External Application Characteristics of Roots and Rhizomes of Chinese Herbal Medicines in Chinese Materia Medica / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo collect and analyze the properties and application characteristics of external use of roots and rhizomes of Chinese herbal medicines in the Chinese Materia Medica（《中华本草》） to provide data references for the research on clinical external use of Chinese medicine， in order to provide data reference for clinical external use of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）. MethodThe Chinese herbal medicines included in the Chinese Materia Medica were systematically screened. The inclusion criterion was the explicit mention of terms like "root", "rhizome", "root bark", "tuber", "tuberous root", etc. under the "Source" in the Chinese Materia Medica. Information on properties, flavors, meridian tropism, medicinal parts, fresh use, toxicity, efficacies and indications, and dosage of roots and rhizomes of Chinese herbal medicines was collected. The information was then entered into an Excel spreadsheet for statistical analysis. ResultThe Chinese Materia Medica records 2 662 roots and rhizomes of Chinese herbal medicines, of which 1 653 are suitable for external use. The predominant properties and flavors are cool, cold, bitter, pungent, and sweet. These Chinese herbal medicines mainly act on the liver, lung, and spleen meridians. The primary medicinal parts used include root, rhizome, and root bark. More than half of the roots and rhizomes of Chinese herbal medicines can be used in their fresh form. The main efficacies include clearing heat, removing toxins, resolving stasis, dispersing accumulation, resolving blood stasis and stopping bleeding, reducing swelling and alleviating pain, dispelling dampness and relieving pain. The main indications are skin sores, traumatic injuries, and rheumatic diseases. Common external application methods include poultice, decoction for washing, and applying powdered form. Most of these Chinese herbal medicines lack specific dosage guidelines for external use, with an emphasis on using an appropriate amount. ConclusionThe Chinese Materia Medica contains a wide range of roots and rhizomes of Chinese herbal medicines suitable for external use, with definite therapeutic effects, providing a broad perspective for the application of Chinese medicine externally. However, there are still problems such as unclear dosages and limited research. Further studies are necessary to better utilize the advantages of the external use of Chinese medicine.