Textual Study of Centipeda Minima in Herbal Medicine
10.16466/j.issn1005-5509.2025.09.015
- VernacularTitle:鹅不食草的本草考证
- Author:
Bo ZHU
1
;
Hongyan YANG
;
Jieyu JIN
Author Information
1. 浙江中医药大学附属第一医院(浙江省中医院) 杭州 310006
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Centipeda minima;
Shihusui;
nomenclature;
botanical origin;
medicinal history;
medicinal properties;
efficacy and indications;
textual research of materia medica
- From:
Journal of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University
2025;49(9):1184-1190,1201
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
[Objective]To systematically review the records of Centipeda minima in historical herbal literature,investigating its botanical origins,medicinal history,etc.,to clarify its name,origin,medicinal properties and therapeutic effects,providing references for clinical applications.[Methods]A systematic review of historical herbal literature was conducted,combined with modern herbal texts such as the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and Chinese Materia Medica.Based on the textual records and illustrations from various herbal texts,a systematic investigation of Centipeda minima was carried out.[Results]Centipeda minima was first recorded in the Tang Dynasty's Diet Therapy Materia Medica under the name"Shihusui",and was later named for the"Centipeda minima"characteristic.There was confusion about its origins in the herbal medicines of the past dynasties.During the Ming and Qing Dynasties,the characteristics of its Compositae plant(Centipe daminima)were gradually clarified.The drawings in the Qing Dynasty's An Illustrated Book of Plants was highly consistent with modern authentic products.The controversy over nature and taste had shifted from the early"cold nature"to the consensus that"warm and non-toxic",and modern pharmacopoeia follows this theory.The efficacy has expanded from"clearing nasal orifices and spitting wind and phlegm"in the Tang Dynasty to"dispelling sores and swelling,treating hemorrhoids and removing eye fog"in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.In modern times,it focused on the three major functions of"dissipating wind and cold,clearing nasal orifices and relieving cough".[Conclusion]Clarifying the development context of the name evolution,origin controversy,property and toxicity,taste toxicity and efficacy indication of Centipeda minima can provide historical basis and theoretical support for its modern clinical application and in-depth research.Future research should focus on multi-disciplinary integration and further explore its scientific connotation and clinical value.
