What are the effects and functions of Strophanthus divaricatus?

Strophanthus divaricatus, also known by other names such as Yangjiaoniu, Yangjiaoteng and Daodiaobi, is the root or stem and leaves of Strophanthus divaricatus, a plant of the genus Strophanthus in the Apocynaceae family. Used as medicine, it has the effects of dispelling wind-dampness, unblocking meridians and collaterals, resolving sores and toxins, and killing parasites. It has therapeutic effects on wind-dampness arthralgia, sequelae of infantile paralysis, traumatic injuries, carbuncles and sores, scabies and tinea, and so on. Now let us take a look at the effects and functions of Strophanthus divaricatus together!

The medicinal effects of Strophanthus divaricatus

[Nature and flavor] Bitter in flavor, cold in nature, highly toxic.

[Meridian entry] Heart, liver and spleen meridians.

[Effects] Dispels wind-dampness, unblocks meridians and collaterals, resolves sores and toxins, and kills parasites. It mainly treats wind-dampness arthralgia, sequelae of infantile paralysis, traumatic injuries, carbuncles and sores, scabies and tinea.

Medicinal contraindications of Strophanthus divaricatus

1. "Bencao Qiuyuan": Toxic, can kill people, must not be taken orally.

2. "Lingnan Caiyao Lu": Highly toxic, not to be included in oral preparations.

Related discussions on Strophanthus divaricatus

1. "Bencao Qiuyuan": Stops itching, treats scabies, tinea and heat toxin.

2. "Luchuan Bencao": Resolves sores and toxins, removes blood stasis. Treats carbuncles and sores as well as traumatic injuries.

3. "Lingnan Caoyao Zhi": For external use, kills parasites, draws out swelling and toxins, unblocks arthralgia, and mends bones.

4. "Fujian Zhongcaoyao": Dispels wind and expels dampness, unblocks meridians and invigorates collaterals.

Medicinal selected formulas of Strophanthus divaricatus

1. To treat wind-dampness swelling and pain, sequelae of infantile paralysis, scabies and tinea: an appropriate amount of Yangjiaoniu leaves, decocted in water for warm washing.

2. To treat multiple abscesses, tenosynovitis, venomous snake bites, traumatic fractures: an appropriate amount of Yangjiaoniu leaf powder, mixed with wine and water and applied warmly to the affected area.

3. To treat early-stage mammary carbuncle: fresh leaves of Strophanthus divaricatus and brown sugar pounded together, heated and applied externally.

Pharmacological effects of Strophanthus divaricatus

1. Effects on the heart: Strophanthus divaricatus mixed glycosides can strengthen cardiac contraction, slow the heart rate, and cause conduction block in cold-blooded and warm-blooded animals. They have therapeutic effects on heart failure caused by chloral hydrate, sodium pentobarbital, sodium cyanide, dinitrophenol, and so on. They not only strengthen myocardial contractility but also increase output and lower venous pressure. However, they are ineffective against heart failure caused by iodoacetic acid.

2. Absorption, accumulation and elimination: Gastrointestinal absorption is slow and rather irregular. After administration, the absorbed amount is greatest at 4 to 5 hours. Strophanthus divaricatus mixed glycosides have very low accumulative properties, and after 5 days there is no accumulation at all. The liver plays a certain role in their detoxification. They are destroyed in the body somewhat more slowly than strophanthin G, with an elimination rate of 0.006 mg/kg/hour.

3. Biological potency: The toxicity of Strophanthus divaricatus mixed glycosides is about 1/2 less than that of strophanthin G, and their therapeutic index and safety range are slightly narrower. However, from a clinical perspective, the width of their therapeutic dose is wider than that of the latter. For each batch of Strophanthus divaricatus mixed glycosides, the biological potency may differ due to different extraction methods and other reasons. Therefore, a standard method must be selected for assay. Another method is the pigeon method for assay, which is superior to the cat method.

4. Other effects

① Sedative effect: Strophanthus divaricatus mixed glycosides have a slight sedative effect.

② Diuretic effect: They show a diuretic effect in both anesthetized dogs and normal rats.

③ Effects on smooth muscle: In experiments on isolated and in situ uteri and uterine fistulas of rabbits, it was proved to be similar to strophanthin K in having an excitatory effect on the uterus, and it can increase tension and movement in isolated intestinal segments.