Herba Epimedii
Name: Herba Epimedii
Resource: The branch and leaf of Epimedium sagittatum(Sieb.et Zucc.)Maxim.or E.brevicornum Maxim.,family Berbe
Characteristic: E.sagittatum:Leaves basal,petiole slender,about 15 cm long;ternately compound;leaflet ovate-lanceolate,the base of central leaflet cordate,that of lateral leaflet arrow-shaped,with fine bristles at the margin;blade coriaceous.Yellow when dried.E.brevicornum:Leaves biternately compound,leaflet broad-ovate.Both are acrid and sweet in taste,warm in nature,and attributive to liver and kidney channels.
Pharmacodynamics: 1.Invigorate kidney and strengthen yang:For deficiency of kidney-yang manifested as impotence,emission,enuresis,frequent micturition,soreness of the waist and the knees,sterility,etc. 2.Strengthen tendons and bones,and expel wind-dampness:For winddampness syndrome with arthralgia,numbness,muscular spasm and flaccidity of extremities,and infantile paralysis. 3.Eliminate phlegm and relieve cough and asthma:For chronic cough and asthma,especially those of yang-deficiency type.In addition,recently also used for coronary heart diseases,hypertension and neurasthenia.
Pharmacological: 1.Dilating coronary artery and increasing coronary flow. 2.Acting as androgenic hormone,such as in creasing the wieght of prostate,seminal vesicle and musculi levator ani in mice. 3.Enhancing lymphocyte-blastogenesis rate.
Usage: Decoction:6-15g,up to 30g for single use.
Caution:
Tablet of its extract(0.3g equiyalent to 2.7g of crude herb):4-6 tablets bid.
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