Dodder

Latin name: Semen Cuscutae

Chinese Name: TuSiZi (Dodder)

Traditional Uses

Actions: Supplements kidneys and sperm, clears vision, controls diarrhea, prevents miscarriage

Applications: Kidneys deficiency sterility resulting in “cold sperm,” impotence, nocturnal emission, pain in the loins and knees, tinnitus, dizziness, enuresis, diarrhea

Pharmacology

(1) Cardiotonic effect: The extract increases contraction of extirpated toad heart.

(2) Hypotensive effect: It lowers the blood pressure of anesthetized dogs.

(3) Uterine-stimulating effect: It stimulates extirpated uteri.

(4) Other effects: It decreases the size of the spleen, and inhibits intestinal activity.

Reference: Hung-yen Hsu, Ph.D. and Associates: Oriental Materia Medica A Concise Guide 1986, Keats Publishing