Hanzhong Monkshood

Hanzhong Monkshood

Hanzhong Monkshood is a protected geographical indication product.

　　The Qinba Mountain area is an extremely important reservoir of flora, fauna, and traditional Chinese medicine resources, boasting abundant natural biological resources of medicinal herbs. Figure 1: Hanzhong specialty – monkshood.

　　These resources make Hanzhong, in Shaanxi Province, the origin and primary production area of monkshood—a traditional and distinctive Chinese medicinal herb that has long been known as the “Home of Monkshood in China.” Monkshood contains over 20 active components including  ,  , aconitine, and  , and is used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, military science, and eco-friendly pesticides. Its pharmacological effects include pain relief, cardiotonic action, and immune system enhancement. It is primarily used to treat cancer-related pain, heart failure, and weakened immunity. According to relevant data, Hanzhong produces over 6,000 tons of fresh monkshood annually, accounting for 65% of the national total. It is mainly exported to South Korea, Japan, and other Southeast Asian countries, with an annual export volume of about 500 tons, generating foreign exchange earnings of $4 million, and enjoys a strong international reputation. In 2009, Shaanxi’s “Hanzhong Monkshood” was granted national protected geographical indication status.

　　Production Area

　　The protected geographical indication area for Hanzhong Monkshood is defined according to the scope proposed in the “Letter on Delimiting the Protected Geographical Indication Area for Hanzhong Monkshood” (Han Zheng Han [2008] No. 36) issued by the People's Government of Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province. This includes the administrative regions of seven counties and districts in Hanzhong City: Nanzheng County, Mian County, Chenggu County, Yang County, Xixiang County, Ningqiang County, and Hantai District.