ABSTRACT
Pheretima has a long history of medication, its original name was earthworm, and it was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing, which was listed as inferior product. In the 2015 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, two varieties of Pheretima were included. However, due to the variety of Pheretima, there are mixed non-pharmacopoeia collection of Pheretima family status. Based on the systematic review of ancient and modern literature, this paper conducts herbal textual research on Pheretima in terms of name, origin, distribution of origin, genuine production area, harvesting time, processing methods, etc. Based on the analysis of various ancient books and modern research documents of herbal medicine and their accompanying drawings, it is found that the Pheretima and white-necked Pheretima mentioned in ancient books are the general names of the genus Pheretima. The ancient people thought that white-necked Pheretima was a good medicinal material, which was the same as the opinion that Guangdilong was better in quality than Tudilong in modern research. In ancient and modern literature, the origin of earthworm is relatively consistent, but due to the change of environment, the output of wild Pheretima is reduced, and now the output of Pheretima is mainly artificial breeding. In ancient times, harvesting should be as far as possible in spring, summer and autumn. However, in modern times, the best harvest time is autumn. Different processing methods of earthworm in different ages and regions are different. Attention should be paid to following and inheriting the ancient processing methods, combining with modern research techniques, the quantitative standard of processing of Pheretima should be formulated, so that Pheretima medicinal materials can be applied comprehensively and effectively. This research provides the basis for the original source, resource development, correct use, genuine producing area and processing method determination of Pheretima.