Yemama Apothecary

Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

Extreme-Bitter Heat-Clearing, Anti-Venom & Potent Anti-Herpetic (清热解毒 / 泻火消肿抗病毒解蛇毒药)

刺茉莉 / 假黄连 / 蛇见怕 / 刺节草 — Barleria lupulina Lindl.

Pinyin: Cìmòlì / Jiǎ Huánglián / Shéjiànpà · Malay: Penawar Hitam / Akar Penawar Hitam / Bunga Landak · Family: Acanthaceae (爵床科)

Energetics

Cold (寒)

Flavor

Extremely Bitter (极苦)

Meridians

Liver (肝), Lung (肺), Stomach (胃)

Traditional Edict

Purges toxic fire, drains dampness, dissolves nodules, and acts as universal antivenom (Penawar Hitam) against snakebites, scorpion stings, and viral herpes eruptions.

Cautions & Contraindications

Extreme bitter cold nature; internal use may irritate sensitive stomachs. Contraindicated in Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold diarrhea and pregnancy.

Clinical Applications

Acute Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1, HSV-2) oral and genital blisters, Herpes Zoster (shingles), venomous insect/snake stings, acute gingivitis, and purulent furuncles.

Quality Markers

Iridoid Glucosides (Barlerin, 6-O-Acetylbarlerin) >= 0.80% & Lupulinoside (HPLC MHM standard)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Barlerin and 6-O-acetylbarlerin block HSV viral DNA polymerase and viral envelope fusion, shortening herpetic blister healing time. 2. Iridoids inhibit snake venom phospholipase A2 and hyaluronidase, halting tissue necrosis. 3. Downregulates NF-kB and COX-2.

Preparation & Dosage

Fresh leaves crushed with rice wine or virgin coconut oil as topical paste/salve over herpes blisters and insect stings. Sliced dried roots/stems decocted: 5-15 g. Standardized extract: 250-500 mg.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Sovereign Anti-Herpetic & Shingles Salve with Clinacanthus nutans (You Dun Cao) and Virgin Coconut Oil. 2. Rainforest Antivenom Poultice with Curcuma caesia (Kunyit Hitam) and Sea Salt.

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