Jin Guo Lan

Jin Guo Lan (金果欖) is the tuberous root of Tinospora capillipes Gagnep. or Tinospora sagittata (Oliv.) Gagnep. (Menispermaceae), perennial twining vines native to southern China, particularly Guizhou, Guangxi, Hunan, and Yunnan. The plants climb over shrubs and trees, bearing slender stems, alternate cordate to sagittate leaves, and small greenish flowers in axillary racemes. The medicinal portion is the rounded to elongated tuber, gathered in autumn and winter, sliced, and dried. In traditional Chinese medicine, Jin Guo Lan is classified as bitter and cold, entering the Lung and Large Intestine channels, and is used to clear heat, detoxify fire toxin, relieve sore throat, and reduce swelling. It is widely employed for tonsillitis, pharyngitis, mumps, and intestinal heat patterns.