Source
The mature seed of Vaccaria segetalis (Neck.) Garcke (Fam. Caryophyllaceae).

Distribution
Mainly in Chinese provinces such as Jiangsu, Hebei, Henan and Shaanxi.

Harvest & Processing
Harvest plants in summer when fruits are mature but pericarp has not yet dehisced (split at maturity); dry fruits under the sun; thresh to get seeds; remove foreign matter; dry under the sun again.

Description
Spherical; about 2 mm in diameter. Outer surface black, a few immature ones brownish-red; slightly lustrous. Evenly distributed granular protuberances visible on testa surface under magnification; hilum suborbicular (almost round) and dented, with a shallow taenioid (ribbon-like) groove on one side. Hard; milkywhite endosperms exposed when cracked open; embryo curved like a ring; cotyledons 2. Odourless; taste: mild.

Indications
1. Acute mastitis, insufficient lactation, galactostasis
2. Dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, dystocia
3. Carbuncle
4. Stranguria with haematuria.

Chemical Composition
Mainly contains vacsegoside A, B, C, D and flavonoid glycosides.

Photos