Sappan Wood

The heartwood contains the colorless pro-pigment brazilin, which is oxidized to brazilein upon contact with air. It also contains sappanin, which can be used as an organic reagent to test for aluminum ions. It also contains volatile oil, whose chemical components are phellandrene and ocimene. It also contains tannins.

1. Effect on the cardiovascular system: in toad hindlimb perfusion, Sumu water can slightly constrict vessels, and afterward sodium nitrite cannot dilate them. If sodium nitrite is used first, then Sumu water likewise cannot constrict the vessels. On an isolated frog heart preparation, appropriate Sumu water can enhance contractile force and restore the cardiac contractile force weakened by Aurantii Fructus decoction. 2. Central inhibitory effect: appropriate Sumu water by different administration methods has a hypnotic effect on mice, rabbits, and guinea pigs; large amounts also have an anesthetic effect, and may even cause death. It can antagonize the central excitatory effects of strychnine and cocaine, but cannot antagonize the excitatory effect of morphine.

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