Acanthopanax senticosus

Radix acanthopanacis Senticosi

Manyprickleacathopanax root

[alias] Acanthopanax senticosus bark and stick.

[source] the roots and rhizomes of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. Et Maxim.).

[plant morphology] deciduous shrub, 1-6m high. The stem is densely covered with slender barbs. Palmate compound leaves alternate, leaflets 5, sparse 4 or 3, margin acutely double serrate or serrate. Umbels terminal, single or 2-4 aggregated, flowers many and dense; calyx with 5 teeth; petals 5, ovate; stamens 5, ovary 5-locular. Berry shaped drupe subglobose or ovate, 5-ribbed after, with persistent style. The flowering period is from June to July and the fruiting period is from July to September.

It grows under the forest and on the edge of the forest. It is mainly produced in Northeast China. Harvest in spring and autumn, remove soil and dry in the sun.

[traits] the rhizome is nodular, irregular and cylindrical, with a diameter of 1.4-4.2cm; its surface is grayish brown, with wrinkles; and its upper end has the fine technique of adventitious bud development. The root is cylindrical, much branched, often twisted, 3.5-12cm long, 0.3-1.5cm in diameter; the surface is grayish brown or dark brown, rough, thin skin, and grayish yellow at the peeling place. It is hard, yellow white and fibrous. It has special aroma, slightly pungent, slightly bitter and astringent.

[chemical constituents] it contains Eleutheroside a, B, C, D, e, F, G and polysaccharide.

[flavor] warm in nature, pungent and slightly bitter in taste.

[indications] Yiqi Jianpi, Bushen Anshen. It is used for Yang deficiency of spleen and kidney, weakness of body, loss of appetite, aching waist and knees, insomnia and dreaminess.