Muskroot-Like Semiaquilegia Root

Chinese
天葵子
Pinyin
Tian Kui Zi
Latin
Radix Semiaquilegiae
Botanical illustration of Muskroot-Like Semiaquilegia Root, Semiaquilegia adoxoides, showing small herb habit, flowers, tuberous root, and diagnostic plant details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Tian Kui Zi (天葵子), this sweet and bitter and acrid, cold herb enters the Liver, Gallbladder, and Kidney. Traditionally, it clears Heat and resolves toxicity; drains ministerial fire from the Liver, Gallbladder, and Kidney, most often applied for carbuncle, furunculosis, and lymphadenitis. Modern research has identified 4-Hydroxybenzoic among its active constituents.

Part used: Root

Also Known As

Semiaquilegia adoxoides Semiaquilegia

Latin: Radix Semiaquilegiae | Pinyin: Tian Kui Zi | Chinese: 天葵子

TCM Properties

Taste
sweet, bitter, acrid
Temperature
cold
Channels
Liver, Gallbladder, Kidney

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Clears Heat and resolves toxicity; drains ministerial fire from the Liver, Gallbladder, and Kidney
  • Cools the Blood, reduces swelling, and disperses clumps for carbuncles, boils, sores, and scrofula

Secondary Actions

  • Also used traditionally for snakebite

Classic Formulas

  • Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin (Five-Ingredient Toxin-Resolving Drink)

Classical References

  • A deputy herb in Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin, combined with Jin Yin Hua, Pu Gong Ying, Ye Ju Hua, and Zi Hua Di Ding to clear Heat-toxin and treat acute suppurative infections

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid
  • 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid
  • Other phenolic secondary metabolites

Studied Effects

  • Isolated phenolic compounds show selective inhibition of neutrophil elastase release and superoxide anion generation, with one compound showing sevenfold greater potency than the positive control
  • Anti-neutrophilic inflammatory activity supports traditional toxin-resolving, anti-suppurative use

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy

Cautions

  • Cold in nature; use cautiously in Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Muskroot-Like Semiaquilegia Root used for?

Muskroot-Like Semiaquilegia Root is traditionally used to Clears Heat and resolves toxicity; drains ministerial fire from the Liver, Gallbladder, and Kidney, Cools the Blood, reduces swelling, and disperses clumps for carbuncles, boils, sores, and scrofula. Research has investigated its effects on: Isolated phenolic compounds show selective inhibition of neutrophil elastase release and superoxide anion generation, with one compound showing sevenfold greater potency than the positive control; Anti-neutrophilic inflammatory activity supports traditional toxin-resolving, anti-suppurative use.

What are other names for Muskroot-Like Semiaquilegia Root?

Muskroot-Like Semiaquilegia Root is also known as Semiaquilegia adoxoides, Semiaquilegia. In TCM: 天葵子 (Tian Kui Zi); Radix Semiaquilegiae.

Is Muskroot-Like Semiaquilegia Root safe during pregnancy?

Muskroot-Like Semiaquilegia Root is not recommended during pregnancy.

What are the contraindications for Muskroot-Like Semiaquilegia Root?

Muskroot-Like Semiaquilegia Root should not be used in: Pregnancy. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.