OBJECTIVETo clarify the origin and development of Xiongqiong with medicinal literatures.

METHODMedical literatures of past dynasties were analysed combined with the modern material.

RESULTThere were two main origins of Xiongqiong in ancient times: eastern origin and western origin. It evolved into Chuanxiong and Xixiong because of cultivating in the western origin after Tang dynasty. The earliest original plant of Xiongqiong was Ligusticum sinense. Actually, Xixiong was the cultivation product of L. sinense. And L. chuanxiong was likely to be a gardening breed due to long-term cultivation of L. sinense.

CONCLUSIONXixiong is used as Xiongqiong in ancient times, but now it is used as Ligustici Rhizoma et Radix. Therefore, we need to find out the relationship between L. chuanxiong and L. sinense through modern research, and determine which Chinese herb is L. sinense classifies.