Thinleaf Milkwort Root–bark

Roots contain saponins; after hydrolysis two saponin-aglycone crystals can be isolated: tenuigenin A and tenuigenin B. Also contains polygalitol, N-acetylglucosamine, the alkaloid tenuidine, fatty oil, resin, etc.

1. Expectorant effect: Yuan Zhi contains plant saponins, which stimulate the gastric mucosa causing mild nausea, thus reflexively increasing bronchial secretion and producing an expectorant effect. 2. Effect on the uterus: the decoction of Yuan Zhi from northwest China excites the isolated uterus of guinea pigs, rabbits, cats, and dogs, whether non-pregnant or pregnant; intravenous injection of 6.6% decoction 3–6 mL also has a marked excitatory effect on the in-situ uterus of pregnant dogs. 3. Hemolytic effect: like Jie Geng, Yuan Zhi contains saponins and also has an erythrocyte-lysing effect.

No precautions information available