-hydroxybenzaldehyde and n-nonacosanol. Note: All compounds isolated and identified from the 95% ethanol extract of the stems and branches of Chinese Eurya were isolated from this plant for the first time. Chemical studies on the leaves of Chinese Eurya have isolated 23 monomeric compounds, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, and diterpenoids.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 15–30 g. External use: Appropriate amount. Decocted in water for washing; ground into powder and applied as a paste; or fresh material pounded and applied topically.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy and menstruation (as recorded in some sources). Use with caution in individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. Chinese Eurya is cool in nature, and its use may aggravate discomfort in such individuals. Individuals with an allergic constitution should first test with a small dose. Long-term or excessive use may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, manifesting as abdominal pain and diarrhea. The above contraindications are primarily based on traditional Chinese medicine theory and general principles of safe medication. Dedicated toxicological studies on Chinese Eurya remain insufficient. Consultation with a physician is recommended before use.
Selected Formulas
1、 For preventing influenza (Guangdong Huiyang Prefecture Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 6g each of Xialayan leaves and Jinyinhua (honeysuckle flower), and 3g of Lubianju. Decoct in water and drink. 2、 For nasopharyngeal carcinoma (adjuvant treatment) (Guangdong Huiyang Prefecture Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 30g of Xialayan and 45g of Baimeidou. Decoct in water and drink as tea. 3、 For burns and scalds (Guangdong Huiyang Prefecture Chinese Herbal Medicine) Dry Xialayan leaves in the sun, grind into powder, mix with tea oil, and apply to the affected area. 4、 For impetigo (empirical formula) Take 25g of Misuihua and 15g of Jinyinhua vine. Simmer in water for oral administration and external washing.
Daily Consumption
The leaves of Chinese Eurya have been used as a tea substitute in Guangdong for hundreds of years. Also known as “Chinese Dagang Tea,” they are traditionally used to prevent influenza and treat colds and fever. The leaves can be prepared as a tea substitute and consumed in moderation as a daily tea. Note: Chinese Eurya is a Chinese herbal medicine. When used for treatment, it should be taken under medical guidance. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and menstruation. Use with caution in individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. It should not be taken in large doses over a long period.
Medicinal Parts
Stem and leaf.
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. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture and deterioration.
