Mu Tong - Akebia trifoliata

Professional Data
 Pin Yin
Mu Tong
 
 Latin
Caulis Akebiae
 Introduction Back to Top
mu tong is is the dried stem of Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz (Fam. Lardizabalaceae), Clematis armandii Franch. or Clematis montana Buch. -Ham. (Fam. Ranunculaceae). The drug is collected in spring and autumn, removed from the coarse bark, and dried in the sun; or cut into thin slice when fresh and dried in the sun.
 Western medical Back to Top
mu tong is indicated in the treatment of mouth ulcer, urinary tract infections and conjunctivitis, etc..
 Eastern medical Back to Top
  • Pattern: Discharges Heart Fire, induces diuresis, restores menstruation and promotes lactation.
  • Properties: Bitter, cold.
  • Channels entered: Heart, Small Intestine, Lung and Bladder.
 Chemical constituents Back to Top
mu tong contains akebin.
 Pharmacological actions Back to Top
Cardiotonic and diuretic effect

mu tong decoction and alcohol infusion had obvious diuretic effect. Its decoction could increase the contractility of isolated frog and cat hearts.

Others

Water decoction or water infustion of mu tong had inhibitory effect on various pathogenic fungi.

 Clinical Studies Back to Top
Mouth ulcer

Dao Chi San: mu tong 15g, sheng di 25g, gan cao 5g, zhu ye 15g, water decoction.

Urinary tract infections

Dao Chi San combining che qian zi, bian xu, fu ling, mu tong, huang qin, gan cao.

Insufficient lactation

mu tong 10g, wang bu liu xing 20g, chuan shan jia 10g, tian hua fen 10g.

Conjunctivitis

mo tong of proper amount soaked in boiling water to steam and wash the eyes.

 Notes Back to Top

guan mu tong (Caulis Aristolochiae manshuriensis) which is the dried stem of Arisstolochia manshariensis Kom. (Fam. aristolochiaceae) is used as Mu Tong in some areas. This type of mu tong contains aristolochic acid, which could influece over smooth muscle, increase functions of reticuloendothelial system and lower body onload="highlight();" temperature. guan mu tong may result renal impairment if used improperly because of the toxicity of aristolochic acid. Cautions should be taken to differentiate different types when prescribing mu tong.

 
 References Back to Top

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