**Zanthoxylum bungeanum (Sichuan Pepper)**
**Scientific Name:** *Zanthoxylum bungeanum*
**Common Names:** Qinjiao, Sanjiao
**Family:** Rutaceae
**Origin:** Native to China, particularly Sichuan province.
**Plant Description:**
This shrub or small tree typically grows between 3 to 6 meters in height. Its stems are slightly prickly and have a flattened base. The young shoots are covered with fine hairs. The leaves are alternate, pinnate, and range from 8 to 14 cm in length. They feature a winged axis, with 5 to 9 ovate to elliptic leaflets that are opposite and usually sessile. The leaflets measure 2–2.5 cm in length and 1.5–3 cm in width, with an acute apex and an unequal wedge-shaped base. Their margins are bluntly serrated, with glandular dots between the teeth. The lower surface of the midrib is covered with clustered hairs.
The inflorescence is corymbose, either terminal or on lateral branches. Flowers are unisexual and dioecious. The tepals are triangular-lanceolate in shape, with 4–8 per flower. Male flowers have 5–7 stamens, with oblong anthers and linear filaments. Female flowers have 3–4 carpels, each with a prominent glandular spot on the dorsal ridge. The mature fruits are red to purple, densely covered with verticillate glands, and contain a single black, shiny seed. The plant has a strong, spicy aroma that lingers.
**Flowering Period:** March to May
**Fruit-bearing Period:** July to October
**Distribution:**
It grows naturally in bushes along roadsides and slopes, and is also cultivated across many parts of China.
**Historical Significance:**
Ancient Chinese medical texts mention the use of pepper for various treatments. Interestingly, *Zanthoxylum* is linked to the legend of Emperor Hui of Han, who fell in love with Zhao Feiyan. To help her conceive, doctors suggested using pepper to warm the palace rooms. This practice gave rise to the term “pepper room†(*hujiao*), which later became a symbol of luxury and warmth.
**Varieties:**
There are several varieties of Sichuan pepper, including:
- **Road Pepper (South Road):** Grown in areas like Hanyuan, Xichang, and Suining, known for its large grains and rich flavor.
- **Dahongpao (Red Dragon):** Produced in Wenchuan and Jinchuan, noted for its large size, deep color, and sweet-spicy taste.
- Other types include "Small Road Pepper," "Jinyangjiao," "Turning Red Pepper," "High Jiaojiao," "Green Pepper," "Wild Pepper," and "Strange Pepper."
**Uses:**
Pepper is a key ingredient in cooking, especially for meat dishes. It is commonly used in salted peanuts, seasoned salt, and traditional Chinese pepper cakes. It also serves as a base for other seasonings.
**Other Practical Uses:**
- **Insect Repellent:** A few grains mixed with oil can be used to remove earwigs.
- **Ant-Proof Cabinet:** Place dried pepper in kitchen cabinets to keep ants away.
- **Mite Prevention:** Sprinkle pepper in drawers to protect against mites.
- **Oil Spill Control:** Adding a few grains to hot oil helps prevent it from boiling over.
**Harvesting:**
Fruits are harvested from August to October. After cutting the fruit-bearing branches, they are dried, and impurities are removed. The seeds, known as "prickly peony," are separated from the pericarp.
**Medicinal Properties:**
Dried peppercorns are used in traditional medicine. They are reddish-purple in color, slightly cracked, and have a strong, spicy aroma. They are believed to warm the body, relieve pain, kill parasites, and treat cold-related ailments.
**Main Production Areas:**
Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Henan, and
Others. In addition, Liaoning, Jiangsu, and Hebei also produce blue pepper, a different variety.
**Chemical Composition:**
The fruit contains volatile oils, with concentrations varying by region (0.7% to 9%). Key components include lovage, bergamot lactone, bergapten, and benzoic acid.
**Taste and Effects:**
Spicy, warm, and toxic in large doses. It is used to treat colds, digestive issues, and joint pain.
**Meridian Affinity:**
It affects the spleen, lungs, and kidneys, helping to warm the body and improve circulation.
**Functions and Indications:**
It is used to dispel cold, reduce dampness, relieve pain, kill insects, and detoxify. It is effective for treating colds, coughs, abdominal pain, and more.
**Dosage and Usage:**
Orally: 0.5 to 1.5 qian (a traditional Chinese measure). Can also be made into pills or powders. For external use, apply as a paste or wash.
**Contraindications:**
Not suitable for those with yin deficiency or excessive heat. Pregnant women should use with caution.
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