Fructus Cannabis
Hemp Fruit

Source:
The mature fruit of Cannabis sativa L. (Fam. Moraceae).

Distribution:
Cultivated in all parts of China.

Harvest & Processing:
Pick fruits at maturation in autumn; remove foreign matter; dry under the sun.

Description:
Ovoid (egg-shaped); 4-5 mm long, 3-4 mm in diameter. Outer surface greyish-green to grey, slightly lustrous, marked with lightcoloured reticulate (net-like) striae; the edge on either side ridged; base with an orbicular (round) carpopodium scar. Pericarp thin and brittle. Seed 1, subspherical in shape; testa thin and dull green, often firmly attached to endocarp. Endosperms greyishwhite, encircling the curled embryo; cotyledons 2, plump, highly oleaginous (oily). Odourless; taste: mild.

Indications:
1. Constipation
2. Postpartum anaemia

Chemical Composition:
Contains trigonelline and fatty acids.