Radix Asparagi
Source
The root tuber of Asparagus cochinchinensis (Lour.) Merr., family Liliaceae.
Characteristics
Root
tuber long-cambiform, slightly curved, 5-18 cm long. Surface with bark
removed appearing yellow-white to yellow-brown, semi-opaque, slightly
longitudinally wrinkled. Fracture surface showing a narrow stele and a
broad cortex. Soft and sticky in texture. Sweet and bitter in taste ,
cold in nature, and attributive to lung and kidney channels.
Indication
Nourish yin, clear away heat, moisturize the lung and benefit the kidney:
For yin-deficiency with lungdryness manifested as dry cough, hemoptysis,
dry throat and thirst; diabetes with consumption of body fluid; yin-deficiency
with hectic fever, night sweat, noctumal emission, flaccidity of lower
limbs; constipation due to dryness of intestine. Recently, used for chronic
pharyngolaryngitis, whooping cough, mammary hyperplasia, breast cancer,
malignant lymphoma, etc.
Pharmacological
Action
Asparamide
and B-sitosterol are the chief components.
1. Asparamide is an expectorant, antitussive and antiasthmatic.
2. Inhibiting the cell growth of acute lymphocytic, acute monocytic and
chronic granulocytic leukemias in vitro.
Administration
Decoction:
5-15g; 30g of herb stewed with wine three times daily for breast diseases.