Herb Root (根 gēn)

Xu Chang Qing

Paniculate swallowwort root · 徐长卿

Cynanchum paniculatum (Bge.) Kitag. · Cynanchi Paniculati Radix et Rhizoma

Also known as: Guǐ Dū Yóu (鬼督邮), Shí Xià Cháng Qīng (石下长卿), Liáo Diāo Zhú (寮刁竹),

Xu Chang Qing (Paniculate swallowwort root) plant

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Xu Chang Qing is a versatile pain-relieving herb in Chinese medicine, prized for its ability to address a wide range of painful conditions including joint pain, stomach pain, toothache, and menstrual cramps. It is also one of the most effective herbs for itchy skin conditions such as hives and eczema, and has a long folk history of treating snakebite. Because it contains volatile compounds, it should be added late when decocting (added in the last 5 minutes of cooking).

Category Wind-Damp dispelling herbs (祛风湿药) Wind-Damp dispelling pain-relieving herbs (祛风湿止痛药)
Therapeutic focus Pain Management Skin Health Joint and Muscle Health Digestive Health

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn)

Channels entered

Liver, Stomach

Parts used

Root (根 gēn)

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What This Herb Does

Every herb has a specific set of actions — here's what Xu Chang Qing does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, Xu Chang Qing is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Pain Management Skin Health Joint and Muscle Health Digestive Health

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that Xu Chang Qing performs to restore balance in the body:

Dispels Wind and Stops Pain Drains Dampness Relieves Itching Invigorates Blood and resolves toxins Warms the Channels and Disperses Cold Reduces Swelling

How these actions work

'Dispels Wind and stops pain' is the primary action of Xu Chang Qing and the reason it is classified among the Wind-Damp dispelling herbs. 'Wind' in TCM refers to a pathogenic influence that causes wandering pain, stiffness, and spasms. Xu Chang Qing's pungent, warm nature allows it to scatter Wind and Cold from the channels and collaterals, easing pain in the joints, lower back, stomach, and teeth. It is remarkably versatile in this regard, used for pain caused by Wind-Damp obstruction (rheumatic conditions), Cold stagnation (stomach pain worsened by cold), Qi stagnation, or Blood stasis. Modern research has confirmed significant analgesic activity from its main active compound, paeonol.

'Resolves Dampness' means Xu Chang Qing can transform and disperse Dampness that lodges in the muscles, joints, and skin. Dampness in TCM causes heaviness, swelling, and sticky or weeping skin lesions. This action, combined with its Wind-dispelling property, makes it particularly effective for eczema and other damp skin conditions.

'Stops itching' is a key clinical strength. In TCM, itching is most commonly attributed to Wind. Xu Chang Qing's ability to expel Wind from the skin surface makes it a go-to herb for hives (urticaria), eczema, contact dermatitis, and other itchy rashes. It can be taken internally as a tea or applied externally as a wash.

'Invigorates Blood and resolves toxins' refers to its secondary ability to promote circulation and counteract toxic substances. This supports its traditional use for traumatic injuries (where Blood stasis causes pain and swelling) and for venomous snakebite. The saying 'when Blood moves, Wind naturally ceases' (血行风自灭) explains why its Blood-invigorating action also helps chronic, stubborn skin conditions.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Xu Chang Qing is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Xu Chang Qing addresses this pattern

Wind-Cold-Damp Bi (painful obstruction) occurs when Wind, Cold, and Dampness invade the channels and block the flow of Qi and Blood in the joints and muscles. Xu Chang Qing's pungent taste disperses and moves, while its warm nature drives out Cold. It enters the Liver channel, which governs the sinews, allowing it to directly relieve joint and muscle stiffness. Its Wind-dispelling and Dampness-resolving actions address two of the three pathogenic factors simultaneously, while its pain-relieving action provides symptomatic relief. It is broadly effective across all subtypes of Bi syndrome, though its warmth makes it especially suited when Cold is prominent.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Moving Pain

Wandering or fixed joint pain worsened by cold and damp weather

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain and stiffness

Muscle Pain

Heaviness and aching in the limbs

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Xu Chang Qing is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Wind invading the skin

TCM Interpretation

TCM understands urticaria (hives) primarily as Wind lodging in the skin. The wheals appear and disappear rapidly, change location, and cause intense itching, all hallmarks of Wind pathology. In acute cases, the Wind often combines with Cold or Heat from the exterior. In chronic, recurrent cases, there is typically an underlying deficiency of Qi or Blood that leaves the body's surface defense (Wei Qi) too weak to keep Wind out, or internal Blood stasis that provides a foothold for Wind to linger. The Liver, which stores Blood and ensures the smooth flow of Qi, is frequently involved.

Why Xu Chang Qing Helps

Xu Chang Qing is widely considered one of the most effective single herbs for urticaria. Its pungent, warm nature powerfully expels Wind from the skin surface, directly addressing the root pathogenic factor. Its ability to invigorate Blood also tackles the underlying stagnation that makes hives chronic or recurrent, following the classical principle that 'when Blood flows freely, Wind naturally subsides.' Modern pharmacological research has confirmed that its main active compound, paeonol, suppresses type III and IV hypersensitivity reactions and modulates immune function, providing a biomedical explanation for its anti-allergic effects. It can be taken internally or used as an external wash for localized symptoms.

Also commonly used for

Eczema

Various types of eczema, used internally and as an external wash

Toothache

Dental pain, can be used as a single herb

Lower Back Pain

Lumbar pain from Wind-Cold-Damp or strain

Amenorrhea

Menstrual cramps from Cold stagnation and Blood stasis

Contact Dermatitis

Allergic skin reactions and contact dermatitis

Herpes Zoster Infection

Shingles (带状疱疹), used internally and externally

Chronic Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis with cough, used as tablet or decoction

Trauma

Sprains and bruising from falls or blows

Herb Properties

Every herb has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn)

Channels Entered

Liver Stomach

Parts Used

Root (根 gēn)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Xu Chang Qing — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

3-12g

Maximum dosage

Up to 15-30g in some folk prescriptions for severe pain or wind-damp conditions, under practitioner supervision. Standard pharmacopoeia range is 3-12g.

Dosage notes

The standard dosage of 3-12g is used in decoction for most indications including wind-damp pain, stomach pain, and skin itching. For stronger analgesic effects or wind-damp conditions, folk recipes sometimes use up to 24-30g (八钱至一两), often combined with rice wine or prepared with pork. When used as a powder, typical doses are 1.5-3g per serving. As an injection preparation (in clinical settings in China), 2-4ml of 100% solution has been used intramuscularly. The volatile paeonol is the herb's primary active compound, so the decoction must not be boiled for extended periods. When making a decoction, add the herb in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking (后下, hou xia) to preserve the aromatics.

Preparation

Do not decoct for a prolonged time (不宜久煎). The herb's main active component, paeonol, is a volatile phenolic compound that evaporates with extended boiling. Add Xu Chang Qing during the last 5-10 minutes of decoction (后下, 'added later'). Alternatively, it can be prepared as a powder for direct ingestion, steeped as a tea, or soaked in medicinal wine.

Processing Methods

In TCM, the same herb can be prepared in different ways to change its effects — here's how processing alters what Xu Chang Qing does

Processing method

The raw root and rhizome are quickly washed, cut into short segments (approximately 1.5 cm), and dried in the shade or at low temperature. Because the active volatile compound paeonol evaporates easily, the herb must not be soaked for long or dried at high heat.

How it changes properties

This is the standard processed form used in clinical practice. The cutting into segments is primarily for ease of dispensing and decocting. The thermal nature and taste remain essentially unchanged (pungent, warm). The key clinical instruction is that Xu Chang Qing must be added late to the decoction (后下, added in the last 5 minutes of boiling) to preserve its volatile active compounds, particularly paeonol.

When to use this form

This is the default form used in all clinical applications. There are no major alternative processing methods that change the herb's properties. The emphasis is on correct decoction technique (adding the herb late) rather than on different processed forms.

Common Herb Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with Xu Chang Qing for enhanced therapeutic effect

Yan Hu Suo
Yan Hu Suo 1:1 (Xu Chang Qing 10g : Yan Hu Suo 10g)

Xu Chang Qing dispels Wind and warms the channels to stop pain, while Yan Hu Suo invigorates Blood and moves Qi to relieve pain from a different angle. Together they create a broad-spectrum analgesic pair that addresses pain from Cold stagnation, Qi stagnation, and Blood stasis simultaneously, making this combination particularly powerful for stomach pain.

When to use: Epigastric pain, abdominal cramping, or any pain syndrome where both Qi stagnation and Cold are involved. Especially useful for chronic gastritis pain.

Bai Xian Pi
Bai Xian Pi 1:1 (Xu Chang Qing 10g : Bai Xian Pi 10g)

Xu Chang Qing expels Wind and stops itching from the warm, pungent direction, while Bai Xian Pi clears Heat, dries Dampness, and resolves toxins. Together they cover both Wind-Cold and Damp-Heat types of skin itching, creating a versatile anti-itch pair that works for a wide range of dermatological conditions.

When to use: Stubborn, itchy skin conditions including eczema, hives, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis. Particularly effective when skin lesions have both Wind and Damp-Heat characteristics.

Ban Bian Lian
Ban Bian Lian 1:1 (Xu Chang Qing 15g : Ban Bian Lian 15g)

Xu Chang Qing resolves toxins and reduces swelling while Ban Bian Lian (Lobelia) clears Heat-toxin and promotes urination to expel venom. Together they form a classic pairing for snakebite, addressing both the local swelling and the systemic toxicity from different therapeutic angles.

When to use: Venomous snakebite, both for internal decoction and external application as a poultice on the bite wound.

Di Fu Zi
Di Fu Zi 1:1 (Xu Chang Qing 10g : Di Fu Zi 10g)

Xu Chang Qing dispels Wind from the exterior and relieves itching, while Di Fu Zi (kochia fruit) clears Damp-Heat from the skin and promotes urination to drain Dampness downward. The combination strengthens both the anti-itch and Dampness-resolving effects for stubborn skin conditions.

When to use: Eczema, genital itching, and widespread skin rashes where Dampness is prominent, with weeping lesions or a greasy tongue coating.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

Wei Ling Xian
Xu Chang Qing vs Wei Ling Xian

Both dispel Wind-Damp and relieve pain in Bi syndrome. However, Wei Ling Xian is stronger at unblocking the channels and is the preferred choice for stubborn joint pain with significant channel obstruction, especially in the limbs. Xu Chang Qing has a much broader range: it is also a top-tier anti-itch herb for skin conditions, relieves stomach pain, and treats snakebite, none of which are strengths of Wei Ling Xian.

Fang Feng
Xu Chang Qing vs Fang Feng

Both expel Wind and can be used for itching and Bi syndrome. Fang Feng is milder and more commonly used for exterior Wind patterns (common cold, headache), while Xu Chang Qing has significantly stronger analgesic and anti-itch actions. Xu Chang Qing is the preferred single herb for pain and for urticaria, while Fang Feng is more versatile as a harmonizing Wind herb in complex formulas.

Qin Jiao
Xu Chang Qing vs Qin Jiao

Both treat Wind-Damp Bi pain. Qin Jiao is cool in nature and better for Bi syndrome with Heat signs (red, hot, swollen joints), or for patients with underlying Yin deficiency. Xu Chang Qing is warm and better for Cold-predominant Bi syndrome. Additionally, Xu Chang Qing has superior anti-itch actions for skin diseases, while Qin Jiao is more often used for clearing deficiency Heat and treating jaundice.

Common Substitutes & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Xu Chang Qing

Xu Chang Qing has historically been confused with several related plants in the same botanical family (Asclepiadaceae/Apocynaceae): 1. Bai Wei (白薇, Cynanchum atratum) - Both have fibrous root systems and were historically mixed up, particularly in the Shandong production region where both grow. The key differences are: Xu Chang Qing roots are strongly aromatic (due to paeonol) and taste slightly acrid, while Bai Wei roots have minimal fragrance and taste bitter. Their medicinal properties are completely different (Xu Chang Qing is warm and Wind-dispersing; Bai Wei is cold and Heat-clearing). 2. Bai Qian (白前, Cynanchum stauntonii) - In some regions, Xu Chang Qing roots have been mistakenly used as Bai Qian. Bai Qian roots are generally thicker, paler, and break more easily with a hollow center, while Xu Chang Qing roots are denser and fragrant. 3. Gui Du You (鬼督邮, the 'Ghost Dispatch Officer' plant) - This is actually a different plant species with a similar classical name, but with different leaves and somewhat overlapping traditional indications. Li Shizhen distinguished these carefully in the Ben Cao Gang Mu.

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any herb.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Xu Chang Qing

Non-toxic

Classified as non-toxic (无毒) in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing and most mainstream texts, though the Ming Yi Bie Lu records an entry for 'Shi Xia Chang Qing' (石下长卿) as salty, neutral, and 'having toxicity,' and Tao Hongjing also considered it potentially toxic. Li Shizhen noted that herbs used to treat ghost-related conditions often have some degree of toxicity and leaned toward the Bie Lu view. In modern usage, the herb is considered safe at standard dosages. Its main active compound, paeonol, is a simple phenolic with a wide safety margin. Animal studies show that the LD50 of the de-paeonol extract given intraperitoneally to mice is approximately 32.9 g/kg, indicating low acute toxicity. Intravenous injection in rabbits at 5 g/kg caused brief seizures lasting 30-60 seconds, after which animals recovered fully. Some individuals may experience mild dry mouth or dry throat after ingestion. Overdose or use in constitutionally weak patients may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.

Contraindications

Situations where Xu Chang Qing should not be used or requires extra caution

Caution

People with constitutional weakness or Qi deficiency (体弱者) should use with caution, as the herb's dispersing and Wind-expelling nature may further deplete Qi.

Caution

Use with caution in pregnancy. The herb's Blood-moving and channel-unblocking properties may pose theoretical risks during pregnancy. Safety data in pregnancy is insufficient.

Caution

Do not boil for extended periods. The active volatile components, particularly paeonol, are easily lost with prolonged decoction, significantly reducing therapeutic effect.

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

No specific safety data for pregnancy is available. The herb has Blood-moving (活血) and channel-unblocking properties, which are traditionally considered potentially problematic during pregnancy. While it is not listed among the classical pregnancy-prohibited herbs, caution is warranted. Pregnant women should avoid use unless specifically prescribed by a qualified practitioner who has weighed the risks.

Breastfeeding

No specific safety data exists for use during breastfeeding. The herb's main active component, paeonol, is a small phenolic molecule that could theoretically pass into breast milk. Given the lack of direct evidence, cautious use at standard dosages is advised if clinically necessary. Consultation with a qualified practitioner is recommended.

Children

No specific paediatric dosage guidelines are established in classical or modern texts. For children, dosage should be reduced proportionally based on age and body weight, typically one-third to one-half of the adult dose. The herb is generally mild, but it should only be given to children under practitioner supervision. As with all aromatic herbs, decoction time should be kept short to preserve the active volatile components.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Xu Chang Qing

Antihypertensive medications: Pharmacological studies show that Xu Chang Qing and its key compound paeonol can lower blood pressure through vasodilation (calcium channel inhibition). Concurrent use with antihypertensive drugs could theoretically potentiate their blood pressure-lowering effects. Blood pressure should be monitored if used together.

Sedative and CNS-depressant drugs: The herb has demonstrated sedative and analgesic effects in animal models, reducing spontaneous activity. Concurrent use with benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or other CNS depressants could theoretically enhance sedation, though clinical data is lacking.

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs: The herb has traditional Blood-moving (活血) properties. While no direct clinical interaction data exists, caution is prudent when combining with warfarin, aspirin, or other blood-thinning medications.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Xu Chang Qing

No specific dietary restrictions are traditionally associated with this herb. As a warm, acrid herb used for wind-damp conditions and pain, it pairs well with warming, easily digestible foods. When using the herb for skin conditions (eczema, hives), it may be helpful to avoid foods that are considered 'triggering' in Chinese dietary tradition, such as shellfish, alcohol, spicy food, and lamb, which may aggravate wind and heat in the skin.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Xu Chang Qing source plant

Cynanchum paniculatum (Bunge) Kitag. ex H. Hara is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Asclepiadaceae (milkweed) family, growing up to about 1 metre tall. The stems are slender, erect, and rigid, typically unbranched or with few branches in the upper portion. The leaves are opposite, lanceolate to linear in shape, 5 to 13 cm long and 0.5 to 1.5 cm wide, with a stiff papery texture. From May through August, the plant produces paniculate inflorescences from the upper leaf axils and stem tips, bearing small, star-shaped, yellow-green flowers. The fruit is a follicle (a pod-like dry fruit typical of the milkweed family), and the seeds are topped with a tuft of white silky hairs.

The root system is distinctive: the rhizome is short and knotted, producing dense clusters of fibrous roots (sometimes up to 50 or more), yellowish-brown in colour and strongly aromatic. This fragrant root is the primary medicinal part. The plant favours sunny mountain slopes, grasslands, and streamside habitats from lowlands up to about 1000 metres elevation, and adapts well to warm, humid conditions with well-drained sandy loam soils.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Xu Chang Qing is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Autumn. The roots and rhizomes are dug up in autumn, cleaned of soil and impurities, and dried in the shade.

Primary growing regions

Widely distributed across most of China. Principal producing regions include Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Shandong, Hebei, Henan, Hunan, and Guizhou provinces. The Ming Yi Bie Lu records it growing in Tai Shan (Mount Tai, Shandong) and Longxi (Gansu). In the Song dynasty, Su Song noted that good material came from the Zi-Qi (Shandong) and Huai-Si (Jiangsu/Anhui) regions. Shandong (especially the Linyi area) remains an important traditional production area. The plant also grows in Korea, Japan, and Mongolia.

Quality indicators

Good quality Xu Chang Qing root is identified by a strong, distinctive aromatic fragrance (described historically as resembling Xi Xin / Asarum). The roots should be pale yellowish-white to light brownish-yellow on the surface, with fine longitudinal wrinkles. When broken, the cross-section should be powdery (粉性), with a whitish to pale yellow cortex, a visible light brown cambium ring, and a small central woody core. The root should be brittle and snap cleanly. The whole herb should have greyish-green stems with a slightly purplish base. Taste should be slightly acrid with a cooling sensation. Avoid material that has lost its fragrance (indicating loss of volatile paeonol), is darkened, or shows signs of mould. In the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, paeonol content is used as the quality control indicator.

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Xu Chang Qing and its therapeutic uses

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (《神农本草经》)

Original Chinese: 主蛊毒，疫疾，邪恶气，温疟。久服强悍轻身。

English: Governs gu-poison (parasitic toxins), epidemic diseases, noxious pathogenic Qi, and warm-type malaria. Long-term use strengthens the body and makes it light and agile.

Ming Yi Bie Lu (《名医别录》)

Original Chinese: 益气延年。又石下长卿，主鬼疰精物邪恶气，杀百精蛊毒老魅。注易亡走，啼哭，悲伤，恍惚。

English: Benefits Qi and prolongs life. Also treats ghost-inflicted conditions, malicious spectral Qi, destroys various gu-poisons and old haunting influences. Treats the tendency to wander, crying, grief, and mental confusion.

Ben Cao Gang Mu (《本草纲目》) by Li Shizhen

Original Chinese: 徐长卿，人名也，常以此药治邪病，人遂以名之。

English: Xu Chang Qing was a person's name. He regularly used this herb to treat diseases caused by evil influences, and so people named the herb after him.

Tang Ben Cao (《唐本草》)

Original Chinese: 叶似柳，两叶相当，有光泽，根如细辛，微粗长，黄色而有臊气。

English: Its leaves resemble willow, growing in opposite pairs with a glossy surface. The root resembles Xi Xin (Asarum), slightly thicker and longer, yellow in colour with a pungent odour.

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Xu Chang Qing's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

Xu Chang Qing is one of the few Chinese herbs named after a person. According to the most widely told legend, during the Tang dynasty, Emperor Taizong (Li Shimin) was bitten by a venomous snake while hunting. After the imperial physicians failed, a folk doctor named Xu Chang Qing used a nameless herb ('snake-dysentery grass,' 蛇痢草) to cure the emperor in three days. When asked the herb's name, the doctor could not answer because the emperor had forbidden anyone from uttering the word 'snake' (蛇). The quick-witted minister Wei Zheng intervened, suggesting the herb had no name. The emperor then decreed it should be called 'Xu Chang Qing' after the healer. A variant legend places this story with Song Taizu (Zhao Kuangyin) and a gastric ailment from excessive drinking.

The herb was first recorded in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, China's earliest extant materia medica (dating to the Qin-Han period), where it was listed as a lower-grade drug for treating epidemic poisons and evil Qi. Its classical alias 'Ghost Dispatch Officer' (鬼督邮, Gui Du You) reflects its ancient association with treating mysterious illnesses attributed to spectral or malign influences. Li Shizhen explained this name in the Ben Cao Gang Mu, noting that because the herb specializes in treating 'ghost diseases,' it functions like a postal officer (督邮) who oversees ghosts. The herb also appears in Ge Hong's Bao Pu Zi, which mentions a 'Xu Chang Qing Powder' (徐长卿散) used in antiquity to ward off epidemics.

There has been historical confusion between Xu Chang Qing and related herbs. Classical texts sometimes conflated it with Gui Du You (a different plant) and Xi Xin (Asarum), because their roots share a similar appearance and aroma. Li Shizhen carefully distinguished these in the Ben Cao Gang Mu, cautioning practitioners to examine both root and leaf characteristics to avoid misidentification.

Modern Research

5 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Xu Chang Qing

1

Comprehensive Ethnopharmacology Review of C. paniculatum (2020)

Zhou Y, Jiang SY, Xiao YL, Wang HF, Wang LY. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2020, 252, 112566.

A systematic review covering the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Cynanchum paniculatum based on two decades of research. Over 150 compounds were identified from the plant, including C21 steroids, volatile oils (particularly paeonol), and phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids. Confirmed pharmacological activities include anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, sedative, antiviral, antitumour, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, and blood vessel-dilating effects.

Link
2

Neuroprotective Compounds from C. paniculatum (Preclinical, 2012)

Park HS, Kim JH, Choi JS et al. Archives of Pharmacal Research, 2012, 35(4), 617-621.

Ten compounds were isolated from the methanol extract of C. paniculatum roots and tested for protective effects against glutamate-induced toxicity in hippocampal HT22 cells. One compound (2,3-dihydroxy-4-methoxyacetophenone) showed significant neuroprotective activity at 10 micromolar concentration, suggesting potential for neurodegenerative disease research.

PubMed
3

Vascular Dilation by Paeonol: A Mechanism Study (Preclinical, 2010)

Lau CH, Chan CM, Chan YW et al. Vascular Pharmacology, 2010, 53(3-4), 169-176.

Investigated the vasodilatory mechanism of paeonol, a major active compound in both Mu Dan Pi and Xu Chang Qing. Paeonol relaxed isolated rat aorta rings by 95.6%, with the mechanism involving inhibition of voltage-dependent and receptor-operated calcium channels and suppression of intracellular calcium release. This provides a pharmacological basis for the herb's traditional use in pain and cardiovascular conditions.

PubMed
4

C. paniculatum and Inflammatory Diseases: Multi-pathway Review (2020)

Lau KM et al. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, Article ID 7670947.

A review of how Xu Chang Qing and its active constituents modulate inflammation. Key findings include that paeonol suppresses inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6) via inactivation of NF-kappaB and MAPK signalling pathways, and the alkaloid antofine inhibits nitric oxide production in activated immune cells. Clinical applications in respiratory, cardiovascular, and rheumatic conditions were discussed.

5

Paeonol Ameliorates Schizophrenia-like Behaviours via PI3K-Akt-GSK3beta-NF-kappaB Pathway (Preclinical, 2023)

Im HJ, Kim JH et al. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2023, 319(Pt 1), 117106.

Explored whether paeonol from C. paniculatum could treat schizophrenia-like symptoms in mice, inspired by classical texts describing the herb for mental disturbances. Paeonol reversed sensorimotor gating deficits, improved social behaviour, and reduced neuroinflammatory markers in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting potential as a novel antipsychotic agent with anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Link

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.