Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii
Incised Notopterygium Rhizome and Root

Source:
The rhizome and root of Notopterygium incisum Ting ex H. T. Chang (Fam. Umbelliferae).

Distribution:
Mainly in Chinese provinces such as Sichuan, Yunnan, Qinghai and Gansu.

Harvest & Processing:
Dig out rhizomes and roots in spring and autumn; remove leaves, fibrous roots and soil; dry under the sun. Commonly used in Hong Kong in the form of length-wise cut slices.

Description:
Rhizome slightly curved, with dense annular (ring-like) nodes resembling those of silkworms, commonly known as "Canqiang" (Silkworm Incised Notoptergium); 4-13 cm long, 0.6-2.5 cm in diameter. Outer surface reddish-brown to brownish-black, marked with punctiform (dot-like) root scars and brown broken scales; brownish-yellow where cork has fallen off. Light in weight, brittle, breaks easily. Broken surface uneven, with radial clefts; cortex brownish-yellow, with yellow secretory cavities; xylem yellowishwhite; pith yellow to yellowish-brown. Odour: fragrant; taste: slightly bitter, acrid. Rhizome with sparse annular nodes like those of a bamboo is commonly known as “Zhujie qiang” (Bamboo Nodes Incised Notoptergium).

Indications:
1. Common cold, headache, generalized pain
2. Rheumatism

Chemical Composition:
Mainly contains coumarins and essential oils.

Note:
According to C.P., also used for medicinal purposes is the rhizome and root of N. forbesii Boiss.