HERBAL MONOGRAPHS CHOCOLATE VINE (MU-TONG) / 189ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Alliins (alkyl cysteine sulfoxides): in particular, methyl alliin
(S-methyl-L-(+)-cysteine sulfoxide) and pentyl alliin (S-
pentyl-L-(+)-cysteine sulfoxide), as well as their gamma-
W- glutamyl conjugates; in the course of cutting up the fresh
foliage, the alliins undergo a transformation (which is
triggered by fermentation) into the so-called alliaceous oils,
e.g., dimethyl-disulfide-mono-S-oxideEFFECTS
The volatile and non-volatile sulphur bonds are said to be
anthelmintic. However, efficacy has not been documented in
scientific studies.INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: The drug is used to expel worms and
intestinal parasites.PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages. The intake of large quantities can lead to stomach
irritation.DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Chives are used fresh or dried, as a
cut drug.
LITERATURE
Kameoka H, Hashimoto S, Two sulfur containing constituents
from Allium schoenoprasum. In: PH 22:294-295. 1983.
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H. Schneider G (Hrsg.). Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis. 5. Aufl.. Bde 4-6
(Drogen): Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York. 1992-
1994.
Hashimoto S et al., Food Sci 48:1858. 1983.Chocolate Vine (Mu-Tong)
Akebia quinataDESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The dried stems and fruits of the Akebia
£? quinata are frequently used in medicine.
Flower and Fruit: The inflorescence is racemose, hanging, 5
to 9 cm long, with 1 to 3 female flowers. The pedicle is 3 to
5 cm long. There are 3 to 4 violet to pink-violet sepals up to
1.5 cm long and 5 to 7 apocarpic, blue-violet carpels. There
are 4 to 15 male flowers with 3 violet to lilac sepals and 6 to
7 violet to black stamens. The fruit is an elongate pome, 6 to
9 cm long, dark violet when ripe with white spots and a
coriaceous cupule. The seeds are numerous, red-brown toblack, ovoid, approximately 6 mm long and embedded in
jelly-like tissue.Leaves, Stem and Root: Akebia quinata is a climbing shrub
that grows up to 10 m high. The shrub is deciduous,
diclinous and monoecious. The leaves are alternate and
arranged in fives. The petiole and the stems of the leaflets
are approximately 2 cm long. The leaflets are up to 2.5 cm
long, rounded at the base and entire. The trunk is silvery or
gray, with cork warts.Characteristics: The fruit is edible.Habitat: Japan, China, KoreaProduction: Chocolate vine is the dried stem of Akebia
quinata.Other Names: Five-Leaflet Akebia, Mu TongACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Triterpene saponins: akebosides, aglycones oleanolic acid
and hederageninSteroids: sterols, including beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol
glucoside, betulinMonosaccharides/oligosaccharides: saccharoseCyclitols: meso-inositolEFFECTS
Animal experiments have demonstrated an anti-edemic
effect attributed to the saponin mixture contained in the drug.
In addition, diuretic, uricosuric, centrally depressant, antipy-
retic, mild analgesic and motility-inhibiting (intestinal)
effects have been reported, although no results of controlled
clinical studies have as yet been published.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Preparations of the plant have been used for
acute urinary tract infections and ascites.Chinese Medicine: Mu Tong is used for laryngitis and dry
coughs, urinary stones, disturbances of bladder function,
galacturia, convulsions, anemia and hematuria.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper
administration of designated therapeutic dosages. The inges-
tion of larger dosages of the drug may lead to gastroenteritis,
intestinal colic and diarrhea, due to the saponin content. The
drug is not to be administered during pregnancy.DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Liquid preparations for internal use.Daily Dosage: 3 to 9 gm in the form of a decoction.