Single Herb Glossary
Màn Jīng Zǐ 蔓荊子
| Pharmaceutical name | Viticis Fructus vitex fruit |
| Category | Cool, Acrid, Release the Exterior |
| Key Properties | Ascend, disperse, cooling esp. Wind-Heat in head & face Stiff & painful joints Wind-Damp Bi |
| Properties | Bitter Acrid Cool |
| Tropism | UB, LV, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Disperse Wind, clear heat (Headache, eye pain) 2) Clears & benefits head and eyes 3) Drains Damp and Expels Wind (Wind -Damp in limbs, numbness) |
| Dosages | 6-12g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: ST Def- causing Phlegm; Headaches or dizziness due to Blood Def; Incompatible with Aconitum family or Gypsum fibrosum |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Vitexicarpin, vitexilactone, previtexilactone, luteolin, phydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, camphene, pinene, vitamin A |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: vitexicarpin has inhibitory effect against S. aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus megaterium • Others: antipyretic, analgesic and sedative effects |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang Notopterygium Decoction to Overcome Dampness 羌活勝濕湯 (羌活胜湿汤) Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang (Augment the Qi and Increase Acuity Decoction) 益氣聰明湯 Jia Wei Xiang Su San (Augmented Cyperus and Perilla Leaf Powder) 加味香蘇散 |
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.