Efficacy and Effects of Cimicifugae Rhizoma
Apr 10, 2020
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Qinghui
Introduction
Effects and Functions of Cimicifuga:
1. Treatment of cardiovascular diseases: The aqueous extract of Cimicifuga exhibits antihypertensive effects, inhibits myocardial contraction, and slows heart rate.
2. Antibacterial activity: Cimicifuga inhibits the growth of *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* and demonstrates strong inhibitory effects against *Staphylococcus aureus* and *Bacillus anthracis*.
3. Heat-clearing and detoxifying: Cimicifuga is commonly used to treat conditions such as heat-toxin-induced maculopapular rashes, foul-smelling gingival ulcers, oral and lingual ulcers, and sore throat.
Cimicifugae Rhizoma (Sheng Ma), also known as “Longyan Gen” (dragon eye root), “Zhou Ma,” and “Kulong Ya Gen” (cavity-tooth root), is the rhizome of Cimicifuga heracleifolia, C. dahurica, or C. foetida—plants belonging to the Ranunculaceae family and the genus Cimicifuga. Sheng Ma is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a pungent and sweet taste and a slightly cold nature. It enters the Lung, Spleen, Large Intestine, and Stomach meridians. What are the therapeutic effects and actions of Sheng Ma? Below is an introduction.
Therapeutic Effects and Actions of Sheng Ma
1. Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases
Sheng Ma exerts beneficial effects in treating cardiovascular diseases. Modern pharmacological studies demonstrate that its aqueous extract possesses antihypertensive properties, inhibits myocardial contractility, and slows heart rate. Sheng Ma effectively lowers blood pressure while enhancing cardiac contractile amplitude without disrupting rhythm. Additionally, it exhibits central nervous system depressant activity, conferring sedative and anticonvulsant effects.
2. Antibacterial Activity
Modern pharmacological research confirms that Sheng Ma inhibits the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Its variant, green-leaf Sheng Ma (C. foetida var. viridis), demonstrates varying degrees of inhibitory activity against dermatophytes including Trichophyton schoenleinii, T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, and Epidermophyton floccosum. Sheng Ma also exhibits strong inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus anthracis.
3. Heat-Clearing and Toxin-Resolving Effects
Extracts of Sheng Ma or isoferulic acid can reduce body temperature, thereby exerting heat-clearing effects. Clinically, Sheng Ma is commonly employed for conditions such as febrile toxic eruptions, gingival ulceration with foul odor, oral and lingual ulcers, sore throat, and carbuncles or abscesses. It is frequently combined with gypsum and coptis in clinical practice. For high fever due to exogenous heat syndromes accompanied by maculopapular rash or painful swellings, Sheng Ma may be administered alongside honeysuckle flower (Jin Yin Hua), forsythia fruit (Lian Qiao), red peony root (Chi Shao), and angelica root (Dang Gui). Moreover, Sheng Ma has been used therapeutically for postpartum urinary retention, chronic sinusitis, polymyositis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
The above outlines the therapeutic effects and actions of Sheng Ma, which include treatment of cardiovascular diseases, antibacterial activity, and heat-clearing and toxin-resolving properties. We hope this information proves helpful.
