Wan Nian Song
StarSelaginella tamariscina (P.Beauv.) Spring
☯ TCM Properties
Stops bleeding and Disperses Wind; Invigorates the Blood circulation and expands the chest to regulate Lung Qi; Regulates menstruation , reinforces the sperm, promotes urination and reinforces the Heart
Traditional Chinese Uses
Under its standard name Juan Bai, this is the whole plant of the resurrection spikemoss Selaginella tamariscina, classified among the Blood-regulating herbs. Pungent and neutral, it enters the Liver channel (and is associated with the Kidney and Large Intestine). Its action is preparation-dependent: used raw it invigorates the Blood and unblocks the menses for amenorrhea, abdominal masses and Blood stasis; charred (Juan Bai Tan) it becomes astringent and stops bleeding, treating hematemesis, hemoptysis, blood in the stool or urine, uterine bleeding and prolonged postpartum discharge. It also disperses Wind and has been used to expand the chest and regulate Lung Qi. A typical dose is 5–10 g.
The name “Wan Nian Song” is a folk synonym also applied to other resurrection plants, so material should be confirmed as S. tamariscina.
Botanical Description
Wai Nian Song does not match a standard entry in the principal Chinese materia medica references and is most plausibly a transcription error for Wan Nian Song, identified as Selaginella tamariscina, the resurrection spike-moss (family Selaginellaceae). It is a perennial lycophyte (a fern ally rather than a true fern) forming dense, cushion-like rosettes 5 to 15 centimetres across atop a stout, branched, scaly caudex of persistent old stem bases that resembles a small woody trunk. Numerous radiating, repeatedly forked branches bear two ranks of tiny, overlapping, scale-like green leaves; under drought the branches curl tightly inward and the plant appears dead, but re-expands and greens rapidly upon re-wetting, the basis of the colloquial name. The species inhabits exposed rock outcrops and cliff faces across much of China.
Active Constituents
Amentoflavone (3',8''-biapigenin)
BiflavonoidConcentration: Principal biflavonoid (major marker of the herb)
The chief active biflavonoid (C30H18O10), responsible for much of the plant's pharmacology, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic (alpha-glucosidase/alpha-amylase inhibition), antioxidant, antitumor, and gut beta-glucuronidase-inhibiting activity.
Hinokiflavone
BiflavonoidConcentration: Minor biflavonoid
A biflavonoid with reported anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity contributing to the herb's overall profile.
Isocryptomerin
BiflavonoidConcentration: Minor biflavonoid
Shows anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in isolated-compound studies.
Robustaflavone
BiflavonoidConcentration: Minor biflavonoid
A biflavonoid contributing antioxidant and antiviral activity described for the genus Selaginella.
Sumaflavone
BiflavonoidConcentration: Minor biflavonoid
One of the biflavonoids isolated from S. tamariscina associated with anti-inflammatory effects via ERK 1/2 signaling.
Selaginellin derivatives
Phenolic (selaginellins)Concentration: Characteristic phenolics of the genus
A class of unusual phenolic compounds largely restricted to Selaginella, reported to contribute antioxidant, neuroprotective, and antitumor activity.
⚠ Drug Interactions
CYP3A4 / CYP2C9 substrate drugs
Amentoflavone is reported to inhibit several cytochrome P450 enzymes and gut bacterial beta-glucuronidase in experimental systems, raising a theoretical possibility of altered metabolism or enterohepatic recycling of some drugs. No clinical interaction has been demonstrated.
Clinical note: Clinical relevance is unproven; consider monitoring if used with narrow-therapeutic-index CYP3A4/2C9 substrates.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Preparation Methods
Decoction (raw)
Parts: whole herb
About 5-10 g of the dried whole plant decocted in water. Used raw (unprocessed) to invigorate blood circulation, regulate menstruation, and unblock the channels.
Charred herb (Juan Bai charcoal)
Parts: whole herb
The herb is stir-fried until charred and used to stop bleeding (e.g., uterine bleeding, blood in stool or urine); charring enhances its hemostatic action.
Powder / external application
Parts: whole herb
Dried herb ground to powder can be applied topically to bleeding wounds and sores, or the decoction used as a wash.
Clinical Studies
Antidiabetic Activity and Potential Mechanism of Amentoflavone in Diabetic Mice
In high-fat-diet/streptozotocin diabetic mice, amentoflavone (the principal biflavonoid of S. tamariscina) lowered glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C and glucagon while raising HDL-C and insulin. It increased glycolytic enzyme activity (glucokinase, PFK-1, pyruvate kinase) and inhibited GSK-3 and PEPCK, indicating improved glucose and lipid metabolism.
Biflavonoids Isolated from Selaginella tamariscina and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activities via ERK 1/2 Signaling
Biflavonoids isolated from S. tamariscina, chiefly amentoflavone, suppressed inflammatory mediators in stimulated macrophages, with anti-inflammatory activity mediated through the ERK 1/2 signaling pathway, supporting the traditional use of the herb in inflammatory conditions.
Historical Texts
Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica)
Han dynasty, compiled c. 200 BCE - 200 CEBen Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen
Ming dynasty, 1596References
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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