GYNURA PINNATIFIDA

GYNURA PINNATIFIDA.—三七 (San-ch‘i), 1059, 山漆 (Shan-ch‘i), 金不換 (Chin-pu-huan). This scitamineous plant is named from the irregular arrangement of the leaves. The Chinese say that there are three on the left side and four on the right; hence the first name. Li Shih-chen says that this is probably not true, but that the first name is a corruption of the second, which means "mountain varnish." This name refers to its property of causing the edges of wounds to adhere together. From its extraordinary reputation amongst military and fighting men, the root of this plant is very costly. The last name, "gold no recompense," refers to this fact. The drug comes from Kuangsi and Yunnan, where it is cultivated. It occurs in tapering pieces of from three-quarters of an inch to an inch in length. The yellow external surface is wrinkled, marked with small nodules and ridges, and the interior is of a pale yellow color. The taste is bitter and slightly saccharine, something like that of ginseng, to which it is likened by the Chinese. Vulnerary, styptic, astringent, and discutient properties of a very high degree are attributed to this drug. It is recommended in all forms of hemorrhage and wounds, including tiger and snake bites. The leaves have similar properties, and are often combined with the rhizome.