Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut is the root of the plant belonging to the Celastraceae family, primarily produced in Fujian, Zhejiang, Anhui, Henan, and other regions. The original plant grows in shady, moist slopes, valleys, and shrubbery near streams. It prefers cooler slopes and thrives best in slightly acidic, fertile, deep sandy or yellow loam soils. It has a bitter and pungent taste, cool nature, and is highly toxic. It belongs to the liver and kidney meridians. Its effects include dispelling wind, removing dampness, dredging collaterals and relieving pain, subduing swelling to relieve pain, and removing toxins and killing worms.

bubble_chart Compendium of Materia Medica

Bencao Gangmu Shiyi: "Wuli Xiaozhi": It can treat scrofula and also prevent malaria attacks.

It treats tympanites, edema, abdominal masses, jaundice, chronic malaria, bubo, and injuries from falls.

For all venomous snake bites: Wanbing Huichun states: For any snake bite, use any amount of Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut. This herb grows from April to May and becomes rare after September when frost appears. Its leaves are pointed and green like a plow tip, the vine has small thorns, and the seeds are round like beads, green when unripe and black when ripe, with a sour taste. Crush the leaves to extract juice, mix with wine, and take as needed. Apply the residue to the wound for immediate relief.

For edema and swelling: "Jiusheng Kuhai": Take three qian of Pingdi Mu, five qian of Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut, four qian of Plantain Herb, three qian of Japanese Raspberry Root, and five Sweetgum Fruits. Crush and decoct. For severe cases, ten doses will cure.

It treats regurgitation dysphagia, malaria, hematemesis, hematochezia, pharyngitis, food accumulation, heart pain, abdominal distension and fullness, scrotal swelling, injuries from falls, chest sprains, back gangrene, boils, sores, acute mastitis, and postpartum generalized edema.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

1. The red pigment of Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut can inhibit T-lymphocyte proliferation and suppress cellular immune responses. Additionally, alkaloid C of Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut has a certain inhibitory effect on both cellular and humoral immunity.
2. The total glycosides and total alkaloids of Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut have anti-inflammatory effects. The lactones of Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut also have anti-tumor effects and can inhibit RNA synthesis.
3. The total glycosides of Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut can reduce the weight of the testes and epididymis, decrease sperm count, and render them completely inactive. The total alkaloids, besides having reversible anti-fertility effects, most notably inhibit spermatogenic cells in the testes with low toxicity. The polysaccharides of Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut have a much milder effect on the female reproductive system compared to males.
4. Experiments have shown that Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut can reduce the total protein excretion in nephrotic rats. The polysaccharides significantly reduce histological changes in the kidney tissue of rats in the allogeneic phase but do not affect the deposition of electron carcinogens in the glomerular basement membrane.
5. The red pigment of Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut has a certain inhibitory effect on various bacteria. The alkaloids can kill worms and are effective against the schizont stage of tertian malaria. Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut also has moderate anticoagulant effects, improves circulation, and reduces peripheral vascular resistance.
6. Alkaloids A and B of Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut inhibit P₃₈₈ leukemia strains and KB cells. Their concentration also inhibits glycogen synthesis, reduces muscle and liver glycogen reserves and oxygen consumption, but increases blood lactate levels.