Cang Er Zi

Cang Er Zi (With or without spines) (Spindle-shaped, longitudinal striations, numerous hooked spines)【Naming】

Cang Er Zi

n 【Source】n

Outline of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu) – Cang Er Du Chong

n 【Frequency of Use】n

C

n 【Botanical Origin】n

The dried, ripe fruit of Xanthium strumarium L. of the Asteraceae family.

n 【Characteristics】n

Spindle-shaped or oval, about 1~1.7 cm long and 4~7 mm in diameter, with a yellowish-green or yellowish-brown surface bearing numerous hooked spines about 2 mm long. One end has two relatively thick, sharp spines, separate or connected. The outer skin (involucre) is tough and has two internal chambers, each containing one achene. The achene is slightly spindle-shaped, one side is relatively flat, the pericarp is grayish-black, the seed is a flattened oval, light gray, the seed coat is membranous, and the kernel is milky white with two cotyledons. It has a faint odor and a slightly bitter, oily, and greasy taste.

n 【Identification】n

The best quality are those that are large, plump, yellowish-green in color, and free of impurities. Black ones indicate that it has been moldy and are of secondary quality.

n 【Category】n

Fruits