[Textual research on Sojae Semen Nigrum].

Area of Science:

• Ethnobotany
• Pharmacognosy
• Agricultural History

Background:

• Sojae Semen Nigrum, commonly known as black soybean, has a long history of use in traditional medicine.
• Understanding its nomenclature, origin, and production areas is crucial for identifying effective medicinal varieties.
• Historical records indicate shifts in the recognized medicinal species and varieties over time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To clarify the historical naming, origin, and cultivation areas of Sojae Semen Nigrum.
• To establish a basis for selecting the most effective medicinal varieties of Sojae Semen Nigrum.
• To differentiate between historical and modern medicinal applications of various Glycine species.

Main Methods:

• Textual research of ancient and modern literature.
• Comparative botanical studies.
• Agricultural archaeology and investigation of adulterant products.

Main Results:

• Sojae Semen Nigrum was not selected before the Qin Dynasty; edible beans were primarily Glycine soja.
• From the Qin to Northern and Southern dynasties, Glycine max was selected, but Glycine soja remained the medicinal variety.
• After the Tang Dynasty, medicinal Sojae Semen Nigrum included Glycine soja, Glycine max, and Glycine gracilis. Modern use of Glycine soja is rare.
• Quality evaluation consistently favored 'tight and small' seeds, with green cotyledon varieties of Glycine max recommended post-Qing Dynasty.

Conclusions:

• The identity and medicinal application of Sojae Semen Nigrum have evolved historically.
• Glycine soja was the primary medicinal variety before the Tang Dynasty.
• Green cotyledon varieties of Glycine max are recommended medicinal types in modern times.
• Further research using modern technology is needed to differentiate the efficacy of green and yellow cotyledon, and large and small Sojae Semen Nigrum varieties.