What is Chinese FoxGlove Root? How to use a Mountain Cabbage having a root?...
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 Basic Botanical Data and Identification:
Radix Rehmanniae
English:Chinese FoxGlove Root
Family: Gesneriaceae
Official Latin Name: Rehmannia glutinosa
Botanical Source:Dry stem root of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch.
Common name: Chinese foxglove
Synonyms: Rehmannia chinensis
Pharmaceutical name: Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae Conquitae.
Other Common Names: Rehmannia [H ], Sheng Di [E ], Sheng Ti Huang [E ], Shu Ti Huang [E ], Ti Huang [E ], Ti Huang Chiu [E ],Rehmannia (processed),Radix Rehmanniae Preparata.
Recipe Names: Sheng Di,Sheng Di Huang,Xian Di Huang,Di Huang, Gan Sheng Di, Gan Di Huang,Da Sheng Di,Xi Sheng Di,Huai Sheng Di,Sheng Di Tan
Synoms: JiuHu Hua(flagon flower), ShanYanGen(Mountain Tabacco Root), ShanYan(Mountain Tabacco), ShanBaiCai(Mountain Cabbage),Di Sui(from Ben Jing),Yuan Sheng Di(from Ben Cao Zheng Yi),Gan Sheng Di(from Zhong Yao Zhi),Bian(from Er Ya),Qii(from Bie Lu),Niu Naizi(Cow Nipples)(from Ben Cao Yan Yi),Po Po Nai(from Jiu Huang Ben Cao),Gou Naizi(Dog Nipples)(from Zhi Wu Ming Shi Tu Kao),Rum Cabbage,Honey Cabbage.
Properties: sweet, slightly warm.
Channels entered: Liver, Kidney, Heart.
Black Witch Names:Witches' glove, Dead Man's Bells, Bloody Fingers,Goblin's Gloves
Epithets:glutinosa = very sticky;
Part used:Root, stem, leaves, flower, seed
Habitat:Rehmannia root growing from provinces of China:HeNan,Zhe Jiang,Jiang Su,An Hui,Shan Dong,He Bei,Liao Ning,Shan Xi,Shaan Xi,Nei Meng Gu,Hu Nan,Hu Bei,Si Chuan province.
Basic Botanical Data and Identification:
Plant Description:
Phytochemicals and constituents of Chinese FoxGlove Root
Edible Uses of Chinese FoxGlove Root
Medicinal Uses and common benefits:Rehmannia Classifications and Main Actions.
Actions of Chinese FoxGlove Root:
Mechanism of chinese FoxGlove Root:How it Works
Combinations and Application Case Study:Rehmannia Root
Suggestions and Administrations.
FoxGlove Witchcraft.
Rehmannia and Its Relatives.
Research Update:Rehmannia glutinosa.
Plant Description:
 Physical Characteristics:
Perennial growing to 0.3m by 0.25m . It is hardy to zone 9. It is in flower from April to June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs). We rate it 1 out of 5 for usefulness.Mostly irregular pieces, or oblong and orbicular (round); middle part bulgy, narrower at two ends; 6-12 cm long, 3-6 cm in diameter. Some are small, long and rod-like, slightly flattened and gnarled. Outer surface greyish-black or greyish-brown; extremely wrinkled; lined with irregular transverse curves. Heavy; relatively soft and pliable, does not break easily. When broken, surface brownish-black or pitch-black, lustrous and sticky. Odourless; taste: slightly sweet.
The plant prefers light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.
Perennial herbage,white long fluff and armpit hair clothed whole plant. fascicled leaf grow at bottom,egg shape and light purple undersurface.Capsule fruit ball shape or egg shape, flowering during April and June,fruiting during July and august.
Wide spread at mountain,field ridge, road side, mainly output from henan,liaoning,hebei,shandong,zhejiang province of China.
Origin:
The prepared root of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch., Rehmannia glutinosa (Gaertn.) Steud., Rehmannia chinensis (.), or Huaiqing R. glutinosa Libosh. f. hueichingensis (Chao et Schih) Hsiao., a perennial plant, of the family Scrophulariaceae. Native to Northern China, the plant grown on well-drained stony ground along roadsides and in woods.
Rehmannia is a beautiful genus of plants which has been extensively used and cultivated in China for over 2000 years. This particular species grows to about 0.3 m by 0.25 m. It is in flower from April to June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs).The plant can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.Glutinosa means "very sticky," which refers to the condition of the form, particularly of the prepared rehmannia root.
In China, rehmannia glutinosa is produced mainly in Inner Mongolia, Henan, Zhejiang, Hebei, and Liaoning provinces. The root is dug in October and September, dried by fire and steamed with yellow rice wine or charcoaled for use.Also called Prepared Chinese Foxglove Root.
Collection: dig out at Autumn,get off reed top and fibre,get fresh ShengDi; dried till root black inside,then compressed into gobbet shape,got Sheng DiHuang(means crude Radix Rehmanniae,Xian dihuang,Fresh Rehmannia Root);Gently roast Xian dihuang until inside turns black and nearly dry; knead into lumps-commonly known as 'Sheng dihuang' (Raw Rehmannia Root).suffocating fresh root till black inside,got Shu DiHuang(means grade Radix Rehmanniae).
Cultivation details:
Requires a light freely-draining humus-rich loam in light shade. Prefers a neutral to acid sandy soil. Requires a warm sunny position. This species is probably hardy to about -25 if the plants are dry, but the softly hairy leaves are susceptible to rot in warm damp winters and so the plants are often grown in the greenhouse. The plants are prone to fungal infections, especially when grown in damp conditions. The Chinese foxglove is cultivated as a medicinal plant in China.
Propagation:
Seed - sow autumn or spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Root cuttings in winter. Division in spring. Basal cuttings in late spring or early summer. Harvest the shoots with plenty of underground stem when they are about 8 - 10cm above the ground. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Phytochemicals and constituents of Chinese FoxGlove Root
Main Constituents:catalpol,C15H21O11; rehmaglutin D,C21H31O16; RPS-b or Rehmannia Polisaccharides-b,composed of galactose-glucoside-xylitol-mannitol-arabinose at mol ratio of 12:6:2:2:1;
Other Phytochemicals of Rhemmania Root:
Dihydrocatalpol,leonuride,aucubin;monomelittside;melittside;Rehmaglutin A,Rehmaglutin B,Rehmaglutin C,Rehmaglutin D;
acteside;cerebroside;glutinoside;daucosterol;Rehmalonoside A,Rehmalonoside B,Rehmalonoside C,Rehmapicroside;joglutoside;
6-O-E-ferulate;6-O-Z-ferulate;6-O-p-coumarate;6-O-4"-alpha-L-rhamn opyranosyl ranillate;6-O-phdroxybenzoate;6-O-vanillate;ajugol;
jioglutins D,jioglutins E,jioglutins A,jioglutins B,jioglutins C,jioglutolide;jiofuran;jionosides A2,jionosides B2,
jionosides C,jionosides D,jionosides E;acteoside;forsythiaside;stachyose,Raffinose,glucoside,Glucosamine,sugar,Fructose,manninotriose,Verbascoside,
Trihydroxy-b-ionone; Dihydroxy-b-ionone; Aeginetic acid; Sec-hydroxyaeginetic acid; Succinic acid; 5-oxoproline; 5-hydroxymethylfuroic acid; Uracil; Uridine;
Linoleic acid; Palmitic acid; Stearic acid; Arachidic acid; Pentadecanoic acid; Palmitoleic acid; Myristic acid; Nonadecanoic acid; Heneicosanoic acid; Margaric acid.
galactose,rhemannia polysaccharides;amino acids,inorganic chemicals such as copper,calcium,Na,iron,Magnesium, Manganese,Zinc,etc;
Organic acid,linoleic acid shares about 40% of total acid,palmitic acid shares about 27%;Beta-sitosterol;Stigmasterol;D-Mannitol;Phosphate;
Amino Acids etc:Alanine, Arginine, Aspartic-acid,Luteolin;St Yellow Grass Essence;Vitamin a,Glutamic- acid, Glycine, Histidine,Isoleucine,
Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Phosphoric-acid,Serine, Stachyose, Sucrose, Threonine, Tyrosine, Valine,etc.
Edible Uses of Chinese FoxGlove Root:
Rehmannia Facts:
Rehmannia is a perennial herb with reddish-violet flowers native to China and Korea. Its common name is Chinese Foxglove. Rehmannia's root is used medicinally in Oriental medicine to replenish vitality, to strengthen the liver, kidney and heart, and for treatment of a variety of ailments like diabetes, constipation, anemia, urinary tract problems, dizziness, and regulation of menstrual flow.
Foxglove Root:
Root - cooked. Boiled nine times before it is eaten. This suggests that the root is somewhat toxic, or at least has a very bitter flavour. Having boiled it nine times (and presumably throwing the water away each time), there is going to be very little left in the way of vitamins and minerals[K].
Chinese foxglove root (Rehmannia glutinosa) is used in the treatment of many illusive medical conditions. This drug (which is prepared by being cooked in wine) has been effective in treating tinnitus, lightheadedness, hearing loss, palpitations, blurred vision, constipation, and insomnia.1 The cooked preparation is recommended over the raw version for the treatment of tinnitus. Consult a Chinese medicine practitioner regarding dosages and combining Chinese foxglove root with other herbal remedies.
The cooked Chinese foxglove root can distend the abdomen, and has been associated with loose stools. Consequently, those with digestive problems should use this medication with caution. Caution must always be used with the preparation of foxglove, which is the origin of digitalis, as it can affect the heart.
Medicinal Uses and common benefits:Rehmannia Classifications and Main Actions
Disclaimer,Antiseptic; Cardiac; Diuretic; Febrifuge; Haemostatic; Hypoglycaemic; Skin; Tonic.
This plant, called Di Huang in China, is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is one of the most popular tonic herbs and is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs. The root is the main part used and it can be prepared in four different ways - charcoaled, prepared (but no details of the preparation are given) when it is called Shu Di Huang and fresh or dried when it is called Sheng Di Huang.
The roots are antibacterial, antiseptic, cardiac, diuretic, febrifuge, haemostatic, hypoglycaemic and tonic. They are used in the treatment of a wide range of ailments, including anaemia, cancer, bleeding, constipation, coughs, fever and premature ejaculation. The charcoaled root is used to stop bleeding and tonify the spleen and stomach. The fresh root is used to treat thirst, the rash of infectious diseases and bleeding due to pathological heat. The dried root is used to treat bleeding due to blood deficiency and to nourish the vital essence. The prepared root is used to treat dizziness and palpitations due to anaemia or blood deficiency, chronic tidal fever, night sweats, dry mouth, lumbago and nocturnal emissions[176]. The roots of cultivated plants are harvested in the autumn or early winter, whilst wild plants are harvested in early spring. They can be used fresh or dried.
The root is an ingredient of 'Four Things Soup', the most widely used woman's tonic in China. The other species used are Angelica sinensis, Ligusticum wallichii and Paeonia lactiflora.
The leaves are bruised and used in the treatment of scaly eczema or psoriasis.
Possible Benefits:
Blood tonic and diuretic.
Relieves fatigue and helps with anemia.
Promotes healing of injured bones.
Strengthens the liver, kidney and heart.
Reduces blood pressure and lowers glucose levels and cholesterol.
Increases circulation to the brain.
Regulates menstrual flow and helps with urinary tract problems.
Helps with constipation.
Useful for hypoglycemia and diabetes.
Properties: Sweet and bitter in flavor, cold in nature, it is related to the heart, liver and lung channels.
Functions: Removes heat from the blood and reinforces yin (body fluids) to promote the production of body fluid.Rahmannia is one of 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine.It is protective to the liver and helps prevent the depletion of stored glycogen, which can make it beneficial for hypoglycemia (an abnormally diminished concentration of glucose in the blood).
Rehmannia Part Classifications and Its Main Actions:
Rehmannia root is a commonly used bulk precious herb medicine,it hold a very important position in application and theory of TCM,cannonized by herbalists from ancient till today!
The Rehmannia root origin from Huai Qing Area of Henan Province,China named Huai Di Huang (Huai Rehmannia Root or Huai Qing Di Huang,Huai Di Huang),famous for its super quality and wide uses,root and rhizoma used as herb medicine.Different preparation method and its procedure make its character,effects and functions certain difference,in TCM system, rehmannia root is classified as 3 major kind according to its different preparations:Fresh Rehmannia Root (Xian Di Huang),Dried Raw Rehmannia Root (Gan Sheng Di Huang,Sheng Di),Prepared Rehmannia Root (Shu Di Huang,Shu Di.).
Fresh Rehmannia Root (Xian Di Huang) functions cool blood,drive away heat,brings saliva.Mainly treat for Yin deficiency and chronic disease,heat and thirsty,throat gall,fatigue and weak,confused spirit and hematemesis,hemoptysis,urine blood,eliminate thirsty,constipation,macula,etc.
Dried Raw Rehmannia Root (Gan Sheng Di Huang,Sheng Di) nurish Yin and benefit blood,clear heat and cool blood,brings moist and drive away dry.Mainly treat for Yin weakness and fever,throat gall,blood heat and hematemesis,urine blood,menstrual dysfunction,quickening tension,Yin hurt and constipation.
Prepared Rehmannia Root (Shu Di Huang,Shu Di.) nurish Yin and benefit kidney,tonify blood and adjust spirit.Mainly treat for Yin weakness and anaemia,swirl and tinnitus,waist knee pain,fatigued cough,kidney weak and spermatorrhea,weakness and night sweat,menstrual bleeding,menstrual dysfunction,thirsty,etc.
By the way,Rehmannia Leaf,Rehmmania flower and Rehmannia fruit all can be used as medicine and good for treatment of kidney weak and waist pain,thirsty,leg tinea,bad sore,etc.
Huai Di Huang (Huai Rehmannia Root or Huai Qing Di Huang,Huai Di Huang)
In the first herb classics of ancient China,Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing,rehmannia root canonized as top grade herb,yet no difference or origin noted.Ancient herbalist still not very sure the relationship between herb quality and the habita environment,attention focused on the origin reason on effects of herbs until theory "Zhu Yao Suo Sheng Jie You Jing Jie(All herbs grows and depend on their environment and habitat)" noted by famous herbalist Tao Hong Jing of south-North Dynasty.
After long years of application experience,ancient herbalists suggested and canonized rehmannia root origined from Huai Qing Area as folk herb medicine.Herbalist Liu Wen Tai noted in Ben Cao Pin Hui Jing Yao:"today the root from Huai Qing area is superb".Herbalist Chen Jia Mo make some comparations in book Ben Cao Jia Quan,it noted:"The root cultivated at soil terra of Jiang Zhe area,absorb Yang Qi of southern area,core smooth but potency weak,the root cultivated from mountain of Huai Qing area,sorb pure Yin Qi of northern area,pimple skin and potency strong.";Ben Cao Qiu Zhen noted also:"the root cultivated at south absorb Yang and potency weak,cultivated at north absorb pure Yin and potency strong,the root cultivated at Huai Qing area with chrysanthemum flower shape core the top grade.";famous herbalist Li Shizhen summarized in Ben Cao Gang Mu that "people today consider the rehmannia root from Huai Qing the top grade."
At the early period of 1950s',herbalist doctor Zhao Ju Huang make some analysis by modern methods to identify rehmannia root from various regions of China,result got :"the rehmannia root from Zhe Jiang could not catch the same quality as the root from Huai Qing area.". A magazine named Zhong Zhou Gu Jin published an article at year 1993 noted:"According to analysis report,potency of rehmannia root from Huai Qing 3 qian (equal to about 9.5 grams),equals to 9 qian (equal to about 28.4 grams) rehmannia root from Luo Yang city,or equals to 2 liang 1 qian (equal to about 65.6 grams) rehmannia root from Ru Nan area,no need to talk about rehmannia root from other areas."Research scientists of TCM Zhao Xi noted in his book Si Da Huai Yao de Yan Jiu He Ying Yong(Researches and Application of Four main kind of Huai Herb)(october,1992):"In common sense,Huai Di Huang has better quality than rehmannia root from other areas."
Catalpol identified and analyzed by scientists Liu Gencheng,etc,result showing:Catalpol content ratio of Fresh rehmannia root the highest source comes from Wu Zhi area of He Nan,about 2.372%,followed by other origins,fresh rehmannia root from beijing city,about 1.774%;fresh rehmannia root from Da Li of Shaan Xi,about 1.450%,fresh rehmannia root from Xian Ju of Zhe Jiang,about 1.351%.
Catalpol content ratio of dried rehmannia root the highest source comes from Wu Zhi area of He Nan,about 0.811%,followed by dried rehmannia root from other area,such as dried rehmannia root from Shen Yang 0.726%;dried rehmannia root from Hou Ma 0.043%;dried rehmannia root from Cheng Wu 0.036%;dried rehmannia root from Guang Dong 0.019%;dried rehmannia root from Xian Ju of Zhe Jiang 0.01%,etc.Thus proved the traditional idea about the quality of Huai Di Huang(rehmannia root from Huai Qing area,area around Wu Zhi today).
Further analysis processed on catalpol,hydro-alcoholic extracts,ash,polysaccharides and minerals of rehmannia root from different areas,result comes:"the Catalpol content ratio of rehmannia root from Wu Zhi higher than other origins,about 2.454%;the ratio of its hydrolic extracts dry base and total polysaccharides all higher than other origins,about 89.89% and 80.28% accordingly,total ash ratio and acid insoluble ash ratio lower,3.79% and 1.11% accordingly.This result proved that Huai Di Huang really a top grade rehmannia root,traditional opinion considering rehmannia root from He Nan province better is scientific.Alcoholic extracts of rehmannia root dry base the highest ratio comes from rehmannia root of Cheng Wu,about 13.37%,so this type fitable to steep in drink wines.Mineral content analysis make sure the highest ratio comes from Huai Di Huang and Cheng Wu Di Huang. Thus proved the quality difference from and rely on the condition and environmental reasons.
Actions and Pharmacology of Chinese FoxGlove Root:
Clears heat and cools the blood: for heat in the ying level causing very high fever, thirst, and a dark red tongue. Also used for hemorrhage, epistaxis, spitting blood, bloody urine, and uterine bleeding.
Nourishes the yin, increases fluids: for injured yin from heat causing dry mouth, throat pain, wasting and thirsting disorder, and constipation.
Clears heart fire: for irritability, restlessness, mouth and tongue sores, or insomnia.
Rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa) Rehmannia is a Chinese herb known as Chinese foxglove that is often combined with other herbs to treat anemia, fatigue, constipation, high blood pressure, sleeping problems, and tinnitis. It modulates the kidney meridian energy which accounts for its effects on blood pressure, but it also prevents the suppressive effects of corticosteroid drugs on the body's natural cortisol production. This points towards its amazing use as a treatment for adrenal fatigue issues. We use it in every adrenal formulation we prepare, because it is perfect for every stage of adrenal fatigue.
Ethnobotany:Worldwide Uses:
China Alterative, Anemia, Cancer, Cancer(Stomach), Cardiotonic, Cachexia, Cough, Diabetes-Mellitis, Diphtheria, Diuretic, Depurative, Dysuria, Ejaculation, Ear, Eczema, Epistaxis, Eye, Fatigue, Fracture, Fever, Hemorrhage, Hematemesis, Hemoptysis, Hemostat , Hypertension, Kidney, Liver, Longevity, Lumbago, Menoxenia, Metroxenia, Nerve, Marasmus, Marrow, Pregnancy, Psoriasis, Refrigerant, Puerperium, Rejuvenation, Sialogogueue, Sore,Tendon, Thirst, Tinnitus, Tonic, Tonsillitis, Tumor(Nose), Vertigo, Wet-Dream
Elsewhere Hyperglycemia
Functions and clinical use: Tonifies the Blood: used for Deficient Blood patterns with such symptoms as a pallid face, dizziness, palpitations and insomnia. Also used for irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, and postpartum bleeding. Nourishes the Yin: used for Deficient Kidney Yin, with such manifestations as night sweats, nocturnal emissions, Steaming Bone syndrome, and Wasting and Thirsting syndrome.
"Rehmannia is commonly used in clinics in the orient and is called di-huang, or "yellow earth." It is used to replenish vital force and helps with diabetes, constipation, urinary tract problems, anemia, dizziness, and regulating menstrual flow. It is protective to the liver and helps prevent the depletion of stored glycogen, which can make it beneficial for hypoglycemia. Di huang has an antifungal effect and has been used for candida. It can lower glucose levels and helps to reduce blood pressure while increasing circulation to the brain. It is a blood tonic and diuretic. It helps strengthen the bones and tissue and can enhance fertility. Chinese doctors have used it with licorice for the treatment of hepatitis. Rehmannia helps disperse heat from the body and alleviates night sweats and fevers."
Pharmacology of Rehmannia Root:
 Enhancing immunity:
Oral-feeding mice the alcohol-based extract of this herb can significantly decrease the T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood; administering by abdominal injection F108, an extract of the herb, to mice activates the abdominal macrophage, increasing their phagocytic activity.Reference:Cao Zhong Liang, et al. Henan Journal of TCM. 1989;9(3):86.
Delaying the aging process:
The water decoction of the herb can significantly increase the activity of glutathione peroxidase in animal blood serum, decrease the lipid peroxide content, and increase the activity of superoxide dismutase in the blood.Reference:Yin Zhi Zhang, et al. Proceedings of the 3rd Symposium on Chinese Materia Medica and Natural Medicinal Materials. Northern and Northwestern Regions. 1988.
Anti-hyperthyroidism:
Oral-feeding hamsters the water decoction of this herb can significantly lower the concentration level of T3, and at the same time significantly increase the concentration level of T4, in the plasma, thereby significantly decreasing water intake and urine, and arresting weight loss.Reference:Hou Shi Liang, et al. China Journal of Materia Medica. 1992;17(5):301.
Affecting monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity:
The water decoction of this herb can decrease the activity of monoamine oxidase in mice's cerebral mitochondria.Reference:Cao Cai, et al. China Journal of Gerontology. 1998;18(2):102-103.
Immuno-antitumor action mechanism:
To study immuno-antitumor action mechanism of RGP-b. RGP-b (Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccaride b) is a new component isolated from the herb, had an average molecular mass of 160 kDa and 5 kinds of monosaccharides as acid-splitting products. Its HPLC showed a main sharp peak at 162 kDa. The kinetic effects of RGP-b on IL-2 secretion, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activities and L3T4+, lyt-2+ T-lymphocyte subset in mice bearing S180 were observed. RESULTS: RGP-b 10 or 20 mg kg-1 ip obviously attenuated the decrease of CTL cytotoxity caused by excessive tumor growth on d 9 after the administration, but only partly ameliorated the descent of IL-2. Its effect on lyt-2+ subset was quite parallel with that on CTL cytotoxity. RGP-b kept the ratio of L3T4+ to lyt-2+ subset lower than that of control. Improving the production of lyt-2+ CTL and its cytotoxity were an essential immuno-antitumor mechanisms of RGP-b.
Mechanism of chinese FoxGlove Root:How it Works
Rehmannia Root has been used to treat a whole host of ailments in its native China for centuries, where it is seen as a healer of diseases caused by yin deficiency. Rehmannia Root is often used to relieve cramps, regulate menstrual cycles, reduce anemia, and improve energy levels.
Rehmannia contains Vitamins A, B, C, D, amino acids, cerebroside, dammelittoside, melittoside, rehmaglitin, and other substances that have antiinflammatory and antifungal properties. It helps prevent depletion of glycogen for hypoglycemia and helps disperse heat from the body. Its astringent compounds help stop bleeding of ulcers and reduce inflammation of the digestive system. Other compounds work to reduce capillary fragility and help protect the adrenal glands and liver function. Rehmannia tonifies the blood and helps with deficiencies, working as a blood tonic.
In China, this herb is often recommended for insomnia, restlessness, night sweats, chronic fever, and hot flashes. It's also considered a remedy for menstrual irregularity and uterine bleeding, especially after childbirth, and is taken for light-headedness, palpitations, stiff joints, low back pain, constipation, blurred vision, and hearing problems. Its effectiveness remains to be verified.
Classical Note:
Shen Nong Ben Cao: "Treats fracture, traumatic injuries, rupture of the muscles and tendons and impairment of the spleen and stomach by relieving blood-arthralgia, replenishing marrow and promoting tissue regeneration."
Other Medical Records of Famous Physicians:
"A man's five kinds of consumptive diseases and seven kinds of impairment as well as a woman's impairment of the spleen and stomach, vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and metrorrhagia and metrostaxis."
"Powerful and Unusual Herbs from the Amazon and China," (The World Preservation Society, Inc., 1993,1995) :
"Rehmannia is commonly used in clinics in the orient and is called di-huang, or 'yellow earth.' It is used to replenish vital force and helps with diabetes, constipation, urinary tract problems, anemia, dizziness, and regulating menstrual flow. It is protective to the liver and helps prevent the depletion of stored glycogen (a white amorphous tasteless polysaccharide (C6H10O5)x that is the principal form in which carbohydrate is stored in animal tissues and especially muscle and liver tissue), which can make it beneficial for hypoglycemia (abnormal decrease of sugar in the blood). Di huang has an antifungal effect and has been used for candida (a genus of fungus). It can lower glucose levels and helps to reduce blood pressure while increasing circulation to the brain. It is a blood tonic and diuretic. It helps strengthen the bones and tissue and can enhance fertility. Chinese doctors have used it with licorice for the treatment of hepatitis. Rehmannia helps disperse heat from the body and alleviates night sweats and fevers."
Ben Cao Gang Mu: "People consider Huai Qing Di Huang the super quality,for the cause other area cultivated it periodly and occasionally,Rehmannia Root growing at side of mountains,leaf looks like mountain cabbage and leaf covered with hair,leaf colored deep cyan surface,similar as Xiao Jie Ye but thicker,no sub branch leaf,stem centered and covered with hair,small canister flower bloom on top of stems,color red to yellow,fruit shape as wheat grain,root size three or four cun,slim as fingers,skin deep yellow colored,similar as dock root or carrot root,sun dry and became black.Taken raw as Tu Qi,,seedling called Po Po Nai by folks.Ancient people cultivated seeds,present people only dig roots.Shan Ju Lu noted,pick up leaf of Di Huang fresh seedlings as vegetables,benefit body.Dig out root at February or August, remnant leaves still on branches during august,spirit and Qi of leaves still not restored in roots,February new seedlings growing out and Spirit Qi of root entered into leaves,better dig out at the first month and September."......"According to Jian Yi Fang by Wang Shuo,Man normally suffering from Yin weakness,better use Prepared Rehmannia Root(Shu di Huang),Women suffering blood heat,better taken Raw Rehmannia Root,and saying,Raw Rehmannia root boost blood and spirit,sperm,combined with asparagus root to enter the origin in bidy,Prepared Rehmannia root good for tonify spirit,sperm and blood,combined with dwarf lilyturf tunber for tonifying."
Ben Cao Cheng Ya Ban Ji: "After cultivation of Rhemmania root,the soil becomes hard,from the end of second year achyranthes root can be planted,after another 2 years wild yam can be planted,when the soil becomes sweet in 10 years,Rhemmania root can be cultivated again,or the bitter and slim root comes out,unfitable for recipe applications."
Ben Cao Qiu Zhen: "Raw Rehmannia root(Sheng Di Huang) owns characters before braized,dig out and apply directly,taste sweet bitter and coldness,...main and especially for heat clear and drive fever,cool blood and eliminate silt, so for symptoms including hematemesis,hemoptysis,menstrual bleeding and other blood diseases,check its reason,if the main reason is by heat,then use this raw Rehmannia root(Sheng Di) for treatment no problem,...water clean and smash into liquid for drink,or put into alcohol drink to prepare and avoid stomach hurt,no use container made of iron."
Ben Cao Hui Yan: "Prepared Rehmannia Root(Shu Di) taste warm,and its function wider than raw rehmannia root,treatment for Chronic disease,Yin wound,disease after birth,blood worse all need this herb as necessary.But for the character of these 2 kind of Rehmannia root(refer to Raw Rehmannia Root and Prepared Rehmannia Root),cool and mud midruff,not recommended for heat but actually pain suffering,misuse will cause continuous release.For Yin deficiency and cough,inside heat and bone pain,hematemesis and similar disease,once following symptoms occurs,Rehmannia root not recommended:spleen and stomach weakness,soft stool,morning discharge,diarrhoea after child birth,sickness and no appetite,etc.Rehmannia root also not recommended in pills and decoctions for following symptoms:too much phlegm, dyspnoea, sudden coldness,medicine functions better prefer boosting but not reserving."
Ben Cao Jing Du: "Zhang Jing Yue suggest a theory to treat hundreds of disease by adjust kidney function,misunderstanding the top grade food use of Rehmannia root(Di Huang) from classics Shen Nong Ben Cao,identify it as a herb to cure illness,yet its property nurishing and sticky,attract&collect evil qi to Shao Yin and no way out,so thus no effect to heat up when taken Ginger root or Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata,no cooling effect when taken poria cocos and Radix Scutellariae,no tonifying effects when taken ginseng root or Swordlike Atractylodes Rhizome,no effect on constipation when taken Glauber's salt or rhubarb root, what about the reasons? Main for prepared rehmannia root sticky,for example,pregnant women taken Si Wu Tang decoction and combined with other effective herbs according to type of illness,no hurt,prepared rehmannia root of Si Wu Tang decoction protect fetus,knowing its fetus protecting property then knowing its possible harm of evil protecting properties,sticky property fitable for anything, similar as pour oil into flour,once mixed,can not got out ever."
Ben Cao Zheng Yi: "Rehmannia root,its a good remedy for tonifying body and blood,ancient people use it dried raw root,so named dry rehmannia root(Gan Di Huang),it is just Yuan Sheng Di(the raw rehmannia root) we call it today,yet Ben Jing use descriptive name "Gan" for this only recipes,and then noted that raw is better,so it means and refers to fresh type,thus we know dried rehmannia root(Gan Di), fresh raw rehmannia root(Xian Di),before Six Dynasty period(six dynasty means Wu Nation of Three-State Period,Dong Jing Dynasty,Song,Qi,Liang,Chen of Southern Dynasty Period,all these 6 dynasty dwell their capital at Jian Kang City(Nan Jing City today),so named Six Dynasty period, this time the same as before Three-States Period of ancient China,before 260.A.D.),rehmannia root already classified as 2 kind,but its standard for differentiation not strict seriously yet.Unitl the book of Ming Yi Bie Lu,appears raw rehmannia root(Sheng Di Huang ),this name shows its obvious difference from Dried Rehmannia root(Gan Di Huang),dried rehmannia root mainly treat for tonify blood and nurish Yin.The fresh raw root(Gan Di Huang) cool blood and drive heat,its therapy property and functions,could not be confused,thus the raw root belongs to cooling type,only better and fit for cases of heat with weakness,if Yin deficiency but no heat evidence,then use Dried rehmannia root better,thus for its the property of Yin and Sticky,no benefit for weak spleen and stomach.As for this cause,ever since Tang and Song dynasty,method to make prepared rehmannia root available,mixed with Amomum Fruit and drink wine,braize then sun dry several times, when the root core became pure black,the mature preparation got,for derive the pure Yang from the Sun,to change its character of Yin,the patient with middle weak take the prepared root,no need worry its stagnate and sticky properties,thus prepared rehmannia root famous for its warm character,could be applied to tonify and boost pure Yin,yet not void its cold and cooling property,so once prepared, it(the prepared rehmannia root) turned from a cooling herb(raw rehmannia root) to a herb nurish liver,spleen,kidney and blood,so the effects and functions could not related to the raw rehmannia root,the thicker the heavier,the more power of its effects,so reaches to the low fever,nurish moist and boost secretion,benefit sperm and blood.For all cases of blood deficiency,thirsty,night sweat,spermatorrhea,bleeding after child birth,blood deficiency after birth and other cases,take big dosage and it functions great.But for its property of sticky and reserving,thus brings negative effects for very weak body,so the takeners should have better stomach and spirit or body shape not faded yet,or it cause obstruct and stagnant. Must cause bulge and stuffy,no cure even braized with Amomum Fruit,then the Qi too weak and could not support inside movement and circulations.¡°
Famous herbalist Zhang Jie Bing ever classified and named Ginseng,Rehmannia Root,Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata and Rhubarb root as "4 dimension of herb medicine",he considered these 4 kinds of herbs as basis or backbone of TCM. But from his applications,the herb he used a lot and suggested is not panax ginseng, but Rehmannia root. In his famous book Ben Cao Zheng Yi,when note about rehmannia root,it says:"Rehmannia root character calm and smooth,smells and taste pure and clean,so can tonify the Yin of innner five organs,and especially important good for organs with more blood,is it not a classical herb for spleen and stomach?Thus for the reason of man with life power,only Qi and Blood make this.Qi main for Yang and action or move,Blood main for Yin and calm,Tonify Qi use ginseng as main herb,combined with Astragalus root and Atractylodes root,to tonify Blood use prepared rehmannia root as main,combines with rhizoma chuanxiong and chinese angelica root.Ye there are some interactions between Astragalus root ,Atractylodes root,rhizoma chuanxiong and chinese angelica root,but ginseng root and prepared rehmannia root necessary for Qi and Blood tonic,so for all Yang Deficiency,ginseng necessary,for all blood Yin deficiency,prepared rehmannia root is necessary.For all cases of pure Yin deficiency and damage,with symptoms such as fever,headache,thirsty,throat gall,whoosh and phlegm,gasp,etc, or vomit for spleen and kidney cold,or mouse and nose volid fire,or skin liquid,or diarrhea for Yin deficiency,or Crazy and Dry for unstable Yang,or fall forward for doffing of Yin,trance for Yin deficiency,no other herbs but prepared rehmannia root could gather and collect Qi,cases with Fire rise for Yin deficiency,only prepared rehmannia root can tame it,Diarrhea for Yin deficiency,only rehmannia root smooth it,Pure Qi dissipating,no way to trace back without prepared rehmannia root;Cases of blood and sperm all damaged for Yin deficiency,no fat tissue and very weak,how to nurish stomach and intestines without prepared rehmannia root?Also the most incredible and extreme excellent case,only prepared rehemannia combination can boost diaphoresis,why?For the sweat comes from blood,and no sweat if no Yin.Prepared rehmannia root warm combinations boost and revive Yang Qi,why? For Yang born from below,and no space if no repetitions,though Yang property speedy,so less ginseng root,sucess reachable,Yin property slow,no much prepared rehmannia root,no aim gained.And today people fear of its reserving and stagnant properties,but why Doctor Cui applied Kidney Qi pills to cure unstable phlegm,people fear of its smooth and lustre,but why Doctor Zhang Zhongjing applied Eight Recipe Pills to cure kidney weak and diarrhea." So herbalist Zhang Jie Bing push the functions of prepared rehmannia root to a perfect position,in his New-Recipe-Eight-Front classical systems,the tonifying remedy composed of 29 recipes,in which 24 of them with rehmannia root inside,among them,2 recipes use raw rehmannia root,another 22 use prepared rehmannia root,he suggest apply prepared rehmannia root even for icterus.For these reasons,he got a monicker,called "Zhang Shu Di(Prepared Rehmannia Root Zhang)".
Combinations and Application Case Study:Rehmannia Root
Combinations of Raw Rehmannia Root: Combinations of Prepared Rehmannia Root:
Application Case Study of Rehmannia:Shi-Quan-Da-Bu-Tang.
Application Recipes Cases from Rehmannia Root:Case 1.Female Regularity Recipe.
Application Recipes Cases from Rehmannia Root:Case 2.Healthy Pregnancy Recipe.
Application Recipes Cases from Rehmannia Root:Case 3.Back to Youth Recipe.
Application Recipes Cases from Rehmannia Root:Case 4.Eye Sight Recipe.
Application Recipes Cases from Rehmannia Root:Case 5.Blood Circulator Recipe.
Application Recipes Cases from Rehmannia Root:Case 6.Leak Control, Incontinence Treatment Recipe.
Application Recipes Cases from Rehmannia Root:Case 7.Hair Regeneration Recipe.
Application Recipes Cases from Rehmannia Root:Case 8.Spermarize Male Fertility Recipe.
Application Recipes Cases from Rehmannia Root:Case 9.Super Male Libido Enhancement Recipe.
Suggestions and Administrations.
Rehmannia is considered a relatively safe herb and no adverse reactions or drug interactions are known. Mild side effects one might experience when first taking Rehmannia include diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, or palpitations.
Special Cautions
Side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. To prevent these problems, Chinese herbalists frequently include in their Chinese Foxglove preparations an additive called "grains-of-paradise fruit."
People with digestive problems, especially those with a tendency to develop gas or bloating, should use Chinese Foxglove carefully; the cooked root can distend the abdomen and cause loose stools.
Special Information If You Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
As this herb is cold and stagnant in nature, it should be avoided by anyone with spleen deficiency and loose stools due to the stagnation of dampness in the abdomen with a feeling of fullness. Overuse can lead to abdominal distension and loose stools.
Other side effects that have been observed with rehmannia are mild and include diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, lack of energy, and palpitations. These symptoms usually disappear on continued administration of the herb.
Cautions on Use of Prepared Rehmannia Root:
Overuse can lead to abdominal distension and loose stools. Therefore, avoid excessive use if one suffers from loose stools or a very coated tongue. Other side effects that have been observed with prepared rehmannia root are mild and include diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, lack of energy, and palpitations. These symptoms usually disappear on continued administration of the herb.Because prepared rehmannia root contains cardio-active glycosides, the herb should not be taken concurrently with pharmaceutical heart medications.
Contraindications: Contraindicated in spleen and stomach deficiency (diarrhea or loose stool), dampness, yang deficiency and pregnant women with blood deficiency.Overuse can lead to abdominal distension and loose stools.
How To Prepare: Both the cooked root and the raw version can be found in Chinese pharmacies, Asian markets, and some Western health food stores.
Typical Dosage: Chinese medical practitioners often use Chinese Foxglove as part of various therapeutic combinations.
Normally suggest crude root 12~30grams,crude or grade root 9~15grams.Fresh root is used to treat thirst and bleeding from exterior heat. Dried root is used for bleeding from deficiency of yin and blood.
Pharmacological and clinical research: Treatment of hypertension: in one clinical series, 62 patients with hypertension took Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae Conquitae (Shu Di Huang) for two weeks. The mean blood pressures and serum cholesterol levels decreased, and there was improvement in cerebral blood flow and the ECG.
Toxicity: side effects that have been observed with Radix Rehmanniae Glutinosae Conquitae (Shu Di Huang) are mild and include diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, lack of energy, and palpitations. These symptoms usually disappear on continued administration of the herb."
Acute Toxicity: LD50.19.66 ( 2.8g/kg (mice/wine-processed herb decoction/abdominal injection).Reference:Materia Medica Group. Medical Vacational College of Northern Henan. Pharmacy Bulletin. 1982;17(2):114.
FoxGlove Witchcraft.
Many of the common names of this plant pertain to its toxic nature (Witches' glove, Dead Man's Bells, Bloody Fingers). Foxglove belongs to the Figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) and the whole plant is toxic. It contains various cardiac glycosides. Symptoms include dizziness, vomiting, irregular heart beat, and delerium or hallucinations (Cornell Poison Page).
Goblin's Gloves:
Foxglove also went by the names Goblin's Gloves (in Wales), Flop-top, Cow Flop, Flabby Dock, Throttle-wort, Thimble Flower, Finger Flower, Gants de Notre Dame, Foxesglew, Fox Music, and Flop-a-dock. In Ireland it was also known as Fairy Cap, Lunsmore, and the Great Herb (Miller - Foxglove).
Digitonin:
Digitonin is a Digitalis drug derived from D. purpurea. It is used in modern medicine to increase the force of the systolic contractions and prolong duration of the diastolic phase in congestive heart failure. Digitalis drugs lower venous pressure in hypersensetive heart ailments, elevate blood pressure in a weak heart act as a diuretic, and reduce edema. However, the theraputic dose is dangerously close to the lethal dose. Historically, Foxglove was employed by herbalists for a variety of purposes, fom an ointment used for cleansing wounds and reducing swelling to boiling it and using it as an expectorant (Cornell Poison Page).
Foxglove was also considered dear to faeries. If a plant was harmed, the faeries would bring retribution (Britannica Online - Fairy).
Rehmannia and Its Relatives.
Rehmannia refers to the root of Rehmannia glutinosa (see Figure 1), an herb of the Scrophulariaceae family. The species name glutinosa comes from glutinous, referring to the sticky nature of the root. Rehmannia is closely related to another herb that carries the name of the plant family, Scrophularia ningpoensis, for which the root is also used in China. The claimed therapeutic effects and recommended uses of the two herbs are quite similar, but rehmannia is far more frequently prescribed. Also in this plant family is Picrorrhiza kurrooa (see Figure 3), for which the root is used in Chinese medicine; some of its actions are related to those of the other two herbs.
Rehmannia was known as dihuang (meaning earth yellow, or underground yellow) and disui (earth marrow) at the time the Shennong Bencao Jing was written (ca. 100 A.D.). It was included in this text among the superior class herbs, with this description:
Rehmannia is sweet and cold. It mainly treats broken bones, severed sinews from falls, and damaged center. It expels blood impediments, replenishes bone marrow, and promotes growth of muscles and flesh. When used in decoctions, it eliminates cold and heat accumulations and gatherings, and impediment. Using the uncooked is better. Protracted taking may make the body light and prevent senility.
This description indicates that rehmannia was deemed an herb of restoration:repairing broken bones, severed sinews, damaged center, debilitated bone marrow, and wasted muscles and flesh¡ªeven in the uncooked form. In addition, it could help get rid of impediments, accumulations, and gatherings, indicating that it would resolve swellings and masses. Despite this depiction of its properties, rehmannia soon became better known for treating fevers and bleeding. In modern times, rehmannia is especially used for treating hormonal disorders, such as menopause (see: Treatment of menopausal syndrome with Chinese herbs), thyroid imbalance (see: Treatments for thyroid disorders with Chinese herbal medicine), and adrenal insufficiency.
Scrophularia was listed in the same text, and known as xuanshen (black shen, a name directly linking it to ginseng, which was man-shaped shen, also classified as the yellow shen in the five elements system). Another early name for this herb was chongtai (multi-story platform; referring to its leaf pattern). Scrophularia was included in the middle class of herbs, with this description:
Scrophularia is bitter and slightly cold. It is non-toxic, treating mainly cold and heat accumulations and gatherings in the abdomen, and, in females, postpartum illnesses and illnesses related to breast feeding. It supplements the kidney qi and brightens the eyes.
The overlap between the properties of these two herbs includes their cold nature, their ability to treat cold and heat accumulations and gatherings, and their non-toxic quality (implied for rehmannia by its classification in the upper class). The term xuanshen, which is still used today, is taken from the concept that this herb has a quality somewhat akin to that of ginseng (see: Notes on the term ¡°shen¡± in renshen), and that it is especially beneficial to the kidney (hence the statement that it supplements the kidney qi), which is of the water element and associated with the color black (xuan). The fact that rehmannia could benefit the marrow¡ªa part of the body that is described in traditional Chinese medical terms as an extension of the kidneys¡ªagain illustrates some connection between these herbs. Both have a dark brown color, nearly black.
In many herbal prescriptions that contain scrophularia, rehmannia is also present. In fact, it appears that rehmannia and scrophularia have similar therapeutic actions and that rehmannia is the more potent of the two, therefore being used more frequently. It can be suggested that the Chinese herbalists understand that when administering a formula with scrophularia, one can get a better effect by including rehmannia.
The Cloying Nature of Rehmannia:
One of the features of rehmannia that is frequently mentioned is its "cloying" nature (a term elected by Bensky and his colleagues). A dictionary definition of cloy is "to supply with too much of something, especially with something too rich or sweet." The word is also short for the obsolete term accloy, which means to clog or satiate. Other authors describe the nature of rehmannia as "sticky" or "heavy." The root, especially the one that has been steamed (shu dihuang, or cooked rehmannia) is dense, sticky, sweet, and, when taken in large doses, hard to digest. Its physical properties of density and stickiness, according to traditional physicians, indicate a function in the body: namely to settle the erratic qi that is uncontrolled by the kidney (and liver). Its heaviness helps it draw the qi downward to the lower warmer from which it can then rise in a more orderly fashion along standard pathways; the stickiness helps it draw the scattered qi together, so that it sticks to its intended pathways.
Chemical analysis of rehmannia explains much about the cloying nature. The main components of rehmannia decoction are simple sugars (including glucose, galactose, fructose, sucrose, and mannitol), which make the root sticky and give it the sweet taste that is mentioned in the Shennong Bencao Jing, and stachyose, an indigestible starch, which, when taken in large quantity, makes the root cause gas and bloating (stachyose is the component of beans that has this same effect).
Table 1. Sugar and polysaccharide content of rehmannia roots. Note that about half the content of dried rehmannia is stachyose and verbascose, polysaccharides that are difficult to digest.
Sugar | Fresh (%) | Dry (%) |
Stachyose | 62.7 | 47.8 |
Raffinose | 3.6 | 8.7 |
Sucrose |
2.8 | 8.1 |
Galactose | 3.1 | 5.3 |
Verbascose | 4.6 | 4.3 |
Manninotriose | 1.0 | 4.2 |
Fructose | 1.9 | 3.1 |
Mannitol | 7.4 | 3.0 |
Glucose | 1.7 | 2.2 |
When rehmannia is taken in a formula in the form of small pills, a common method of administering the tonic preparations, it does not cause a digestive problem and the "cloying" quality is not especially obvious because of the low dosage ingested. However, Chinese doctors commonly prescribe 12~30 grams and up to 60 grams of rehmannia in decoction for one day, sometimes taken in one dose per day for the heat-cleansing anti-hemorrhage formulas, which yields a large amount of the sugars and stachyose. Or, they prescribe rehmannia-based honey boluses (e.g., Rehmannia Six Formula) in the dose of 9 grams at a time; the honey together with the rehmannia can produce quite a "heavy" sensation in the digestive system. In such forms of administration, the large amount of sugar can make one feel nauseated (soon after consuming it), and the large amount of stachyose and verbascose can make one feel bloated (after about an hour); hence, the reported "cloying" quality and difficulty digesting the herb. It has been reported that simple sugars are present in very large amounts in the decoction made from cooked rehmannia (the more cloying form): more than three times as much as in decoctions made from raw rehmannia (the less cloying form). Presumably, the steaming process that yields cooked rehmannia breaks down the ordinary starches in the root to simple sugars.
One method said to be useful for dealing with the cloying nature of rehmannia is to include the herb alisma in a formula. For example, the role of alisma in Rehmannia Six Formula has been described this way: "Alisma clears and purges kidney fire and prevents the greasy-indigestion of rehmannia." At this time, there is no known basis for regarding alisma as a remedy for the effects of the sugars or starches introduced by rehmannia. In fact, virtually all the rehmannia-based formulas that are not directly related to Rehmannia Six Formula (see below) do not include alisma. Several derivatives of the traditional formulation made by a combination of deletions and additions, have alisma deleted, implying it is a non-essential ingredient in relation to rehmannia. Presumably, this particular action of alisma was described as an afterthought to explain its inclusion in the well-known rehmannia formula and similar ancient prescriptions where it appears to have served, instead, a role as a diuretic. Similarly, the herbs citrus, cardamon, ginger, and saussurea, all used for dispersing stagnant qi and moisture, are said to counteract the cloying property of rehmannia, but these, too, rarely appear in formulas with rehmannia. Still, there may be some basis for the claim that these spicy herbs aid in dealing with the indigestible quality of rehmannia; they contain components that reduce intestinal peristalsis (especially citrus) and help break up intestinal gas, thus alleviating some of the effects of stachyose.
The Anti-Inflammatory and Tonic Aspects of Rehmannia:
The main active constituents of rehmannia are iridoid glycosides. These are monoterpenes that have a glucose molecule attached. Catalpol was the first of these isolated from rehmannia (in 1969), and is the one present in largest amounts. There are more than a dozen iridoids that have been isolated from rehmannia, but the others are present in relatively minor quantities. In a study of several samples of rehmannia, it was found that catalpol makes up about 3~11% of the undried root content (depending on the growing conditions), with considerably less (about 1~2%) in the dried root: the drying process evidently destroys this component, converting it into another compound that may or may not be active.
The pharmacological action of catalpol and the other iridoids is not fully established, but it appears that their main function is to stimulate production of adrenal cortical hormones. These hormones have anti-inflammatory action (explaining the claimed benefits of rehmannia for asthma, skin diseases, and arthritis) and are involved in the production of sex hormones (explaining the claimed benefit of treating menopause, impotence, and other signs of hormone deficiency). It is possible that anti-inflammatory effects could explain its early use in mending injuries, and the androgens that the adrenal gland might yield could increase the muscles, thus helping to explain the earliest reported properties of rehmannia.
Since 1965, a group at the Shanghai Medical College has been using rehmannia-based kidney tonic formulas to treat bronchial asthma. In a 1982 report, they described using three formulas, Rehmannia Six Formula (Liuwei Dihuang Wan), Rehmannia and Anemarrhena Formula (Da Buyin Wan), and their self-designed "kidney reinforcing regimen," with Wenyang Tang (a derivative of Rehmannia Six Formula). They reported that it would increase the daily excretion of 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS), which indicates higher production of adrenal steroids.
The adrenal steroids may then serve as precursors to production of sex hormones. Rehmannia Eight Formula (Bawei Dihuang Wan) was tested in aged rats. It was shown to increase estradiol level of the serum in female rats and to raise serum testosterone in male rats. A formula called Bushen Shengxue No. 1 (tonify the kidney, produce blood), is made with raw rehmannia, astragalus, gelatin, and tortoise shell gelatin. In mice, this formula increased the body weight and increased plasma testosterone. The combination of raw rehmannia, anemarrhena, plus licorice was fed to rats who were administered dexamethasone for two months; this drug impairs adrenal function. The herbs promoted growth, lowered plasma glucose, decreased plasma-free fatty acids, and increased plasma cortisone, suggesting a protective effect for the adrenals.
Catalpol gets its name from the plants of the genus Catalpa, which contains a similar ingredient, isolated in 1963. These plants are in a different plant family (Bignoniacea) than rehmannia. Two species of Catalpa appeared in the Shennong Bencao Jing, the bark of Catalpa bungei (zibaipi) and the fruit of Catalpa ovata (listed under xinbaipi, currently known as xingu); the latter was only mentioned in that text in passing. These are rarely used today. In the Shennong Bencao Jing, Catalpa bungei is listed as an inferior-grade wood herb, but its basic properties are similar to that of scrophularia (bitter and cold), and the text mentions that "If fed to pigs, the pigs may grow four times larger." This coincides with the claim made for rehmannia that it builds up the flesh and muscles, which may be a response to the iridoids. This effect has not been researched, though one of the studies cited above mentioned that a rehmannia-based formula increased the animals' body weight. There is a precedent for such traditional claims being verified. Lycium fruit, which is frequently used with cooked rehmannia to build up the flesh and muscles in persons suffering from wasting diseases, contains betaine, a substance that is used by the poultry industry to aid the growth of chickens and is now used as a supplement by American weight lifters to increase their muscle mass (see: Lycium fruit).
Scrophularia contains iridoid glycosides as well, including harpagoside, harpagide, aucubin, verbenalin, ajugol, and longanin. Several iridoids were evaluated for their anti- inflammatory activity on two laboratory animal models: the carrageenan-induced mouse paw edema and the TPA-induced mouse ear edema. Loganic acid was the most active (44% edema inhibition) on the former test, whereas the catalpol derivative mixture isolated from scrophularia, showed the highest activity (72~80% edema inhibition) on the latter.
Another commonly used Chinese herb that contains iridoid glycosides as one of its main active ingredients is gardenia (shanzhizi). The main glycoside is geniposide. It is known that this glycoside stimulates bile secretion, which can have a laxative effect. If catalpol has a similar action, then this may further explain (along with the stachyose content) why rehmannia is usually contraindicated in cases of diarrhea. Like rehmannia and scrophularia, gardenia is used to treat bleeding associated with a heat syndrome and ulceration of the mucus membranes. It has been reported that extract of rehmannia hastens the coagulation of blood and this is presumably an effect of the iridoid glycosides. Rehmannia and gardenia appear together in the traditional formula Tang-kuei and Gardenia Combination (Wenqing Yin), which is mainly used to treat bleeding (uterine bleeding, excessive menstruation, bleeding due to gastric ulcers, occult bleeding, etc.). The famous woman's formula Bupleurum and Tang-kuei Formula (Xiaoyao San) has two variants that are used when there is excessive uterine bleeding: one adds gardenia and moutan, and the other adds rehmannia to the basic prescription. Evidently, gardenia and rehmannia help treat bleeding. Rehmannia and gardenia appear together in the formula Gentiana Combination (Longdan Xiegan Tang), commonly used for inflammation of the vagina and urinary tract, suggesting that they reduce inflammation.
Several species of vitex are used in Chinese medicine and contain iridoid glycosides. Interestingly, vitex, gardenia, and rehmannia are deemed beneficial to the vision. They appear together in traditional vision improving formulas such as Gardenia and Vitex Combination (Xi Gan Mingmu Tang) and Crysanthemum Combination (Zi Shen Mingmu Tang). The mechanism of action is unclear.
A European vitex, V. agnus-castus, known commonly as chaste tree fruit or chaste berry, contains the iridoid glycosides agnuside and aucubin as the main active ingredients. The herb is reputed to normalize irregular menstrual cycles and to treat amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea. In addition, it is used to alleviate menopausal symptoms. Today, herbalists also prescribe it for premenstrual tension. It is believed to have an effect on luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone.
One of the iridoid glycosides that is found in small amounts in rehmannia and scrophularia is aucubin. It is very similar to catalpol and is also an active ingredient of the rarely used herb Acuba japonica, a close relative of cornus (which contains secoiridoid glycosides) that is used in many rehmannia formulas; aucubin is also present in the more commonly used plantago seed. Both aucubin and geniposide have been shown to have liver-protective actions.
Rehmannia and scrophularia have been shown to have a weak anti-diabetic effect (see: Treatment of diabetes with Chinese herbs), with rehmannia having a stronger action than scrophularia. The iridoid glycosides have been shown to be the source of this action.
Processing and Grade note of Rehmannia:Huai Sheng Di and others
Huai Sheng Di: with other names Huai Di Huang,Huai Qing Di Huang,origin from regions of HeNan province, such as Wen Xian,Bo Ai,Meng Xia,Qin Yang,Wu Ling area,quality the best and volume the big.As Ben Cao Gang Mu noted:"Di Huang from southern area Jiang Zhe soil,benefit Yang Qi of south,appearance fine but potency weakl;Di Huang from Huai Qing origin,benefit from pure Yin of North,lump on skin surface and potency strong."
According to analysis of constituents,the potency of Rehmmania root from Wen Xian(Huai Di Huang) 10 grams equals to 30~100 grams of other origins,for the conditions of water,soil and weather reasons,seeds of Wen Xian origin introduced into other areas degenerate in 1 to 2 years and potency of recipes decreased fast.
Gan Di Huang: with other names Sheng Di,Sheng Di Huang,Gan Sheng Di,etc,obtained fresh Rehmannia root cleaned and dry.
Da Sheng Di: the root with big size and good weight,quality is fine.
Xiao Sheng Di: the root with small size and quality not as good as Da Sheng Di,slim and small,also named Xiao Sheng Di or Xi Sheng Di,etc.
There are several forms of rehmannia mentioned in the Chinese medical literature, two of which are readily available to practitioners today. When the fresh root (xian or xiansheng) is collected, it may be put into decoction with herbs, or it may be juiced to yield rehmannia juice (xian zhi), which was used in ancient times and is rarely mentioned today. The fresh herb and its juice are preferred in treatment of bleeding due to heat syndrome. The fresh root may be subjected to minimum drying, sometimes by burying in warm sand. This material is still used in China, but because it is not possible to maintain this moist material in good condition on the herb market, it is not available for general use. It is especially used to relieve thirst and frequent urination in cases of feverish disease. The two forms that are generally available to practitioners everywhere are dried rehmannia root (gan dihuang or gansheng dihuang, commonly referred to as sheng dihuang, and, in English, usually called raw rehmannia), and cooked rehmannia root (shu dihuang). Raw rehmannia root has been dried,in the sun or using an oven,to the point that it preserves well, and cooked rehmannia root is currently prepared by soaking it in a solution of water and rice wine (30%) and steaming it for eight hours (sometimes a full day).
The earliest description of cooked rehmannia is in the Leigong Paochi Lun (possibly from the 5th century A.D.):
Following the collection of fresh rehmannia, remove the white fuzz, then steam the plant on a willow-wood boiler above a porcelain pot; after a certain time, open the cover to allow the steam to escape. Now mix the drug with wine, steam it once more, and again allow the steam to escape after a while. The drug should then be dried. It must not be damaged by coming into contact with copper or iron.
This treatment was sometimes applied repeatedly, up to nine times to mimic the alchemical transformation methods that were applied to cinnabar and numerous elixirs. For example, in the Bencao Gangmu, published at the end of the 16th century, it was reported that:
Shu dihuang is made by taking juicy roots, washing in spirits, filling with the seeds of cardamon (suoshami), steaming on a willow frame in a porcelain vessel, drying, and resteaming and redrying nine times.
Cardamon seeds may have contributed to the warming quality desired in the finished product, or may have been thought to protect the user from the cloying effect of cooked rehmannia. The darkness of the processed rehmannia root may be partly due to oxidation of the iridoid glycosides.
According to traditional practitioners, while rehmannia juice and fresh rehmannia are best at purging fire, the (dried) raw rehmannia root has somewhat less of this property, but is able to nourish yin, blood, and essence (i.e., benefit the marrow). The cooked root is no longer of cold property, but is slightly warm, it loses its ability to purge fire, but gains in ability to nourish yin and blood. The dried root can be further processed by frying the root (scorching), which is said to make it more suited to blood deficiency fever (rather than yin deficiency fever), or by charring it, which is suited to treating bleeding (applied for the syndrome of yin deficiency bleeding, whereas the fresh rehmannia juice is applied for the syndrome of excess-fire-induced bleeding). Similarly, cooked rehmannia root can be subjected to scorching or carbonizing, the former used to nourish blood and the latter to treat blood-deficiency bleeding.
At this time, there is little evidence, chemical, pharmacological, or clinical, to support the claims of changes in the properties of the root as the result of different processing. It has been reported, as mentioned above, that the cooked root has more simple sugar than the other forms (which may have little influence on its effects) and that the dried root has more simple sugars and less polysaccharide than the freshly picked root, but little work has been done to associate chemical changes with alterations in pharmacological properties. In a review of research on selected herbs first reported in 1975, it was mentioned that raw and cooked rehmannia were compared by the method of thin layer chromatography, which revealed that there were apparent differences in the quantities of ingredients extractable by various solvents between these two rehmannia products, but there was no obvious change in the substances present.
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Literature on Chemical Constituents and Pharmacology:
The Chinese literature reveals a remarkable lack of active investigation of rehmannia¡¯s constituents and pharmacology in light of the predominance of rehmannia in formulas administered for a wide range of disorders. Only rare reports describe the chemical components, possibly because it is felt that there are no new ones to be found. None of the known active constituents appear to have been subjected to intensive pharmacological study in China, though interest has developed in the West as a result of analysis of Western herbs with similar constituents. Rehmannia extracts are occasionally tested in laboratory animals, but far more often, rehmannia is a component of a large formula that is being tested. In clinical trials, rehmannia is frequently included, but the formulations are typically quite large (typically 8~15 ingredients), so that the role of rehmannia in the reported clinical effects remains unclear.
Scrophularia is even less researched than rehmannia. Its chemical constituents were investigated more than thirty years ago by Japanese researchers, but little has been done since. Similarly, pharmacological actions of its extract or isolated constituents are not actively investigated. As with rehmannia, when used in clinical trials, it is usually in very large formulas (often with rehmannia included). Catalpa species remain uninvestigated.
As a result of this scarcity of reports, while the existing literature points to certain pharmacological actions of rehmannia, it is somewhat difficult to assess the effects reliably. The most widely studied rehmannia-based formula, Rehmannia Six Formula, is still inadequately tested. According to Li Ling, who carried out a literature review (10) including 36 journal articles published from 1983~1994:
Rehmannia Six Formula has been widely used in clinical practice, representing the principle of treating different diseases with the same therapeutic method. This recipe is worth further study, but the research is still in the area of documenting usual clinical experience and falls short of systematic study.
Rehmannia in Traditional Formulas:
The earliest text to include rehmannia in formulas with explanations for their use was the Shanghan Zabing Lun (220 A.D.). This work fell into relative obscurity until it was reconstructed and revitalized during the Song Dynasty (around 1000 A.D.). The book was then divided into two separate works, Shanghan Lun and Jingui Yao Lue. The former described an epidemic disease and its treatment by herbs, and the latter dealt with miscellaneous disorders. Rehmannia was a relatively minor herb in these books.
Only one of the 110 formulas of the Shanghan Lun contained rehmannia: Baked Licorice Combination (Zhi Gancao Tang). This formula, like several later ones that contain rehmannia, also has ophiopogon, a yin-nourishing herb. Baked Licorice Combination is still used today. The traditional indications include lingering fever (after a feverish disease) in the palms and soles, dry mouth, dry skin, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath.
In the Jingui Yao Lue, only 6 of the 205 formulas included rehmannia, and only three of those remain in use today. Except for one of the formulas, each of those was mentioned but once in the text. This relatively infrequent use suggests that rehmannia was not a very important to the author of the Shanghan Zabing Lun. Of the three formulas still used today, one is widely used: Rehmannia Eight Formula, some times called Jingui Bawei Tang (Eight Flavor Tea from the Jingui). This is the formula that was mentioned repeatedly in the Jingui Yao Lue, in each statement, it was indicated for a disorder of urination: twice for treating urinary frequency and twice for inhibited urination.
A few centuries after the writing of the Shanghan Zabing Lun came the Zhong Zang Jing. This book has been attributed to Hua Tuo, but was probably written by another, or several other authors, between 300 and 500 A.D. The book presents 68 formulas; 8 of those formulas included rehmannia; one formula has rehmannia as a single herb and two formulas have it in combination with only one other herb. Thus, by this time, rehmannia was clearly a significant herb.
During the Song Dynasty (900~1100 A.D.), a book of popular prescriptions was produced that had several rehmannia formulas: this was the Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang, often known simply as the Hejiju Fang. In particular, this book listed Tang-kuei Four Combination (Siwu Tang), for which rehmannia represents one-quarter of the prescription; this formula remains the central liver-blood nourishing formula of modern Chinese medicine.
As important as the Hejiju Fang was to encouraging the use of rehmannia for all future generations, another work also led to heavy reliance on rehmannia in prescriptions. It was a book of prescriptions for treating children, Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue, published a few years after the Hejiju Fang. This book presented Rehmannia Six Formula (Liuwei Dihuang Tang), a derivative of Rehmannia Eight Formula made by eliminating the two kidney-warming herbs cinnamon bark and aconite. The modified formula was designed originally to treat children who had lack of spirit (poor mental function, low energy), shiny, pale, complexion, and inhibited development, such as unclosed anterior fontanel. The application is quite different than the dominant use of the formula today, which is for older persons who are suffering from degenerative conditions, especially when there is a urinary disorder. Yet, the underlying principle of treatment, nourishing the yin, has not changed.
Tang-kuei Four Combination and Rehmannia Six Formula became central prescriptions for the development of numerous formulas, some of which are so important that they are listed as separate traditional prescriptions and not just variations that can be made.
A final boost to the use of rehmannia in prescriptions was given by the publication of Wenbing Tiaobian (1798 A.D.), an influential text about the treatment of feverish diseases. This book, and others on the topic produced around the same time, yielded several heat cleansing and moistening formulas that contained rehmannia and scrophularia.
In the book Commonly Used Chinese Herb Formulas, Companion Handbook, which, to a large extent, reflects traditional formulas that are still being used today, more than 15% of all the prescriptions contain rehmannia. Thus, of the thousands of prescriptions that have been recorded, it appears that formulas with rehmannia |
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