Clematis chinensis 威靈仙

POISONOUS PARTS

Whole plant.^3–5

TOXICITY

• Toxic Constituents

  Clematichinenoside and saponins.^6,7

• Mechanism

  The exact mechanism of its toxicity remains unidentified. Large quantities of saponins may irritate the gastrointestinal tract.⁸

• Poisoning Features

  Ingestion: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dizziness; gastrointestinal bleeding or even death in severe cases. Skin contact: contact dermatitis.^4,9,10

• Poisoning Events

  Multiple cases of poisoning due to internal or external uses of C. chinensis as TCM have been reported in China. Most patients recovered uneventfully but fatal cases have also been reported.^4,9,10

CLINICAL MANAGEMENT

Supportive treatment. For skin exposure, affected area could be irrigated with water.^5,10–11

IDENTIFICATION FEATURES

Woody climbers. Stems and branches subglabrous or sparsely puberulous. Leaves pinnate; petioles 3.5–6 cm long; leaflets 3–7, papery, 2.5–5 × 1–1.8 cm. Panicles axillary or terminal, flowers 1–2 cm in diameter. Sepals 4(–5), white, 8–10 × 2–3 mm, spreading. Anthers 2 times longer than filaments. Achenes 5–7 mm long, persistent styles 2–5 cm long, feathery.¹²

MEDICINAL USES

Uses in TCM—roots and rhizomes: dispel wind-dampness, unblock the meridian and collateral vessels, eliminate phlegm and slobber, relieve accumulation, relieve pain; leaves: soothe the throat, remove toxin, activate blood and disperse swelling. Recommended dose: roots and rhizomes 6–10 g, leaves 15–30 g.^2,13–15

LABORATORY ANALYSIS

Clematichinenoside can be detected by LC-MS/MS.¹⁶