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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Hepatobiliary-Clearing, Gastric-Harmonizing & Postpartum Restorative (清利肝胆 / 利胆退黄和胃止痛活血消肿解暑药)

    假栀子 / 山栀茶 / 密花茜树 / 鸡爪木 — Aidia racemosa (Cav.) Tirveng. (syn. Randia racemosa)

    Pinyin: Jiǎ Zhīzi / Shānzhīchá · Malay: Pokok Pelir Musang / Gading Tulang / Kayu Gading · Family: Rubiaceae (茜草科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool to Neutral (平 / 微凉)

    Flavor

    Bitter, astringent, sweet, aromatic (苦、涩、甘、芳香)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝), Gallbladder (胆), Stomach (胃)

    Traditional Edict

    Mountain Gardenia Tea. Hard ivory heartwood (Kayu Gading). Clears Liver-Gallbladder damp-heat, stimulates bile to clear jaundice and summer-heat, harmonizes Stomach, and dispels postpartum aches.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Pan-roasting fresh leaves tempers cool bitterness and unlocks a sweet roasted aroma. High clinical safety. Contraindicated in cold watery diarrhea without damp-heat.

    Clinical Applications

    • Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), chronic viral hepatitis (ALT/AST reduction), biliary sluggishness, functional dyspepsia with reflux, and osteoarthritic joint soreness.

    Quality Markers

    Geniposide (栀子苷) >= 0.50% & Randioside via HPLC (MHM standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Geniposide is metabolized into active genipin, stimulating hepatocyte BSEP/MRP2 transporters to accelerate bilirubin excretion and protect liver cells. 2. Triterpenes stimulate mucosal PGE2 synthesis for gastric cytoprotection. 3. Vasorelaxation.

    Preparation & Dosage

    THE SOVEREIGN MOUNTAIN GARDENIA TEA (Shanzhicha / 山栀茶): 5-10 g dried, lightly roasted leaves steeped in boiling water for 10 min. Sliced heartwood/branchlet decoction: 10-20 g daily. Postpartum wine: 30 g steeped.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Nanyang Hepatobiliary & Anti-Jaundice Tea with Phyllanthus niruri and Curcuma soloensis. 2. Rainforest Gastro-Harmony Postprandial Tea with Citrus reticulata peel.

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