Radix Cynanchi
Paniculati
Source
The root and rhizome of Cynanchum paniculatum (Bunge) Kitag., family Asclepiaaaceae.
Characteristics
Rhizome irregularly short-terete, nodes noticeable, with numerous 
slender
fibrous roots around. Root over 10 cm long, 1 cm in diameter, with fine
and longitudinal strips, light brown. The section farinaceous, with characteristic
tragrance. Numbing the tongue when tasted. Acrid in taste, warm in nature,
and attributive to liver and lung channels.
Indication
1. Expel wind and dredge the channel, promote blood circulation and remove
blood stasis, alleviate pain and itching: For arthralgia of wind-dampness
type, lumbar strain, trauma, angina pectoris, biliary colic, abdominal
pain, toothache (local use), various types of skin diseases (such as urticaria,
eczema, allergic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, tinea, herpes zoster,
psoriasis, etc.), allergic rhinitis, Beheet's syndrome, used together
with Radix Caraganae Sinicae.
2.
Relieve cough and dyspnea: For cough of cold type, chronic productive
cough, or dyspneic cough.
3. Clear away toxic material and relieve swelling: For snake bite, centipede
bite, insect bite and otopyorrhea. Recently, also used for hypertension,
hyperlipemia, malaria, etc.
Pharmacological
Action
Paeonol is the chief active component.
1. Analgesic, hypodermic injection of 8% oleum paeonol (0.8g/kg) raises
the pain threshold in mice.
2. Antispasmodic, decreasing the tone of smooth muscles of guinea-pig's
ileum and countering the contraction of ileum induced by BaCl2, histamine
or acetylcholine.
3. 1:15000 and 1:2000 decoction inhibits the growth of Bacillus coli and
Staphylococcus aureus respectively in vitro.
Administration Decoction: 6-15g; up to 30g for single use.