Herba Sidæ Retusæ
Aliases：Nuomiyao (Guizhou Folk Medicine); Bayecao; Banongcao; Huanghuamu; Digaocao (Guangxi Medicinal Plant Directory); Huanghuaren; Xiaochaihu; Nongjianchou; Digaoyao; Sha Ning Gen.
Niuleijin (Snakeweed Sida) is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the whole plant of Sida retusa L., a plant in the family Malvaceae. It grows in wastelands and roadsides. It is an authenticated variety of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Terminology Standardization and Promotion Project. It is recorded in Guizhou Folk Herbal Medicine, Guangxi Medicinal Plant Directory, Guizhou Herbal Medicine, Chinese Materia Medica, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears Heat and dries Dampness; removes toxin and dissipates swelling.
Indications
Damp-Heat congesting the Large Intestine, causing dysentery with red and white stool, tenesmus, and a burning sensation at the anus. Damp-Heat forcing the Gallbladder, causing bile overflow, manifested as yang jaundice with yellowing of the body, eyes, and urine. For external application, it treats flaming Heat and exuberant toxin, carbuncles, deep-rooted abscesses, sores, and furuncles with redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Migratory erysipelas and unnamed toxic swellings.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Snakeweed Sida possesses the following significant pharmacological activities: Central inhibitory effect: The aqueous extract of the root of Snakeweed Sida has a central inhibitory effect. It reduces locomotor activity and reactivity in mice, prolongs barbiturate sleeping time, and eliminates conditioned and unconditioned defensive reflexes. Hypothermic effect: Larger doses of the aqueous root extract of Snakeweed Sida exert a hypothermic effect on febrile rats. However, it has no anticonvulsant or analgesic effects, and its toxicity to mice is very low. Sedative effect: Snakeweed Sida possesses sedative pharmacological activity. Note: The above pharmacological findings are mainly derived from experimental studies on the aqueous root extract of Snakeweed Sida (Reference: Dictionary of Chinese Materia Medica, Vol. 1, Shanghai People's Publishing House, 1977, p. 425). Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Snakeweed Sida is still ongoing. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
Snakeweed Sida mainly contains the following active constituents: Flavonoid glycosides: One of the principal material bases for its Heat-clearing and toxin-removing activity. Phenols. Organic acids. Amino acids. Sugars. The root also contains alkaloids and sterols. Note: Systematic chemical studies on Snakeweed Sida remain insufficient. The above constituent information is mainly derived from Xinhua Materia Medica Outline (Xinhua Bencao Gangyao), Vol. 2, Shanghai Scientific and Technical Publishers, 1988, p. 291.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 30–60 g (1–2 liang). External use: Appropriate amount, pounded and applied topically.
Contraindications
Use with caution during pregnancy. Use with caution in individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. Not suitable for long-term or high-dose use. Use with caution in individuals with an allergic constitution.
Selected Formulas
For dysentery or jaundice (Guizhou Herbal Medicine) Take 30–60g of Niuleijin. Decoct in water and drink. For furuncles (Guizhou Herbal Medicine) Take an appropriate amount of Niuleijin, chew into a pulp, and apply to the affected area. For red, swollen sores and toxic swellings (Guizhou Herbal Medicine) Take equal parts of Niuleijin and Guizhencao (Bidens). Pound into a pulp and apply to the affected area.
Medicinal Parts
Whole plant.
Selection & Storage
After sun-drying, store 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.
