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    Yemama Apothecary

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    Dampness-Draining, Choleretic & Jaundice-Clearing (利湿退黄 / 清热利胆药)

    茵陈 / 茵陈蒿 / 绵茵陈 — Artemisia capillaris Thunb. (syn. Artemisia scoparia)

    Pinyin: Yīnchén / Mián Yīnchén · Malay: Rumput Domba / Daun Manis Hutan · Family: Asteraceae (菊科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool to slightly Cold (微寒 / 凉)

    Flavor

    Bitter, pungent, aromatic (苦、辛、微芳香)

    Meridians

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

    Traditional Edict

    Clears damp-heat, promotes choleresis, and relieves jaundice. Monarch drug for Yang Jaundice (bright orange-yellow skin/sclera), acute icteric hepatitis, cholecystitis, dark turbid urine, and damp eczema.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Harvested in spring when woolly (Mian Yinchen); coarse autumn stems have low scoparone. Contraindicated in Yin Jaundice (dull dark jaundice from Spleen-Kidney cold deficiency) unless paired with Fu Zi/Gan Jiang.

    Clinical Applications

    • Acute viral and drug-induced icteric hepatitis (A, B, C), neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, obstructive cholestasis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), biliary sludge, and atopic eczema.

    Quality Markers

    Scoparone (6,7-Dimethylesculetin / 滨蒿内酯) >= 0.50% & Chlorogenic Acid (Chinese Pharmacopoeia)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Scoparone activates Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR), inducing hepatic UGT1A1 enzyme to convert toxic unconjugated bilirubin into conjugated bile, while upregulating BSEP and MRP2 export pumps. 2. Capillarisin downregulates TGF-b1/Smad, suppressing hepatic stellate cell fibrogenesis. 3. Coumarins suppress NF-kB, dampening TNF-a and IL-6 in biliary cells.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Dried woolly seedlings decocted 20-30 minutes: 10-30 g daily (up to 30-60 g in acute hyperbilirubinemia). Standardized extract: 250-500 mg.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. Yinchenhao Decoction (茵陈蒿汤 - Shang Han Lun Gold Standard) with Gardenia jasminoides and Rheum officinale for acute bright jaundice. 2. Nanyang Hepatobiliary Restorative Tea with Abrus cantoniensis and Phyllanthus niruri.

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