← Reference library
    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Toxic-Purging, Phlegm-Nodule Softening & Anti-Neoplastic Sovereign (清热解毒 / 软坚散结消肿利湿化痰截疟抗癌药)

    白花老鼠簕 / 小花老鼠簕 / 刺鼠尾 — Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl

    Pinyin: Báihuā Lǎoshǔlè / Xiǎohuā Lǎoshǔlè · Malay: Jeruju Putih / Jeruju Hitam / Duri Jeruju · Family: Acanthaceae (爵床科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool to Cold (凉 / 微寒)

    Flavor

    Bitter, bland, slightly salty (苦、淡、微咸)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝), Lung (肺), Stomach (胃)

    Traditional Edict

    White-flowered mangrove sea holly lacking floral bracteoles. Clears toxic heat, dissolves phlegm nodules, softens hardness, cures cervical scrofula (Lili), resolves hepatitis, and neutralizes sea-snake bites.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Desalinate roots thoroughly before decocting. Contraindicated in Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold diarrhea without heat-toxin. Caution in pregnancy.

    Clinical Applications

    • Cervical lymphadenitis (scrofula), malignant lymphoma adjuvant therapy, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver cirrhosis with ascites, and venomous marine stings.

    Quality Markers

    Benzoxazinoid Glucosides (HBOA/DIBOA-Glucoside) >= 0.50% & Acanthicifoline (HPLC MHM standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. HBOA/DIBOA-glucosides inhibit NF-kB p65 and downregulate VEGF/Bcl-2, triggering Caspase-3/9 apoptosis in lymphoma (Raji) and hepatoma cells. 2. Acanthicifoline suppresses MMP-2/9, halting lymphatic metastasis. 3. Hepatoprotection.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Dried woody stems/roots decocted 30-45 minutes: 15-30 g daily (up to 60 g in oncology regimens). The Sovereign Lingnan Scrofula Stew with lean pork and Prunella vulgaris: 30 g simmered 2 hours.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Lymphatic Scrofula Formula with Prunella vulgaris (Xia Ku Cao) and Smilax glabra (Tu Fu Ling). 2. Nanyang Hepatoprotective Synergy with Phyllanthus niruri and Curcuma xanthorrhiza.

    Enter your email to unlock the full clinical data and formulation notes.

    No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only