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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Central Respiratory Analeptic, Emetic & Parasiticidal Sovereign (通经透骨 / 杀虫止痒杀头虱拔毒透毒中枢兴奋催吐截疟治外用灭虱疥癣灭蛆 — 传统南洋第一毒鱼杀虱藤 Tuba Biji / 中枢神经呼吸兴奋剂苦味防己 Picrotoxin / 现代医学巴比妥类中毒急救药 / 极度剧毒仅限外用与医院特药)

    苦味防己 / 印防己 / 毒鼠藤 / 鱼藤同类 / 苦防己 — Anamirta cocculus (L.) Wight & Arn. (syn. Menispermum cocculus, Anamirta paniculata)

    Pinyin: Kǔwèi Fángjǐ / Yìn Fángjǐ / Dúshǔténg · Malay: Tuba Biji / Tuba Buah / Tuba Racun / Akar Tuba Biji / Kekunyit Biji · Family: Menispermaceae (防己科 / 苦味防己属)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cold to Hot (大寒 / 大毒 / 剧烈中枢兴奋惊厥大毒峻药 - Extreme GABAA Antagonist)

    Flavor

    Intensely, overwhelmingly bitter, acrid, tongue-numbing, toxic (极苦、辛、大寒、大毒、极麻舌)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝), Heart (心), Lung (肺), Spleen (脾)

    Traditional Edict

    Levant Berry / Fish Berry (Tuba Biji / Ku Wei Fang Ji / Cocculus Indicus). Cauliflorous pendulous panicles of wrinkled black berry drupes. Sovereign Source of Picrotoxin: legendary hospital analeptic to revive comas from barbiturate overdoses, and supreme killer of head lice (Kutu Kepala). LETHAL RAW.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • EXTREME LETHAL CONVULSANT TOXICITY: Ingestion of 1-2 seeds causes projectile vomiting, grand mal seizures, and fatal respiratory arrest. Antidote: IV Diazepam / Thiopental. DO NOT APPLY ON OPEN SCALP WOUNDS.

    Clinical Applications

    • Hospital emergency toxicology management of lethal Barbiturate Coma and general anesthetic respiratory arrest (potent GABAA chloride channel blockade via Picrotoxinin), and pediculosis capitis (head lice) and scabies. Crude plant forbidden internally.

    Quality Markers

    Picrotoxin (印防己毒素) >= 1.50% (Picrotoxinin >= 0.80% + Picrotin), Menispermine & Magnoflorine (HPLC/LC-MS standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Picrotoxinin non-competitively blocks the GABAA receptor chloride channel pore, removing central respiratory depression in comas. 2. Paralyzes invertebrate neuromuscular junctions to kill lice in 15 min.

    Preparation & Dosage

    CRITICAL MANDATE: STRICTLY EXTERNAL USE. THE SOVEREIGN TUBA BIJI HEAD LICE LOTION: 20 g crushed seeds macerated in 200 mL 70% alcohol for 7 days; 15 mL applied to dry scalp under shower cap for 30 min, combed out with nit comb (kills 100% lice). INTERNAL CRUDE USE FORBIDDEN.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Rapid Head Lice & Parasite Eradication Duo with Azadirachta indica (Neem oil). 2. External Scabies Lotion with Melaleuca cajuputi (Kayu Putih) and virgin coconut oil.

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