Spica Prunellae
Source
Spike of Prunella vulgaris L., family Labiatae.
Characteristics
Spike
flat-long-clavate, 1.5-8.0 cm long, 0.8-1.5 cm in diameter, light brown;
composed of 4-10 cycles of persistent bracts and calyxes; each cycle containing
2 opposite fan-shaped bracts, which are acuminate at the ends, marked
by obvious veins and covered by white hairs; bracts imbricate, with persistent
bilabiate calyx kept in each bract, and 4 small nuces inside the calys.
Bitter and acrid in taste, cold in nature, and attributive to liver and
gallbladder channels.
Indication
1. Clear away liver-fire and calm the liver-yang : For hyperactivity of
liver-fire with conjunctivitis, photophobia, lacrimation and headache;
for sthenia of liver-yang with dizziness, headache, irritability and bad
temper. Recently also used for acute conjunctivitis and hypertension with
the above manifestations.
2. Eliminate phlegm and disperse stagnation: For subcutaneous nodule,
scrofula, goiter and productive cough. Recently used for hyperthyroidism,
thyroma, carcinoma of the lung and the esophagus, pulmonary tuberculosis,
exudative pleurisy, icteric hepatitis, etc.
Pharmacological
Action
1.
Its decoction (100 mg/kg) for intravenous injection is hypotensive in
dogs.
2. Its dilute decoction increases contractive power of toad and rabbit
hearts in vitro, while concentrate decoction decreases.
3. Anti-inflammatory and bacteriostatic.
4. Adding the weight of adrenal cortex and promoting systhesis and secretion
of corticosteroid in rats and in mice.
5. Intramuscular use of the herbal solution leads to atrophy of thymus
and spleen, and lymphocytopenia.
Administration Decoction: 6-12g, up to 30g