[Herbalogical study on Liangmianzhen (Zanthoxyli Radix)]
Meng-Hua Wu1, Zhi-Guo Ma1, Ying Zhang1
1Guangdong Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Information Technology,Xiaotao WANG Processing Inheritance Studio in Guangdong Branch,National Engineering Research Center for Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine Lingnan Resources Branch,Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine of Lingnan (Southern China) of Jinan University, College of Pharmacy,Jinan University Guangzhou 510632, China.
This study clarifies that Zanthoxylum nitidum (Liangmianzhen) historically used its stem, root, leaves, and fruit as medicine. Current pharmacopeia only lists the root, but historical evidence supports broader traditional use, recommending stem inclusion.
Area of Science:
- Ethnobotany
- Pharmacognosy
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Liangmianzhen (Zanthoxyli Radix) has a history of medicinal use, but current pharmacopeial definitions differ from ancient texts.
- Ancient Chinese materia medica and local gazetteers describe various medicinal parts, including root, stem, leaf, and fruit.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the historical basis for using Zanthoxylum nitidum (Liangmianzhen) stem as a medicinal part.
- To clarify the evolution of medicinal part identification for Liangmianzhen throughout history.
Main Methods:
- Herbalogical study analyzing formal names, synonyms, original plant descriptions, medicinal parts, habitat, and processing methods from ancient texts.
- Comparative analysis of historical records with the current Chinese Pharmacopeia.
Main Results:
- Liangmianzhen was historically known by names such as "Manjiao" and "Rudijinniu," all referring to Zanthoxylum nitidum.
- Ancient texts indicate stem and root were primary medicinal parts, with leaves and fruits also utilized.
- The Chinese Pharmacopeia currently lists only the root, diverging from historical usage.
Conclusions:
- "Manjiao," "Rudijinniu," and "Liangmianzhen" all originate from Zanthoxylum nitidum.
- Historical evidence supports the use of Zanthoxylum nitidum stems as a medicinal part.
- It is recommended to include the stem of Zanthoxylum nitidum in the Chinese Pharmacopeia due to limited resources and historical precedent.
