This paper aimed to review the origin and status of the traditional medicinal plants of Dendrobium called " Shihu" in Chinese. The medicinal herb named " Shihu" has developed from a single source to multiple sources when there are thirty to forty plant species of Dendrobium that were granted as " Shihu" in traditional Chinese medicinal concept which makes the material market very complicated. After reviewing the historical records of these medicinal plants by many researchers and sorting out relevant studies for nearly 30 years,majority of the original species of this medicinal herb is learned,and the achievements can be reached in each version of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Newly added content in2005 Chinese Pharmacopoeia described as " and its allied species" in " Shihu" section was debatable. The chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Guchui Shihu( from D. chrysotoxum) were vastly different from the other Dendrobium species listed as " Shihu",so it should be listed as an independent item. Meanwhile,the study of quality standard of Huoshan Shihu( mainly from D.huoshanense) should be drawn seriously attention to,and the results should be included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia.
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