ACERANTHUS SAGITTATUS.—淫羊藿 (Yin-yang-huo), 1536. This is identical with Epimedium sagittatum. It is a Berberidaceous plant said to have strong aphrodisiac properties. Goats eating the plant are said to be incited to excessive copulation, hence the Chinese name. It is commonly called 仙靈脾 (Hsien-ling-p’i), and grows in mountain valleys throughout China. The root and leaves are parts used in medicine. It is prescribed in sterility and barrenness, and is said to have great virtues in these conditions. In decoction it is used in corneal affections and ulcerations of the eye after exanthematous diseases.
Library · Chinese Materia Medica: Vegetable Kingdom, 1911
ACERANTHUS SAGITTATUS
G. A. Stuart, pp. 4–5. Transcribed from the page image on September 25, 2026, as printed.