Caulis Sinomenii
Source
The vine stem of Sinomenium acutum (Thunb.) Rehd. et Wils., family Menispermaceae.
Characteristics
Vine
stem slender-terete, cork with longitudinal and transverse lenticels,
nodes enlarged, with branch scars. Section showing narrow cortex, vascular
bundles alternating with the radial lines in the xylem; vessel pores visible;
pith round and white. Acrid and bitter in taste, warm in nature.
Indication
1. Expel wind-dampness, promote diuresis and alleviate pain: For rheumatisim.
Recently used for rheumatoid arthritis in which the cellular immunity
and immunoglobulin level are found to be normalized. Also for edema and
wet beriberi.
2. Lower blood pressure: For hypertension.
Pharmacological
Action
1.
Analgesic, sedative and antitussive.
2. Inhibiting the development of experimental arthritis.
3. Lowering blood pressure rapidly and obviously, but drug tolerance is
liable to occur.
Administration Decoction: 9-15g.
Caution
This herb may cause side effects such as pruritis, flushing, puffiness
of eyelids, allergic purpura, etc.