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Smilax Rhizome
Smilax Rhizome
TMPW No.:1210

Synonym  
Latin name Smilacis Rhizoma
Botanical source: Family name Liliaceae
Botanical source: Plant name Smilax glabra Roxburgh (IPNI:541462-1)
Part used Rhizome
Empirical criteria for quality selection The outer surface of Good one is pale reddish brown in color. The inside is powder-like white. The one which has rotten or blighted parts is not good. (TN)
Constituents Polysaccharides:
Starch

Steroid saponins & Sapogenins:
Smilax china: Smilax-saponin A, Smilax-saponin B, Smilax-saponin C

Phenylpropanoids:
S. glabra: 5-0-caffeoylshikimic acid

Chromones:
S. glabra: Eurryphin

Flavanones & Dihydroflavonols:
S. china: Astilbin, Distylin, Engeliten (=Engelitin);
S. glabra: Smitilbin, Engeletin, Astilbin, Dihydroquercetin
Pharmacological effects Antiinflammation, antisyphilic, anticarcinogenesis (extract, resveratrol), suppression of autoimmune hepatopathy (eurryphin, resveratrol, smitilbin, eugeletin, astilbin).
Indications As an antidote, for removing dampness by diuresis and heat-clearing drug and eliminating syphilis, Tufuling is applied for chronic skin disease, dermatitis and contracture of limbs and muscle pain in syphilis or mercury poisoning. It is used as a supplementary drug for acute hepatitis.
Diseases Syphilis, Pyogenic dermatosis, Eczema, Psoriasis, Swelling and pain of joint
Formulas hachimitaikaho
Meridian tropism Liver, Stomach
Property Neutral
Flavor Sweet & bland
Classification in "Shen-non Ben-cao Jing"  
TCM: Classification Febrifungal and detoxicant drugs
TCM: Medicinal effects To remove damp, to counteract toxicity, and to improve the mobility of joints.: For dysuria with turbid discharge, morbid leukorrhea, carbuncles, lymphadenitis, chronic eczema, contracture of limbs and muscle pain in syphilis with mercury poisoning.
Remarks Listed in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia 18th ed.
References TN: T. Namba & Y. Tsuda ed., Outline of Pharmacognosy, a Textbook, 3rd ed., Nankodo Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 1998.
 

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