Single Herb Glossary
Shí Chāng Pú 石菖蒲
| Pharmaceutical name | Acori tatarinowii Rhizoma grassleaf sweetflag rhizome, acorus |
| Category | Aromatic Herbs that Open the Orifices |
| Key Properties | Transforms Dampness, Strengthens the Spleen & Stomach, Dislodges Phlegm, Opens the Sensory Orifices Shí Chāng Pú & Yuǎn Zhì = Dui Yao |
| Properties | Acrid Bitter Warm Aromatic |
| Tropism | HT, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Open Orifices, Dislodge Phlegm, Remove Filth, & Quiets Spirit 2) Transforms Turbid Dampness, Awakens Spleen, & Promotes Movement of Qi 3) Promotes Blood Flow & Reduces Swelling |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Caution with Yin Def with Heat signs, or Irritability & Excess Sweat, vomiting blood, or spermatorrhea. Avoid OD/long-term use. |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | α-asarone, β-asarone, caryophyllene, α-humulene, sekishone, asaronaldehyde |
| Pharmacological Effects | • CNS suppressant: hypnotic influence observed with use of essential oil, antiseizure action observed with water extract, and sedative effects observed with both • Effect on memory: associated with improvement in memory; in a laboratory study, 55 mice were divided into three groups, with group one receiving normal saline, group two receiving 0.1 g/kg of Shi Chang Pu and group three receiving 0.2 g/kg; mice were then timed in how long it took to exit a maze and the number of mistakes committed; same exercise was repeated daily for 6 days; it was concluded that Shi Chang Pu has a dose-dependent effect in mice in reducing time required and mistakes made to exit maze • Gastrointestinal: decoction of herb stimulates secretion of gastric acid |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Ethanol: in an in vitro study, preparation containing Yuan Zhi, Ren Shen, Shi Chang Pu and Fu Ling reduced ethanol-induced impairment of memory registration; also ameliorated the scopolamine-induced memory registration deficit; results suggest that the herbal preparation ameliorates impairment effect of ethanol on learning and memory processes |
| 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.