Gromwell Root

This product mainly contains naphthoquinones, the principal constituents being shikonin, acetylshikonin, deoxyshikonin, isobutyrylshikonin, isovalerylshikonin, shikalkin, β-hydroxyisovalerylshikonin, α-methyl-n-isovalerylshikonin, and related compounds; it also contains linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and others.

1. Contraceptive effect: An ethanol extract of Lithospermum root (Japanese product) at 100 mg/100 g, as well as feed mixed with 30% root powder, can inhibit estrus in rats. 2. Effect on the circulatory system: The decoction of Xinjiang soft purple gromwell (purchased in Taiyuan; species undetermined) exerts obvious excitatory effects on isolated and intact hearts of healthy rabbits and toads; this effect is related to the calcium contained in the decoction. 3. Other effects: The decoction has a mild antipyretic effect in rabbits and exerts inconsistent excitatory effects on isolated uterine and intestinal smooth muscle in rabbits. Oral administration of the decoction increases intestinal tone and contraction, whereas intravenous injection does not produce this response.

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