Herbal Textual Analysis of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ABSTRACT

Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma has a long history of medication,and was recorded in Shennong Bencaojing. Through the study of herbal medicine of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma,we reviewed and analyzed previous herbal records,studied its basic,origin and processing methods, and provided the basis for further development and utilization of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma. Through the analysis of ancient herbal researches and drawings,we knew that the ancient resources of this medicine were basically consistent with Gentiana scabra and G. manshurica. The Latin name of the original plant of gentian medicinal herbs set forth in the modern literature was analyzed for the first time. The commodities of this medicine were divided into Guanlongdan and Dianlongdan. Guanlongdan was produced in Northeast China, and consisted of G. scabra,G. manshurica,and G. triflora. Dianlongdan was G. rigescens and grew in Yunnan province. Due to various reasons, such as historical changes, genuine producing areas of medicinal materials gradually changed from Jiangsu and Zhejiang to Northeast China. The processing methods of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma included preparing with wine, preparing with licorice juice and preparing with ginger juice. The purpose of these processing methods is to suppress its nature of bitter and cold. Among those processing methods,preparing with wine has the longest history, and can promote the dissolution of the active ingredients of gentian,thus is a better method of processing. This study provides the basis for radical reform, resource development, correct use, and determination of genuine producing area and processing methods for Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma.