Radix Rehmaniae, cooked

Chinese Name: Shu di huang
Medical Name: Cooked Radix Rehmaniae
Latin Name: Rehmannia glutinosa(Gaertn.) Libosch.
Origin: Root
Taste: Sweet

Quotes from Chinese historical sources

COMPENDIUM OF MATERIA MEDICA: "According to the Simple Formulations, men mostly suffer from deficiencies of Yin-energy, a morbid state of insufficiency of Yin-fluid and consumption of body fluids and blood which manifests as low fever, hot feelings at the palms and soles, afternoon fevers, emaciation, night sweats, red lips, dry mouth, deficient urinary flow with yellowish urine, constipation, red and uncoated tongue, weak and rapid pulse, etc). In such cases, it is proper to use Cooked radix rehmaniae. Women, conversely, suffer mostly from excess blood-heat. In such cases it is proper to use raw Radix Rehmaniae. It is worth restating these points. Raw radix Rehmaniae can promote the formation of blood and vital essence, provided that it is activated by asparagus root. Cooked Radix Rehmaniae can promote the formation of blood and vital essence, provided that it is activated by dwarf lilyturf tuber."

INTERPRETATION OF THE PROPERTIES OF MEDICINES: "In flavour it is bittersweet, and its mild properties act mainly on the three channels of the heart, liver, and kidney. It invigorates the circulation of blood and vital energy; promotes the formation of bonemarrow and the secretion of kidney fluid, stimulates the Yin energy, alleviates chronic bone and muscle pains arising from infectious diseases; helps the uterus to return to normal size after delivery; benefits the function of the ears and eyes; darkens the beard and hair; cures the five impairments (of heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney) and seven damages; calms the temper and soothes the soul."

THE ESSENTIAL MATERIA MEDICA: "Its mild properties benefit the liver and kidney, nourishing the blood and promoting the Yin energy."

STUDY WITH ORIGINAL MATERIAL MEDICA: "During cooking, Radix Rehmaniae changes from bitter to sweet, releasing the yang-energy contained within its yin-energy, and so enabling it to restore the vitality of the kidney."

Western Research

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Mar;31(5):403-7
[Effects of Rehmannia glutinosa oligosaccharides on proliferation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and insulin resistance] Article in Chinese
Guo XN, Zhang RX, Jia ZP, Li MX, Wang J.
Life Science Institute of Lanzhou University, China.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of Rehmannia glutinosa oligosaccharides (ROS) on the proliferation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes and insulin resistance. METHOD: 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were cultured, the proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was detected by MTT method. Insulin resistant 3T3-L1 adipocytes cell model was induced by dexamethasone and the change of glucose concentration in cell culture was determined after ROS treatment. RESULT: In the high glucose DMEM culture media, MTT method showed that the absorbance at 570nm of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes was increased and that of 3T3-L1 adipocytes was decreased. ROS significantly increased glucose consumption in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and adipocytes culture in a concentration-dependent manner. ROS improved the sensitivity of 3T3-L1 adipocytes to insulin. CONCLUSION: ROS can promote the proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, inhibite the proliferation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes, and also, significantly improve insulin resistance induced by dexamethasone.