Jiandao Uncaria Stem from Jianhe

Jiandao Uncaria Stem

Jiandao Uncaria Stem is a protected geographical indication product.

　　Jiandao Uncaria Stem from Jianhe, Guizhou, also known as Eagle Claw Wind or Golden Hook, is an evergreen woody vine plant of the Rubiaceae family. Its stems and branches are used medicinally to clear heat, soothe the liver, calm wind, and tranquilize convulsions. It is used to treat headaches, dizziness, colds accompanied by convulsions, palpitations, seizures, pregnancy-induced eclampsia, high blood pressure, and other conditions. It is one of the main herbs used to treat headaches, dizziness, and high blood pressure. It is a commonly used traditional herbal medicine in Jianhe County, as well as a key raw material for pharmaceutical companies. It is not only well-known domestically, but is also exported to countries such as Japan and South Korea.

　　The cultivation and trade of Jiandao Uncaria Stem have a long history. As early as the late Ming Dynasty, along with the rise of timber trade on the Qingshui River, Jiandao Uncaria Stem, as a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, began to gain widespread recognition in the Central Plains. The "Guizhou Provincial Annals" from the Qianlong period stated: “When seedlings flourish, hookwort thrives.” This means that when large quantities of Miao timber were transported out, both the cultivation and trade of hookwort flourished.

　　Since 2003, Jianhe has been engaged in the artificial cultivation of hookwort, and now has over 20,000 acres of hookwort bases. Testing by the Guizhou Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine showed that the moisture content, ash content, and extractives of Jiandao Uncaria Stem all exceed the relevant indicators set forth in the "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" (2010 edition). To protect the Jiandao Uncaria Stem brand, ensure its quality and unique characteristics, and safeguard consumer rights, in early 2009, the government of Jianhe County and relevant departments began the application process for protected geographical indication status for Jiandao Uncaria Stem. After preliminary review by the Guizhou Provincial Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision, formal examination and public announcement by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of China, and nearly two years of effort, it successfully passed the evaluation by a panel of experts from the Administration on November 22, 2010. This followed other traditional Guizhou medicinal products such as Dejiang Gastrodia, Chishui Golden Hair Dendrobium, and Dafang Gastrodia in receiving national legal protection. The achievement of geographical indication branding for Jiandao Uncaria Stem not only fills the gap in the county’s "authentic medicinal materials" being legally protected at the national level, but also marks a significant step forward for the county's development of traditional Chinese medicine products toward innovation in intellectual property. At the same time, it helps continue to promote Jianhe’s herbal medicine industry while also assisting local herb farmers in achieving prosperity.

　　The production area of Jiandao Uncaria Stem includes the current administrative regions of 12 townships in Jianhe County, Guizhou: Jiuyang Township, Nanxiao Township, Taiyong Township, Liuchuan Town, Guanmo Township, Panxi Township, Mindong Township, Nanzhai Township, Nanjia Town, Nanming Town, Censong Town, and Gedong Town.