Introduction of Du Zhong:Eucommia Bark or Cortex Eucommiae.
✵The article gives records of the herb Eucommia Bark, its English name, Latin name, property and flavor, its botanical source one plant species, ①.Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., with a detailed introduction to the botanical features of this plant species, the growth characteristics, and ecological environment of this plant species, the features of the herb Eucommia Bark, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guide.
Cortex Eucommiae(Eucommia Bark).
Pin Yin Name: Dù Zhònɡ.
English Name: Eucommia Bark.
Latin Name: Cortex Eucommiae.
Property and flavor: warm nature, tastes sweet.
Brief introduction: The herb Cortex Eucommiae is the dried stem-bark of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., used to tonify the liver and kidney, strengthen the tendons and bones, and prevent miscarriages for the treatment of aching back and knees, impotence, frequent micturition, threatened abortion, and nowadays for hypertension. The herb is commonly known as Cortex Eucommiae, Eucommia Bark, Dù Zhònɡ.
Botanical source: Herbal classic book defined the herb Eucommia Bark (Du Zhong) as the dry bark (cortex) of the Eucommiaceae family plant species (1). Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. It is a plant of the Eucommia genus, the Eucommiaceae family of the Eucommiales order. This commonly used species is introduced:
(1).Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.
Botanical description: The tree, Eucommia ulmoides Oliv is a plant of the Eucommiaceae family and Eucommia genus, it is commonly known as Dù Zhònɡ. A deciduous tree, grows up to 20 meters high, the diameter of the old tree is up to about 50 cm.
The bark is taupe (dust color, gray-brown), coarse and rough, and has many thin filaments when it is broken. Young shoots have brown hairs, later turn glabrescent, and old branches have conspicuous lenticels. Buds are ovoid, shiny outside, reddish-brown, 6–8 scales, and edges are piliferous.
Simple leaves are alternate; petioles are 1-2 cm long, and the upper surface has grooves, covered with scattered long pilose. Leaf blades are elliptic, oval (egg-shaped) or oblong, thinly coriaceous, 6~15 cm long, 3.5~6.5 cm wide, front end (apex) is acuminate, the base is rounded or broadly cuneate; the upper surface is dark green (sap green), initially has brown pilose, later turns glabrescent, the under surface is pale green (pea green), the old leaves are slightly wrinkled, the margin is serrated, lateral veins are in 6~9 pairs.
Flowers are unisexual, dioecious, and grow at the base of branches of the same year, the male flowers are achlamydeous (having no perianth); pedicels are about 3 mm, glabrous; bracts are obovate-spatulate, 6~8 mm long, top is rounded, margin has cilia, caducous; stamens are about 1 cm long, glabrous, has no pistillode; Female flowers are solitary, bracts are obovate, pedicels are 8 mm long, filaments are about 1 mm long, the ovary is glabrous, 1-loculus, flat and long, apex is 2-lobed, the podogynium (gynophore) is very short, pistillode.
Samara is flattened, oblong oval, 3~3.5 cm long, 1~1.3 cm wide, the apex is 2-lobed, the base is cuneate, and has thin wings around.
Nuts are in the center, slightly raised, and the ovary is 2~3 mm long, with nodes and joints at the junction with carpopodium (fruit stalk). Seeds are flat, linear, 1.4~1.5 cm long, 3 mm wide, round at both ends. It is flowering in early spring, fruits mature after autumn.
Characters of herbs: The bark is flat plate-shaped, roll-shaped, or pieces with two sides slightly rolled inward, with different sizes, the thickness is 2~7 mm or 3~7 mm. The outer surface is light gray-brown or taupe, flat or coarse, with obvious longitudinal wrinkles or irregular longitudinal fissure grooves, some bark is thin, some bark has a layer of coarse bark, the bark with a coarse layer is oblique square and has transverse fissure lenticels, and sometimes there are light gray lichen spots. The inner surface is dark purple-brown or reddish-brown, smooth. The texture of the herb is brittle (crisp), and easily broken, the fracture surface is coarse and rough, connected by fine silvery-white and elastic rubber threads. The herb has a slight odor, it tastes slightly bitter, and there is gelatinous residue when chewed. The herb of a better grade has thick and large bark, a shaved coarse bark layer, a dark purple inner surface, and many silvery-white rubber threads on the fracture surface.
Ecological Environment: The tree grows in areas at altitudes of 300~500 meters above sea level, in low hills and low mountains, valleys, open forests, or low slopes of the woods. Geographical distribution: This species is native to China and is mainly distributed in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the Huai River area, north, southwest, and northwest areas of China, it is widely planted throughout China.
Growth characteristics: The tree prefers a warm and moist climate and a sunny environment, which can withstand the cold. The plants can survive coldness at a low temperature of -30 °C (Celsius, or -22 degrees Fahrenheit), the average annual air temperature of its natural distribution area is 13-17 °C (Celsius, or 55.4-62.6 degrees Fahrenheit), annual precipitation is 500-1,500 mm. It is appropriate to choose a sufficient sunshine environment, fields with deep soil layers, humus-rich sandy loam, or clay loam for cultivation. In general, the tree is highly adaptable and has no strict requirements on soil, it can grow in the infertile laterite or rocky cliff.
The growth rate of the Eucommia genus tree is relatively slow in the early stage, and the rapid growth stage occurs in 7~20 years. After 20 years of tree age, the growth rate decreased year by year. After 50 years, tree height growth is stopped, and the tree withers naturally.
Till today, there are up to 14 species of Eucommia have been found on Earth, and they were subsequently extinct in continents Asia and Europe. The Eucommia existing in China is the only remaining relict species of the Eucommiaceae family and Eucommia genus.
1.Eucommia Tree Hua Zhong No. 1:
The bark of young trees is smooth, and the bark of adult trees has a shallow longitudinal cracking. The tree is strong, has a compact tree crown, wide conical, branch angle is 35°~ 47°, the trunk is straight, it is tolerant to cold, drought, low temperatures of -27 °C (Celsius, or -16.6 degrees Fahrenheit) from frost damage. Buds are peach-shape, germination is early, strong sprouting, 4-year-old tree stump can reach 27 to 34 mm. Leaves are many and dense, the internode length is 3.4 cm. Leaves are broadly oval; and dark green, the length is 16.9 cm, the width is 7.6 cm, and the length of petioles is about 1.5 cm. Male flowers bloom from early March to mid-April, the male flowers are in 6 to 10 clusters and grow at the base of branches. A 5-year-old tree grows up to 7.0 meters, its DBH (diameter at breast height) is about 10.4 cm, the yield of bark and leaves per hectare is about 4.5 tons, and leaf yield is about 6.4 tons. It is suitable for all producing areas and could create fast-growing forests with high yields.
2.Eucommia Tree Hua Zhong No. 2:
The bark of young trees is smooth, the bark of adult trees has deep longitudinal cracking, and lenticels are not visible. The tree crown is circular (rounded), the sub-edge angle is 43°~ 64°, the trunk is straight, drought-resistant, and prefers water. Buds are long conical, sprouting in early March. Leaves are dark green, bright, and broadly ovoid, length is 17.4 cm, width is 8.4 cm, the length of petioles is 1.6 cm, the leaf is recurved (curls inward). The length of branches is 3.4 cm. Female flowers bloom from April 1st to April 15th, 6~12 female flowers. The fruit is oval (egg-shaped), mature in mid-September to mid-October, 3.2 cm long, width is 1.2 cm, grafted seedlings fruit in 3 years, the 5-year-old tree grows up to 7.3 meters, diameter is 9.6 cm, 4.2 tons of bark per hectare, leaf yield is 6.2 tons. It is suitable for all producing areas to establish seed plantations, orchards, and fast-growing forests.
3.Eucommia Tree Hua Zhong No. 3:
The bark of young trees is smooth, and the bark of adult trees has a shallow longitudinal cracking. Its tree crown is open, the branch angle is of 44°~ 82°, and the trunk is straight, according to dry ability. It is resistant to saline, and drought, leaves are small, sparse, and narrow oval, leaf length is 16.2 cm; width is 7.3 cm, the length of petioles is 1.6 cm, internode length is 3.3 cm. Buds are long conical, and sprout in early March, the female flowers bloom from April 1 to April 15, and 6 to 14 female flowers, flower is solitary and grows at the base of branches of the same year. The fruit is oval (egg-shaped), mature from early September to early October, 3.0 cm long, width is 1.1 cm. Grafted seedlings fruit in 3 years, a 5-year-old tree grows up to 7.6 meters; DBH (diameter at breast height) is 9.2 cm, the yield of barks per hectare is 4.8 tons, the yield of leaves is 5.9 tons; It is suitable for all producing areas, especially in a drought, saline-alkali areas to create a fast-growing forest and seed garden.
4.Eucommia Tree Hua Zhong No. 4:
The bark of young trees and adult bark are smooth, clear lenticels are conspicuous, the shape of the crown is compact, and oval (egg-shaped), the branching angle is 39°~ 53°, the trunk is straight, seedling from the top buds easily sprout, lateral buds grow strong, tree crown is easy to grow. It is resistant to cold, drought, and low temperatures of -27 °C (Celsius, or -16.6 degrees Fahrenheit) from frost damage. Buds are conical, sprout in early March, have dense leaves, leaf length is 17.1 cm, width is 7.9 cm, length of petioles is 1.7 cm, internode length is 2.8 cm. Female flowers bloom from April 1st to April 15, 6~14 female flowers, a single flower grows at the base of the branches. The fruit is oval (egg-shaped), and mature from mid-September to mid-October, the length of the fruit is 3.2 cm, width is 1.2 cm. Grafted seedlings fruit in 3 years, a 5-year-old tree grows up to 7.4 meters high, DBH (diameter at breast height) is up to 9.2 cm, the yield of bark per hectare is 5.0 tons, leaf yield is 6.3 tons. It is suitable for all producing areas, especially in the northern region, to create a fast-growing forest.
5.Eucommia Tree Hua Zhong No. 5:
The bark of young trees is smooth, and the bark of adult trees has a deep longitudinal cracking. The trunk is straight, the tree crown is oval. It is resistant to cold, and drought. The branching angle is 37°~ 49°, the leaves are bigger, the length is 18.7 cm, the width is 7.3 cm, the length of petioles is 1.7 cm, internode length is 3.4 cm. The bud is peach-shaped, and germinated in late February. Male flowers bloom from early March to mid-April, 6 to 11 clusters of male flowers grow at the base of branches. A 5-year-old tree grows up to 7.2 meters high, DBH (diameter at breast height) is 9.5 cm, the yield of bark per hectare is 5.3 tons, and leaf yield is 6.5 tons. It is suitable for producing areas to create a fast-growing forest.
Pharmacological actions: ①.antihypertensive effect; ②.diuretic effect; ③.regulating cellular immune balance, affect the nonspecific immune function; ④.influence on pituitary-adrenal cortex function; ⑤.antitumor effect; ⑥.anti-inflammatory effects; ⑦.inhibitory effect of uterus; ⑧.roborant actions; ⑨.influence the plasma contents of cAMP and cGMP, etc.
Medicinal efficacy: Tonify the liver and kidney, strengthening the bones and muscles, miscarriage prevention. It is indicated for liver and kidney deficiency, soreness pain of waist and knees, flaccidity and weakness of feet and knees, the feebleness of tendons and bones, asynodia (impotence or impotentia), frequent urination, dribbling urination, wet and itching at the genital region, rheumatic arthralgia pain, dizziness and dazzled, threatened abortion during pregnancy, threatened abortion, habitual abortion, hypertension (high blood pressure), etc.
Administration of Cortex Eucommiae (Dù Zhònɡ):
Reference:
Administration Guide of Cortex Eucommiae (Dù Zhònɡ)
TCM Books:
①.Internally: 6~10 grams; ②.Internally:water decoction, 3~5 qian (about 9~15 grams);infusing in wine, or prepare to pill, powder; ③.Internally:water decoction, 6~15 grams;or infusing in wine;or prepared to pill, powder.
Contraindications,Precautions and Adverse Reactions:the herb Cortex Eucommiae should should not be combined with Snakeskin, Radix Scrophulariae.
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1.Introduction of Du Zhong:Eucommia Bark or Cortex Eucommiae.
✵The article gives records of the herb Eucommia Bark, its English name, Latin name, property and flavor, its botanical source one plant species, ①.Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., with a detailed introduction to the botanical features of this plant species, the growth characteristics, and ecological environment of this plant species, the features of the herb Eucommia Bark, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guide.
Pin Yin Name: Dù Zhònɡ.
Botanical description: The tree, Eucommia ulmoides Oliv is a plant of the Eucommiaceae family and Eucommia genus, it is commonly known as Dù Zhònɡ. A deciduous tree, grows up to 20 meters high, the diameter of the old tree is up to about 50 cm.
Flowers are unisexual, dioecious, and grow at the base of branches of the same year, the male flowers are achlamydeous (having no perianth); pedicels are about 3 mm, glabrous; bracts are obovate-spatulate, 6~8 mm long, top is rounded, margin has cilia, caducous; stamens are about 1 cm long, glabrous, has no pistillode; Female flowers are solitary, bracts are obovate, pedicels are 8 mm long, filaments are about 1 mm long, the ovary is glabrous, 1-loculus, flat and long, apex is 2-lobed, the podogynium (gynophore) is very short, pistillode.
Samara is flattened, oblong oval, 3~3.5 cm long, 1~1.3 cm wide, the apex is 2-lobed, the base is cuneate, and has thin wings around.
Characters of herbs: The bark is flat plate-shaped, roll-shaped, or pieces with two sides slightly rolled inward, with different sizes, the thickness is 2~7 mm or 3~7 mm. The outer surface is light gray-brown or taupe, flat or coarse, with obvious longitudinal wrinkles or irregular longitudinal fissure grooves, some bark is thin, some bark has a layer of coarse bark, the bark with a coarse layer is oblique square and has transverse fissure lenticels, and sometimes there are light gray lichen spots. The inner surface is dark purple-brown or reddish-brown, smooth. The texture of the herb is brittle (crisp), and easily broken, the fracture surface is coarse and rough, connected by fine silvery-white and elastic rubber threads. The herb has a slight odor, it tastes slightly bitter, and there is gelatinous residue when chewed. The herb of a better grade has thick and large bark, a shaved coarse bark layer, a dark purple inner surface, and many silvery-white rubber threads on the fracture surface.
Ecological Environment: The tree grows in areas at altitudes of 300~500 meters above sea level, in low hills and low mountains, valleys, open forests, or low slopes of the woods. Geographical distribution: This species is native to China and is mainly distributed in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the Huai River area, north, southwest, and northwest areas of China, it is widely planted throughout China.
The bark of young trees is smooth, the bark of adult trees has deep longitudinal cracking, and lenticels are not visible. The tree crown is circular (rounded), the sub-edge angle is 43°~ 64°, the trunk is straight, drought-resistant, and prefers water. Buds are long conical, sprouting in early March. Leaves are dark green, bright, and broadly ovoid, length is 17.4 cm, width is 8.4 cm, the length of petioles is 1.6 cm, the leaf is recurved (curls inward). The length of branches is 3.4 cm. Female flowers bloom from April 1st to April 15th, 6~12 female flowers. The fruit is oval (egg-shaped), mature in mid-September to mid-October, 3.2 cm long, width is 1.2 cm, grafted seedlings fruit in 3 years, the 5-year-old tree grows up to 7.3 meters, diameter is 9.6 cm, 4.2 tons of bark per hectare, leaf yield is 6.2 tons. It is suitable for all producing areas to establish seed plantations, orchards, and fast-growing forests.
The bark of young trees and adult bark are smooth, clear lenticels are conspicuous, the shape of the crown is compact, and oval (egg-shaped), the branching angle is 39°~ 53°, the trunk is straight, seedling from the top buds easily sprout, lateral buds grow strong, tree crown is easy to grow. It is resistant to cold, drought, and low temperatures of -27 °C (Celsius, or -16.6 degrees Fahrenheit) from frost damage. Buds are conical, sprout in early March, have dense leaves, leaf length is 17.1 cm, width is 7.9 cm, length of petioles is 1.7 cm, internode length is 2.8 cm. Female flowers bloom from April 1st to April 15, 6~14 female flowers, a single flower grows at the base of the branches. The fruit is oval (egg-shaped), and mature from mid-September to mid-October, the length of the fruit is 3.2 cm, width is 1.2 cm. Grafted seedlings fruit in 3 years, a 5-year-old tree grows up to 7.4 meters high, DBH (diameter at breast height) is up to 9.2 cm, the yield of bark per hectare is 5.0 tons, leaf yield is 6.3 tons. It is suitable for all producing areas, especially in the northern region, to create a fast-growing forest.
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