[Herbalogical textual research On "Gegen"].
OBJECTIVE
To provide further research with literature evidence of the variety origin, traditional effect and dosage.


METHODS
Textual research on medicinal works of past dynasties.


RESULTS
The origin plants are Pueraria lobata, P. thomosonii and P. eduli. Its present effect is the same as ancient literature. However the fresh juice of the plant used for the treatment of bitter by mad dog and aborticide as literature recorded should be proved by further researches. The dosage is different among past dynasties.


CONCLUSIONS
As one of the often used Chinese materia medica, Gegen has a bright prospect.
Luo
Qiong
Q
Institute of Chinese Material Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medicinal Sciences, Beijing 100700, China.
Hao
Jin-da
JD
Yang
Yua
Y
Yi
Hong
H
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000930:Antidiarrheals / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005334:Fever / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000145:classification; D029908:Pueraria / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000145:classification