Cynanchum Otophyllum (Qingyangshen)
Cynanchum otophyllum (Common Name: Qingyangshen/青羊参) is a perennial, herbaceous, climbing vine belonging to the Apocynaceae family and the genus Cynanchum. The roots are cylindrical, gray-black, with a diameter of about 8 mm, and the stem is covered with two rows of hairs. The leaves are opposite, membranous, ovate-lanceolate, 7-10 cm long, 4-8 cm wide at the base, with an apex that is long and gradually pointed, and a base that is deeply ear-shaped and heart-shaped. The leaf ears are rounded and drooping, with both sides covered in soft hairs.
The inflorescence is an umbellate cyme that grows axillary, with about 20 flowers. The calyx is covered with fine hairs on the outside and has five glands on the inner base. The corolla is white, with long, oval lobes that are covered with fine hairs on the inside. The corona is cup-shaped, slightly longer than the corolla, with lobes having a small tooth in the middle, which may be folded or missing. The pollen sacs are each in one chamber and are pendulous. The stigma is slightly bilobed. The follicles are either paired or only one develops, short lanceolate, about 8 cm long and 1 cm in diameter, tapering towards the end, with a narrower base and the outer fruit skin has vertical stripes. The seeds are ovate, 6 mm long and 3 mm wide, with white, silky hairs that are 3 cm long. The flowering period is from June to October, and the fruiting period is from August to November.
Habitat and Distribution
This plant grows in mountainous areas, valleys, sparse forests, or along slopes at elevations of 1500-2800 meters. It is distributed in the provinces of Hunan, Guangxi, Guizhou (including counties and cities such as Weining, Nayong, Songtao, Xingyi, Xingren, Anlong, Huangping, Leishan, and Panxian), Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet in China.
Main Value
Properties and Effects: Spicy, sweet, and warm; slightly toxic. It is used to dispel wind and dampness, benefit the kidneys and strengthen the waist, and detoxify snake and dog bites.
Common Formulas:
- For treating trauma and muscle pain: Use 50 grams of Cynanchum otophyllum, soaked in medicinal wine, and take orally.
- For treating fractures and pain: Use 100 grams of Cynanchum otophyllum, along with 30 grams each of Jiangjin leather and redleaf epimedium, and 20 grams each of Xiaoxueteng and pine penhead. Crush and stew the mixture, then apply it externally to the affected area.
Main Chemical Components: Contains palmitic acid esters, vanillic acid, Cynanchum otophyllum saponin aglycone, cowhide saponin, digitalis glycosides, and β-sitosterol.
Modern Research: Pharmacological studies show that it has anticonvulsant, anti-experimental epilepsy, and protective effects on lymphocyte DNA. In modern clinical practice, it is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, chronic lower back pain, dyspepsia, abdominal bloating and pain, and insect and snake bites.
