Hippocampus
Source
The whole body of Hippocampus kelloggi Jordan et Snyder and several species
of the same genus, family Syngnathidae.
Characteristics
The sample appearing as an ichthyoid, flat-long, with incurvated head
and tail, 8-30 cm long, the maximum cross diameter 2-3 cm. Surface greydark,
becoming yellow-white when the epidermis removed. Head somewhat like a
horse head, constituting a right angle with the trunk, jaw long and protruding,
a crown process presenting on the top of the head. Many conugated annular
marks and processes appearing on the trunk and tail, dorsal fin visible,
tail narrowing gradually and incurved. 
Sweet
in taste, warm in nature, and attributive to kidney and liver channels.
Indication
1. Invigorate the kidney and strengthen yang: For deficiency of kidney-yang
manifested as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, impotence,
enuresis, sterility and dyspnea.
2. Promote blood circulation to remove blood stasis: For abdominal mass,
trauma, scrofula and goiter.
Pharmacological
Action
Exerting gonadotropic effect, i.e., prolonging estruation and increasing
the weight of ovary and uterus in female mice and that of prostate, seminal
vesicle and musculi levator ani in male mice.
Administration Powder: 0.3-0.5g tid. Decoction: 3-9g.