OBJECTIVE  To clarify the origins, medicinal parts, clinical use and market circulation of Tibetan medicine Zuomoxin, and provide a reference for its further research and development.

  METHODS  The origins, medicinal parts, and preparations of Zuomoxing were sorted out by adopting TCM literature research; the usage of corresponding origins was derived based on the origin and medicinal condition survey that was conducted with 41 cities and counties, 21 Tibetan hospitals, 13 pharmaceutical factories and pharmaceutical companies, and 6 Tibetan medical experts in the four provinces and regions of Sichuan, Yunnan, Tibet, and Qinghai, as well as the identification results of collected medicinal materials.

  RESULTS  Literature research showed that Zuomoxing involved 10 origins, such as xylem heartwood, decoction, leaves, flowers, etc. The survey results suggested that the most widely recognized origin of Zuomoxing was C. changduensis Y. X. Liou, and the second was C. jubata (Pall.) Poir. The red heartwood of C. changduensis Y. X. Liou was primarily used as medicine, with the best quality. The heartwood of C. jubata (Pall.) Poir of other colors was less used and has poor effects. On the market, the most popular medicinal material for Zuomoxing was C. changduensis Y. X. Liou, and a few Tibetan hospitals use C. jubata (Pall.) Poir. This study involved a total of 20 prescription preparations. The commonly used therapeutic effects of Zuomoxing in preparations were mainly to reduce blood pressure, treat polyemia, clear blood heat, and dissipate blood stasis.

  CONCLUSION  This study confirmed that the main source of Tibetan medicine Zuomoxing is the red heartwood of C. changduensis Y. X. Liou, which provides a basis for its further development and utilization.