Efficacy and Effects of Paris polyphylla

Chonglou (Paris polyphylla) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the dried rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis (a member of the Liliaceae family) or Paris polyphylla var. chinensis, also known as “Caoheche.” Its pharmacological properties are bitter in taste, slightly cold in nature, mildly toxic, and it primarily affects the Liver meridian. Chonglou is a commonly used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). However, many people remain unfamiliar with its therapeutic effects and clinical applications. Today, we will introduce its key functions and uses.

Therapeutic Effects and Clinical Applications of Chonglou

1. Treatment of Convulsions and Infantile Febrile Seizures

Chonglou effectively treats convulsions and infantile febrile seizures. Being bitter and cold, it enters the Liver meridian to clear Liver-heat, drain Fire, calm endogenous Wind, and arrest convulsions. It is particularly effective for treating febrile convulsions in children caused by excessive heat. Clinically, it is frequently employed—either alone or combined with herbs such as Isatis leaf (Daqingye) and Indigo root (Banlangen)—for the prevention and treatment of epidemic encephalitis B and mumps.

2. Management of Traumatic Bleeding

Chonglou exhibits notable hemostatic activity, attributable to its content of steroidal saponins. Consequently, it is clinically applied to treat traumatic bleeding and contusions. As it enters the Liver meridian and Blood aspect, Chonglou reduces swelling, alleviates pain, resolves blood stasis, and stops bleeding. It may be administered alone—powdered and taken orally with warm water—for traumatic bleeding, contusions, or painful swelling due to blood stasis; alternatively, it can be combined with other herbs such as Notoginseng (Sanqi), Dragon’s Blood (Xuejie), and Natural Copper (Zi Ran Tong).

3. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Pharmacological studies indicate that Chonglou contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory constituents. It inhibits Shigella sonnei, Serratia marcescens, and Escherichia coli, and exerts pigment-diffusing effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, Chonglou demonstrates anti-inflammatory activity against dextran-induced sterile inflammation, and possesses antitussive and bronchodilatory effects.

4. Anticancer Activity

Chonglou exhibits anticancer potential. Its aqueous, methanol, and ethanol extracts demonstrate inhibitory effects on tumor cells, supporting its clinical use as an adjunctive agent in cancer therapy.

5. Detoxification

Chonglou is also indicated for heat-toxin-induced carbuncles and abscesses, scrofula, and snakebite. Its bitter nature facilitates downward movement and dispersion, while its cold property clears Heat; thus, it effectively clears Heat, resolves toxins, reduces swelling, and relieves pain. It is widely used for furuncles, carbuncles, and especially for snakebite. It may be applied topically—ground into a paste with vinegar and applied directly—or powdered and sprinkled onto affected areas. Alternatively, it may be combined with other Heat-clearing and toxin-resolving herbs, such as Honeysuckle flower (Jinyinhua), Coptis rhizome (Huanglian), and Red Peony root (Chishao).

What are the effects and benefits of Chonglou?

Chonglou is a traditional Chinese medicine, primarily referring to plants of the genus Paris in the Liliaceae family, including Paris yunnanensis and Paris polyphylla. Its main functions and effects include clearing heat and detoxifying the body, reducing swelling and relieving pain, cooling the liver and calming internal agitation, as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions, and promoting wound healing. It should be noted that, as a medicinal herb, Chonglou must be used appropriately under the guidance of a physician. Patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly when experiencing discomfort.

Dr. Zhang Ziyi

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Therapeutic Effects and Functions of Paris polyphylla

Therapeutic Effects and Actions of *Paris polyphylla*: 1. Clears heat and detoxifies, alleviating sore throat and pharyngeal swelling/pain; 2. Reduces swelling and resolves blood stasis, treating traumatic injuries and contusions; 3. Exerts antitumor and analgesic effects, used during anticancer therapy; 4. Cools the liver and calms convulsions, relieving infantile limb twitching or convulsions; 5. Exhibits antiviral and antibacterial activity, inhibiting influenza virus; 6. Contracts the uterus and stops bleeding, indicated for dysfunctional uterine bleeding and uterine fibroids.

Dr. Cui Zhenqin

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What are the effects and functions of Rhizoma Paridis?

Paris polyphylla, also known as Seven-leaf and One-flower, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb mainly distributed in the southwestern regions of China. Its medicinal part is primarily the rhizome. The main functions and effects include clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and relieving pain, cooling the liver to calm agitation, anti-tumor properties, and antibacterial effects. Individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach, those with weak spleen and stomach function, people with blood deficiency, as well as pregnant women should use Paris polyphylla cautiously or avoid its use.

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

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