Water decoction-alcohol precipitation of mo yao could increase the transmutation ability of RBC and RBC cataphoresis rate, inhibit platelet aggregation and adhesiveness, and lower fibrinogen. It had excitatory effet on the respiratory center under cerebral ischemic and anoxic states. 1:2 water decoction of mo yao had inhibitory effect on various pathogenic fungi. Oily resin could lower rabbits' hypercholesteremia, prevent the formation of plaque. mo yao could inhibit the excess secretions of bronchia and uterus. It could significantly lower the Serum T4 content in mice. It also had inhibitory effect on helicobacter pylori.

Furanosesquiterpenoids of Commiphora myrrha.

An investigation on the gum exudates of Commiphora myrrha has led to the isolation of six sesquiterpenoids. On the basis of spectroscopic data interpretation, they were determined as two new furanosesquiterpenoids, rel-1S,2S-epoxy-4R-furanogermacr-10(15)-en-6-one (1) and rel-2R-methyl-5S-acetoxy-4R-furanogermacr-1(10)Z-en-6-one (2), and four known furanosesquiterpenoids, rel-3R-methoxy-4S-furanogermacra-1E,10(15)-dien-6-one (3), rel-2R-methoxy-4R-furanogermacr-1(10)E-en-6-one (4), furanogermacra-1(10)Z,4Z-dien-6-one, and curzerenone [6,7-dihydro-5beta-isopropenyl-3,6beta-dimethyl-6-vinylbenzofuran-4(5H)-one]. This is the first report of the relative stereochemistry for the known compounds 3 and 4. Compound 1 exhibited weak cytotoxic activity against a MCF-7 breast tumor cell line in a clonogenic assay, while the other five compounds were inactive in this assay.

--Zhu N, Kikuzaki H, Sheng S, Sang S, Rafi MM, Wang M, Nakatani N, DiPaola RS, Rosen RT, Ho CT. J Nat Prod. 2001 Nov;64(11):1460-2.

Mo Yin Jian (experiential formula): mo yao 50g and jin yin hua 50g were decocted with 1000ml water to make 500~700ml juice which was used for external application. The method was used to treat 192 cases of skin diseases, including 67 cases of acute eczema, 42 chronic chronic eczema, 52 contact dermatitis, 26 infections on the base of tinea pedes and 5 others. After 1~2 days' treatment, 184 cases were cured, and 8 cases were cured after 5 days.

mo yao was used in a decoction and paste for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Among 100 treated cases, 90 were cured, 7 markedly effective and 3 ineffective.

Ru Mo Paste: ru xiang and mo yao of equal amount were mixed with 30% ethanol for external application to treat acute sprain of the waist or legs. 1~2 times daily, and usually it would be cured after 3~5 days.

Except those noted, all references come from Weng Weiliang, et al., Clinical Chinese materia medica, Henan Science & Technology Press, 1998