Hanzhong Fangji

Radix Aristolochiae heterophyllae in Hanzhong

Yellowmouth Dutchman spice root

[alias] Fangji, < U > < / u >.

[source] the root of Aristolochia heterophylla Hemsl.

[plant morphology] twining vines. Stem densely brown tomentose when young. Leaves alternate, heart-shaped or ovate heart-shaped, apex obtuse or short pointed, upper green, lower gray green, all white pilose; petiole slender. Flowers solitary in leaf axils, pedicels densely covered with grayish brown pubescence, with one heart-shaped bracts in the middle; perianth yellow, outer covered with hirsute, middle contracted and curved, apex 3-lobed, grayish purple; stamens 6, adnate around the style; ovary inferior. Capsule long cylindrical. The flowering period is from May to June and the fruiting period is from July to August.

It grows in the shrub on the hillside. It is mainly produced in Shaanxi.

[harvesting] root digging in spring and autumn, skin scraping and sun drying.

[character] the root is cylindrical and curved, 8-15cm long and 2-3cm in diameter. The surface is light brown yellow, and the residual cork is gray brown and flat. Solid quality, not easy to break, section yellow white, powdery. The taste is bitter and astringent, and the fresh product has special aroma.

[chemical constituents] it contains aristolochic acid A, B and allantoin.

Cold in nature and bitter in taste.

Function indications: dispelling wind and removing dampness. Used for edema, adverse urination, rheumatic arthralgia.