A study on origin of Houzao and related problems / 中草药

ABSTRACT

In order to clarify the origin of Houzao, this paper summarizes and analyzes the related literatures, on-site investigation and experimental research results of Houzao. The results showed that Houzao coming from India is the gastric bezoars of Capra hircus. It is suggested that the name of the standard of imported Houzao should be changed to "Yangchangzao". At the same time, the local standards of Houzao should be abolished, and the standards of local processing procedures and the specifications of related Chinese patent medicines should be revised. In addition, according to literature research, the first detailed description of the origin and characters of Houzao may be Jie-sheng Shi's discussion in Shaoxing Medical Journal in 1920.