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Evolving Medicinal Plant Parts: The Case of Xixin

video

In this video, Professor explores historical changes in the usage of Xixin, a plant containing aristolochic acid.

Ancient literature specified the root as medicinal, but due to resource shortages in the 1950s, both the aerial part and root were mixed. By the 1963 pharmacopoeia, the Latin name shifted, and by 2005, it was refined to only accept the root and rhizome, aligning with ancient practices. This evolution, driven by safety concerns post-aristolochic acid awareness, showcases the delicate balance between tradition and resource constraints in herbal medicine.

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Clinical Drug Development of Chinese Herbal Medicine

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