Crude drug sample data base

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Crude drug name

Market name冬瓜子
Formal name冬瓜子
Japanese nameとうがし, Tōgashi
Vernacular nameDongguazi
Latin nameBenincasae Semen (JP)
English nameBenincasa Seed (JP)
Used partClassificationPlant origin
Sub classification seed
Production area informationPeople's Republic of China, Jiangsu Prov.
Collection informationJapan（ToS）, Osaka Pref., Tochimoto Tenkaido Co., Ltd. [Non-commercial Sample]
Collection date2021/10/11
CollectorKatsuko Komatsu
TMPW No.31356

The capital city, provincial capital city or the representative　　
location of its administrative area is indicated.　　
32.060255
118.796877
Production area information
People's Republic of China,Jiangsu Prov.
https://ethmed.toyama-wakan.net/img/pin_san.png
34.6937249
135.5022535
Collection information
Japan（ToS）,Osaka Pref.
https://ethmed.toyama-wakan.net/img/pin_nyu.png

Scientific information data base

Common name冬瓜子, Dongguazi, Benincasae Semen (JP), Benincasa Seed (JP)
Synonyms子冬瓜子
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Original plant nameBenincasa cerifera Savi1, Benincasa cerifera Savi forma emarginata K. Kimura et Sugiyama, (Tōgan1 (Tōga, Kamouri))
original plant image
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Family nameCucurbitaceae
Used partmature seed
Quality for selectionThose that are well-developed and well-ripened, with thickened margins and a white color, are considered to be of good quality (NI).
Official compendiumJHMC (1989), JP XIX
Clinical applicationt is used as an antitussive, expectorant, purulent-draining, and anti-inflammatory diuretic, and is applied in cases of cough with heat-phlegm, as well as for pulmonary abscess, intestinal abscess, edema, and suppurative disorders of the internal organs.
Medical systemTraditional Chinese medicine
Drug effect in
traditional medicine		Traditional
classification		Expectorants
Beneficial effectTo clear away heat and phlegm, to resolve carbuncle, to drain pus and to relieve dampness.: For phlegm with heat, cough, carbuncle of lung or bowel, hematemesis with blood abscess, appendicitis, gonorrhea and leukorrhea.
Chemical constituentLipids
(*C1):
脂肪油 / fatty oil

Triterpenoids
(*C1):
サポニン1.0%未満 / saponin below 1.0%

Peptide
(*C1):
蛋白質 / protein

Pharmacological effectNot exactly known.
Classical reference
(Chinese Herbal Classic "Zhenglei bencao")		※Click this image to see the actual image
DiseaseCough, Lung suppurations, Nasal congestion, Sputum with blood, Appendicitis, Cloudy urine, Urodynia, Dysuria, Leukorrhea
FormulationDaiobotampito, Choyoto, Toryuto, Yokuininto, Ikeito, Ikeigoshijunto, Kashininto, Katsuketsusan'oto, Choyoto, Choyotokashakuyaku
Related drugsDongguapi, the external layer of the pericarp.
ReferencesJP: The 19th edition of the Japanese Pharmacopoeia.
CP: Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China 2025 edi.
C1) The Encyclopedia of Wakan-Yaku with Color Pictures Vol. I, pp 219-220.
RemarksThe Japanese Pharmacopoeia (19th edi.) defines the seeds of Benincasa cerifera Savi (Jap. name: Tōgan) and B. cerifera Savi forma emarginata K. Kitamura et Sugiyama as its original plant. B. cerifera is the synonym of B. hispida. This species has wax separated out on the surface of its fruit. The surface of the seed is velvety and the seed has a thick band along its edge (Sōhentōgashi). On one hand, Tanhentōgashi originated from B. cerifera forma emarginata has neither wax nor a thick band.
The Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (2025 edi.) lists Dongguapi but not Dougguazi. Dongguapi (Exocarpium Benincasae) is the outer pericarp of B. hispida, and is used as a diuretic and anti-edema agent. It is applied to edema with abdominal distension, dysuria, thirst due to summer-heat, and scanty, dark urine.
Last renewal date2026/05/21
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