• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.29-36
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• 2021

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to fix the synonyms, origin, formation mechanism, description, and efficacy of Hwangnapchim in Elucidation of Materia Medica. Methods : Through searching histories and herbal classics, We categorized the contents, and compared with Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum. Results : The synonyms of Hwangnapchim were classified by 3 categories : Napchimhyang-type, Ganamhyang-type and Ginamhyang-type. In early period, it was called by Napchimhyang-type, named after its description that was similar to beeswax. Afterward it was called by Ganamhyang-type or Ginamhyang-type, because of the name "Kynam" that was called by in its producing region. And there were records of producing region of Vietnam, Cambodia, and being from abroad, while those of Vietnam were most frequent. According to custom duties of Ming Dynasty, Hwangnapchim was 17.5 times as expensive as Agarwood. Hwangnapchim shared main producing region, original plant, and process of formation with Agarwood. Therefore, its original plant was Aquilaria crassna, but added honey during formation process. Hwangnapchim was classified 5 types according to its description, the highest quality was Yu-gyeol, resembled beeswax, and easily recovered if get a scar. Hwangnapchim had a fragrance at room temperature, a spicy flavor, and the efficacy of blocking urine and feces. Conclusions : These results showed that Vietnam was major producing area of Hwangnapchim, and that it shared same origin with Agarwood, but it had different description, efficacy, and higher prices because of being added honey during formation.