Herbalogical Study on Styrax Japonicus Sieb. et Zucc.

Styrax japonicus Sieb. et Zucc. is a Chinese folk medicine used to treat the wind-fire toothache, sore throat, rheumatic, together with the painful bi syndrome, and is widely distributed in China. Its name, botanical origin, combined with medicinal property and efficacy were explored through the investigation of its historical development, as well as the collation of herbs and prescription books of all ages. Its Latin name is Styrax japonicus Sieb. et Zucc., and it comes from the benzoinum plant of styracaceae family. Besides, its flowers, leaves, fruits, and insect galls can all be used as medicine. In the Qing dynasty, it was known as bathing flower, dinner flower, pink beauty, pearl flower, purple jasmine, night jiaojiao, wild lilac, pink bean flower, autumn lilac, northern jasmine, or stinky jasmine. However, the above varieties were not considered as the native species. In modern times, the name of styrax japonicus has undergone a change from qidun fruit, then styrax japonicus, and then houfeng vine, again to styrax japonicus. Finally, styrax japonicus is the certified name. The qidun fruit, houfeng vine, and the styrax japonicus are not the same species. The aliases jun qian zi, shan bai guo, and bai xue hua do not apply to styrax japonicus because they have their own original plants and are not subordinated to the same species. In addition, through systematizing and analyzing the medicinal properties and meridian entries of styrax japonicus, it is concluded that further research is needed to elucidate the specific properties and meridians entries of its different medicinal parts. The herbalogical study on styrax japonicus provides a theoretical basis for further safe, effective, and rational development of Styrax japonicus Sieb. et Zucc. resources.