Tu Bei Mu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus) (White or reddish-brown, uneven and with multiple cracks, hard)
Tu Bei Mu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus)
【Naming】
【Source】
Essentials of Materia Medica
【Common Usage Level】
F
【Botanical Origin】
The tuber of Bolbostemma paniculatum (Maxim.) Franquet, a plant in the Cucurbitaceae family (Gourd Family).
【Characteristics】
The dried tuber is irregular in shape, polygonal or triangular, 0.5-1.5cm high and 0.7-2cm in diameter. It is dark brown to translucent reddish-brown in color. The surface is uneven, with many cracks, and the apex often has a raised bud remnant. It is hard and difficult to break. The fracture surface is horny, shiny and smooth. It has a slightly burnt smell and a slightly salty and bitter taste.
【Identification】
The best quality is large, reddish-brown, firm, shiny, and translucent.
【Category】
Rhizomes