穿心莲 / 一见喜 — Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees

Pinyin: Chuānxīnlián · Malay: Hempedu Bumi / Sambiloto · Family: Acanthaceae (爵床科)

Energetics

Cold (寒)

Flavor

Extremely Bitter (极苦)

Meridians

Lung (肺), Stomach (胃), Large Intestine (大肠), Liver (肝)

Traditional Edict

Clears toxic heat from blood and lungs, dries dampness, purges fire, and treats epidemic dysentery, snakebites, and respiratory fevers. The "King of Bitters."

Cautions & Contraindications

Excessive raw intake on empty stomach may cause gastric irritation. Contraindicated in Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold and pregnancy (abortifacient risk at high doses).

Clinical Applications

Acute viral and bacterial respiratory tract infections (influenza, pharyngotonsillitis, bronchitis), acute bacillary dysentery, enteritis, and ulcerative colitis.

Quality Markers

Andrographolide & Dehydroandrographolide >= 1.50% (ChP / MHM)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Andrographolide blocks NF-kB p50/p65 DNA binding, downregulating iNOS, COX-2, TNF-a, and IL-6. 2. Dehydroandrographolide inhibits viral replication (influenza, SARS-CoV-2 main protease Mpro). 3. Stimulates T-cell proliferation and protects hepatocytes.

Preparation & Dosage

Dried aerial parts decocted 15-20 minutes: 6-15 g daily. Enteric-coated capsules/extract: 300-600 mg.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Imperial Anti-Viral Respiratory Decoction with Lonicera japonica (Jin Yin Hua), Scutellaria baicalensis (Huang Qin), and Forsythia. 2. Acute Enteric Dysentery Formula with Coptis chinensis and Pueraria lobata.

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