槟榔 / 大腹皮 — Areca catechu L.

Pinyin: Bīnglang / Dàfùpí · Malay: Pinang / Pinang Sirih · Family: Arecaceae (棕榈科)

Energetics

Warm (温) [Seed] / Neutral (平) [Husk]

Flavor

Bitter, Pungent, Astringent (苦、辛、涩) [Seed] / Pungent, Bland (辛、淡) [Husk]

Meridians

Stomach (胃), Large Intestine (大肠), Spleen (脾)

Traditional Edict

Destroys parasites (杀虫), descends counter-flow Qi to unblock intestinal stagnation (降气行气), dissolves food accumulation (消积导滞), drains water to intercept malaria (利水截疟). Dafupi specifically resolves abdominal dropsy and edema.

Cautions & Contraindications

Strict boundary between medicinal decoctions and carcinogenic habitual fresh betel-quid chewing. Contraindicated in Spleen Qi deficiency with organ prolapse, pregnancy, and active asthma.

Clinical Applications

Cestode (tapeworm), nematode, and fluke parasitic infections; functional gastrointestinal hypomotility, chronic constipation, portal ascites, and peripheral edema.

Quality Markers

Arecoline Hydrobromide (氢溴酸槟榔碱) >= 0.30% (Chinese Pharmacopoeia)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Arecoline (>= 0.30%) stimulates nAChRs and muscarinic receptors (M1/M2/M3), inducing spastic neuromuscular paralysis in helminths (Taenia). 2. Activates postsynaptic M3 receptors on human enteric smooth muscle for prokinetic peristalsis. 3. Dafupi flavonoids downregulate colon aquaporin-4 (AQP4) to resolve ascites.

Preparation & Dosage

Raw Binglang Slices (soaked and sliced thin) or Charred Binglang (Jiao Binglang). General decoction: 3-10 g. Single-dose anthelmintic tapeworm treatment: 30-60 g on empty stomach. Dafupi: 5-10 g.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Classic Helminth Expulsion Synergy with Cucurbita pumpkin seeds (Nan Gua Zi). 2. Mu Xiang Bing Lang Wan with Saussurea, Rhubarb, Coptis, and Cyperus for dysenteric tenesmus.

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