Botanical Name: Adonis vernalis
Plant family: Buttercup family (Ranunculaceae)
Main botanical characteristics: Perennial, 15-30cm tall, upright, round, slightly hairy stems, 3-4 pinnate, numerous, thin, linear leaves, terminal, golden yellow, shiny, upright or nodding, large flowers.
Flowering time: April-May
Plant parts used: Herb (Herba Adonidis)
Ingredients: Cardiac glycosides (cymarin, adonitoxin), flavonoids
Effect: Positive inotropic (cardiac tonic), venous tonic.
Indications: Reduced cardiac output (stage 1-2 heart failure), accompanying nervous symptoms, post-infectious heart failure
Contraindication / Side effects: Overdose of Adonis can lead to vomiting, cardiac arrhythmia
Preparation and dosage form:
Internally: Ready-to-use medicinal product with Adonis powder (rarely infusion)
Effect of Adonis in TCM
- tonifies kidney yang
- tonifies heart qi and yang
- nourishes the shen
- moves liver qi
