[Textual research on Zitan]

In recent years, with the continuous deepening of the theory of Wu Yun Liu Qi, the application of Zitan in Shenping Decoction and Shengming Decoction has gradually become widespread. Because Zitan is an imported herbal medicine, it is not commonly used in modern medicine and known as an unusual medicinal material. The unclear original plants may affect the clinical application of this medicine. This study reviewed the ancient Chinese books of materia medica and analyzed the records about Zitan in various aspects with consideration to the introduction and cultivation of Santalum album and leguminous rosewood and the history of furniture in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Comprehensive textual research was carried out regarding the nomenclature, producing area, original plant, and efficacy. The results indicated that Zitan had a long history of application. The ancient Chinese books of materia medica recorded that Zitan was mainly distributed in Southeast Asian countries, with a salty taste and a cold nature, entering the blood. It was primarily used to treat toxin-and wind-related conditions and wounds and stop bleeding. With the rise of hardwood furniture in the Ming Dynasty, various leguminous rosewood species were imported into China. Because of the purple color, Pterocarpus santalinus and P. indicus were mistakenly named Zitan, leading to confused original plants of this medicine. Consequently, after the Qing Dynasty, these leguminous rosewood plants started to be used medicinally. This textual research confirms that the Zitan used as a traditional Chinese medicine refers to a purple variant of S. album rather than P. santalinus or P. indicus. This clarification narrows the scope of identification and supports the clinical application of Zitan.