Functions of Scutellariae Radix， Coptidis Rhizoma， and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex in Materia Medica and Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ABSTRACT

Scutellariae Radix， Coptidis Rhizoma， and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex are three commonly used Chinese herbal medicines， and their application in classic famous prescriptions cannot be fully explained by the triple energizer classification method. This study reviewed the ancient materia medica works and elaborated on the functions of the three herbal medicines before the Song dynasty and after the Jin dynasty. The works before the Song dynasty mainly introduced the diseases treated by the three herbal medicines according to the Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica（《神农本草经》）， and the works after the Jin dynasty mainly expounded the indications of the three medicines in the Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica according to the new medical theory. Although all the three herbal medicines can treat heat syndrome， digestive system diseases， skin and mucosa diseases， they act on different targets. Scutellariae Radix can regulate Qi stagnation and reverse caused by the fire syndrome. Coptidis Rhizoma can treat excess fire and purulent bloody stool caused by the deficiency of Zang-fu organs. Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex mainly treats the diseases of the intestine and reproductive system and can kill parasites. In addition， this paper summarized the descriptions about the functions of Scutellariae Radix in eliminating blood blockage， Coptidis Rhizoma in protecting the intestine， and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex in clearing the liver in ancient books. According to the sentences in the Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases（《伤寒杂病论》）， the application of Scutellariae Radix in Chaihu prescriptions， Coptidis Rhizoma in Baitouweng Decoction， and Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex in Zhizi Baipi Decoction confirms to the indications of the three medicines in the materia medica works before the Song Dynasty. The existing clinical and pharmacological research results confirm the indications of the three herbal medicines in the ancient works. The clinical application of the three medicines should refer to the materia medicia works before the Song dynasty， so as to achieve precise medication.