Fructus Cnidii
Source
Fruit of Cnidium monnien (L.) Cuss., family Umbelliferae.
Characteristics
Fruit
appearing as cremocarp, with two separated schizocarps, elliptical, 2-4
mm long, grey-yellow, back slightly protruding with 5 longitudinal ridges.
The jointed surface flat, with 2 longitudinal ridges. Acrid and bitter
in taste, warm in nature, and slightly toxic.
Indication
1 Warm the kidney and strengthen yang: For deficiency of kidney-yang manifested
as impotence, sterility, soreness of the waist and knees, enuresis and
frequent micturition.
2. Deprive dampness and relieve itching (external use): For leucorrhagia
with pruritis vulvae, eczema of scrotum, tinea, scabies, etc. Now it is
prepared as vaginal suppository for trichomonas vaginitis.
Pharmacological
Action
1.
Its alcoholic extract exerts a gonadotropic effect, i.e., prolong estruation,
increase the weight of ovary and uterus in female mice and that of prostate,
seminal vesicle and musculi levator ani in male mice.
2. Relieving cyclophospharnide-induced leukopenia in mice.
3. Inhibiting the growth of trichophyta in vitro.
Administration
Decoction: 6-15g.
External use: Appropriate amount.