杨桃根 / 五敛子根 / 阳桃根 — Averrhoa carambola L. (radix)

Pinyin: Yángtáogēn / Wǔliǎnzǐgēn · Malay: Akar Belimbing Manis / Akar Belimbing Bintang · Family: Oxalidaceae (酢浆草科)

Energetics

Neutral to slightly Warm (平 / 微温)

Flavor

Sour, astringent, slightly sweet (酸、涩、微甘)

Meridians

Liver (肝), Kidney (肾), Stomach (胃)

Traditional Edict

Distinct from the cold fruit, the root is warming and descending, penetrating deep into sinews and bone marrow to expel chronic wind-dampness, fortify lumbar strength, and halt hemorrhoidal bleeding.

Cautions & Contraindications

Safe in normal renal function; patients with end-stage renal disease (CKD 4-5/dialysis) should avoid high concentrated doses. Caution during pregnancy.

Clinical Applications

Degenerative knee osteoarthritis, chronic lumbar disc herniation, post-traumatic sprains/fractures, bleeding hemorrhoids, and functional dysmenorrhea.

Quality Markers

Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins (OPCs) >= 1.00% & (-)-Epicatechin (HPLC MHM standard)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Proanthocyanidins suppress TNF-a, IL-1b, and iNOS, alleviating synovial swelling and cartilage matrix breakdown. 2. Condensed tannins strengthen microvascular collagen walls to arrest bleeding. 3. Free of high caramboxin levels found in fruit.

Preparation & Dosage

Sliced dried root discs decocted 30 minutes: 15-30 g daily. The Sovereign Lumbar Fortifying Stew with pork tail (Yangtaogen Dun Zhuwei): 30 g simmered 2 hours.

Appended Prescriptions

1. The Sovereign Nanyang Anti-Rheumatic Synergy with Morinda officinalis (Ba Ji Tian) and Eucommia ulmoides. 2. Hemorrhoidal Hemostatic Decoction with Sophora japonica (Huai Hua).

Enter your email to unlock the full clinical data and formulation notes.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

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