Single Herb Glossary
Xiān Máo 仙茅
| Pharmaceutical name | Curculiginis Rhizoma curculigo, golden eye-grass rhizome "immortal grass" |
| Category | Tonify Yang |
| Key Properties | Vigorously warms Fire at the Gate of Vitality and Kidney yang Expels Cold-Dampness |
| Properties | Acrid Hot Toxic |
| Tropism | KD |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Tonifies Kidneys and Fortifies Yang (Yang Def Symptoms, Cold Womb, Cold Essence in Men) 2) Expels Cold and Eliminates Dampness (Bi) |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Yin Def with heat signs; toxic, long-term use is not recommended |
| Contraindications (Western) | May cause side effects: numbness or swelling of tongue (can be relieved with Da Huang or Huang Qin) |
| Chemical Composition | Lycorine, yuccagenin, β-sitosterol, curculigoside, corchioside A, curculigoside B, curculigine A,B,C; orcinol glucoside |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Immunostimulant: administration of 70% alcohol extract once daily for 7 days increased phagocytic activity of macrophages in mice • CNS suppressant: intraperitoneal injection of alcohol extract at 10 g/kg prolonged sleeping time induced by phenobarbital at 40 mg/kg in mice • Reproductive: stimulates reproductive system to increase weight of ovaries and uterus in female mice, and weight of testicles in male rats |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.