Periploca, Xiang Jia Pi 香加皮Chinese SilkvineXiang Jia Pi, Bei Wu Jia Pi (TCM) |
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Periploca sepium; top, vine and leaves; bottom: flowersPhotos by Sten
Botanical name:
Periploca sepium
Other species are used similarly including P. calophylla (Greensnake Vine, Qing She Teng)
Parts used:
Root bark
Temperature & Taste:
Warm, dry. Pungent, Bitter. Toxic
Classification:
D. Clear Wind and Damp
Uses:
1. Clears Wind-Damp, Benefits Bones and Sinews:
-Wind-Damp muscle and joint pain; Arthritis, Rheumatism
-spasms of the sinews
2. Clears Damp, Promotes Urine:
-Edema, Fluid Retention from Damp
-Swelling of the legs
3. Regulates Heart:
-Palpitations, shortness of breath (Encyclopedia of TCM)
Dose:
1. Begin with lower dose.
2. Strictly avoid overdose.
3. Do not use for more than 2–3 weeks without a break in treatment.
Decoction: 2–3 grams (up to 6 grams daily has been used–Bensky)
Substitute:
1. This herb is sometimes used as a substitute for Acanthopanax Wu Jia Pi. Therefore, the latter can be used for Periploca Xiang Jia Pi.
2. In India, P. calophylla is used similarly to Periploca Xiang Jia Pi. It is often used as a substitute for Hemidesmus indicus for Rheumatism and Joint diseases. This suggests the latter may be a suitable substitute for Periploca Xiang Jia Pi
Main Combinations:
1. Wind-Damp painful obstruction of the Joints, Periploca Xiang Jia Pi with Eucommia Du Zhong and Dipsacus Xu Duan
2. Weakness and atrophy of the Legs, Periploca Xiang Jia Pi with Chaenomelas Mu Gua, Achyranthes Niu Xi
3. Edema, Fluid retention:
i. Periploca Xiang Jia Pi with Poria Fu Ling Pi (skin of Fu Ling), Citrus Chen Pi
ii. Swelling of the legs with heaviness and pain, Periploca Xiang Jia Pi with Soloman’s Seal (Yuan Zhi)
Major Formulas:
Cautions:
1. Toxic in overdose due to cardioactive glycosides. Overdose has been associated with fatalities in China, however it is considered ‘safe’ in recommended doses. Maximum daily dose is 6 grams. Toxic symptoms resemble Oleander.
2. Avoid overdose, long-term use, and concomitant use with cardioactive glycosides.
3. Not used in Heat of the Liver or Blood.
Toxicity:
1. Toxic dose is around 10–15 grams.
2. Overdose causes tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, coma, convulsions and death.
Drug Interactions:
Should not be used in those taking cardiac glycoside medicines (such as Digoxin)