Single Herb Glossary
Mǎ Chǐ Xiàn 馬齒莧
| Pharmaceutical name | Portulacae Oleraceae, Herba “horse’s teeth amaranth” |
| Category | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity |
| Key Properties | Clear heat Resolve toxicity Ease intestines |
| Properties | Sour Cold Slippery |
| Tropism | LI, LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Resolve fire toxicity, cool blood 2) Clear damp-heat (Lower Jiao), treat sores (carbuncle) 3) Pain/swelling (genital swelling, pus), Wasp/snake bites 4) Stop bleeding, unblock painful urinary dribbling |
| Dosages | 9-15 g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI during pregnancy |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Nor-adrenaline 0.25%, l-noradrenaline, dopamine, malic acid, citric acid, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, alanine, galacturonic acid, arabinose, galactose, rhamnose, betacyanin, oleracin I, II; ferulic acid, β-amyrin, lupeol, nicotinic acid, tocopherol, β-carotene |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: water extract has inhibitory effect in vitro against Bacillus dysenteriae; alcohol extract effective against E. coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus and some dermatophytes • Uterine stimulant: extract has stimulating effect on smooth muscles of intestines and uterus in rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs; leads to increased peristalsis of intestines and contraction of uterus; it was noted in another study that Ma Chi Xian has mixed effects on the uterus; the stem may stimulate the uterus and lead to contraction, the leaves may inhibit the uterus and lead to relaxation |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.