Enlarge PhotoCortex Acanthopanacis

1 Inner surface of cor tex pale yellow or greyish-yellow.

2 Outer surface marked with twisted longitudinal wrinkles and transverse lenticles.

Enlarge PhotoCaulis Hedyotidis Hedyotideae

1 Cor tex dull grey, narrow.

2 Cross-section marked with irregular concentric rings, with pith present.

3 Xylem broad, dark yellow, yellowish-white or brownish-red.

Cortex Acanthopanacis and Caulis Hedyotidis Hedyotideae
Root bark of Acanthopanax gracilistylus W. W. Smith (Araliaceae). Vine of Hedyotis hedyotidea (DC.) Merr. (Rubiaceae).
Expelling wind and dampness; invigorating liver and kidney; strengthening bones and muscles. Clearing away heat to remove toxins.
Rheumatic or rheumatoid ar thralgia with flaccidity of extremities; retarded walking and lack of strength in children; oedema. Influenza due to wind-heat, cough caused by heat in lungs, heat stroke and high fever, enteritis, eczema, herpes zoster, carbuncles and furuncles.
Top grades are thick, fragrant, cut surfaces greyish-white. Top grades have even thickness, cut surfaces yellowish-white.
» Cortex Acanthopanacis's Detail   » Caulis Hedyotidis Hedyotideae's Detail
Acanthopanax gracilistylus W. W. Smith is the genuine species of Wu Jia Pi (Cor tex Acanthopanacis) listed in the C.P. Niu Bai Teng (Caulis Hedyotidis Hedyotideae) is called “Tu Wu Jia” (土五加) and is therefore confused with Wu Jia Pi. The sources and functions of these herbs are totally different; thus careful differentiation should be made before use.

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