folium hibisci mutabilis

Folium Hibisci Mutabilis refers to the dried leaves of Hibiscus mutabilis L., a plant in the Malvaceae family. Traditionally used in Chinese medicine as an external-use agent for its toxin-attacking, worm-killing, and itch-relieving properties[1][5][7]. The herb is characterized by an acrid and bitter taste with a balanced or cool nature and is believed to enter the lung and liver meridians[1][5][7]. Its main actions include cooling blood and resolving toxins; dispersing swelling; relieving pain; clearing lung heat; dissipating heat; expelling pus. It is commonly used for conditions such as boils (yong ju), abscesses (dan du), burns/scalds, acute appendicitis, scrofula (lymphadenitis), otopyorrhea (ear discharge), cough due to lung heat[3][5][7]. Modern pharmacological studies indicate anti-inflammatory[2], antioxidant[9], antibacterial[2], wound healing[2], hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects. Mechanistically it inhibits inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and NO production via suppression of AKT-STAT3 signaling pathways in vitro/in vivo models of inflammation or skin photoaging[2][6]. Main chemical constituents include flavonoids (notably total flavonoids are linked to antioxidant activity), coumarins, anthraquinones, triterpenes and lignans[9][10].

Other names

folium hibisci mutabiliscottonrose hibiscus leaffu rong ye芙蓉叶木芙蓉叶confederate rose leafmu fu rong ye