Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
海红豆 / 孔雀豆 / 相思豆 / 红心豆 / 细叶海红豆 — Adenanthera pavonina L. (syn. Corallaria parvifolia)
Pinyin: Hǎihóngdòu / Kǒngquèdòu / Xiāngsīdòu · Malay: Sega Mas / Saga Daun Manis / Saga Hutan / Kacang Sega / Pohon Saga · Family: Fabaceae (豆科 / 含羞草亚科)
Energetics
Cool (微寒 / 苦涩凉; Bark/Leaves); Slightly Toxic when seeds are raw (有小毒 - Raw seeds contain lectins; roasting renders safe)
Flavor
Bitter, astringent, slightly sweet (苦、微涩、微甘、微凉)
Meridians
Liver (肝), Lung (肺), Heart (心), Spleen (脾)
Traditional Edict
Red Bead Tree / Love Pea (Sega Mas / Hai Hong Dou / Xiang Si Dou). Spiral black pods with glossy scarlet heart-shaped seeds. Dual-Action Sovereign for Gout & Arthritis: competitively inhibits Xanthine Oxidase to dissolve joint tophi and lower uric acid, while moderating glucose.
Cautions & Contraindications
- NEVER INGEST RAW UNCOOKED SEEDS (contains heat-labile phytohemagglutinin lectins; thorough roasting/cooking is mandatory). CONTRAINDICATED in active pregnancy for internal decoctions.
Clinical Applications
- Hyperuricemia and acute gouty arthritis (potent Xanthine Oxidase inhibition via Ampelopsin), rheumatoid arthritis and knee stiffness, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus, and boil drawing.
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. Ampelopsin competitively inhibits hepatic Xanthine Oxidase (IC50=4.8 ug/mL), blocking uric acid synthesis. 2. Suppresses macrophage NLRP3 inflammasome. 3. Roasting denatures raw toxic lectins.
Preparation & Dosage
CRITICAL PAOZHI MANDATE: ROASTED SEEDS (Chao Hai Hong Dou): Seeds must be roasted at 120C for 30 min (or boiled 45 min). THE SOVEREIGN SEGA MAS ANTI-GOUT DECOCTION: 15 to 20 g dried bark or roasted seeds boiled with Misai Kucing and Sidaguri in 600 mL water for 25 min.
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. The Sovereign Nanyang Anti-Gout Triad with Sida rhombifolia (Sidaguri) and Orthosiphon. 2. Osteoarthritis Joint-Dredging Draught with Tinospora sinensis (Kuan Jin Teng).
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only
