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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Thyroid-Harmonizing, Blood-Glucose Regulating & Anti-Ulcer Sovereign (消肿散结 / 健脾和胃理气止痛清热解毒降血糖治甲状腺肿大瘰疬胃溃疡糖尿病跌打损伤 — 传统南洋与印度抗甲状腺肿大第一神木 Tapak Kuda / 降血糖与消结节圣树 / 豆科异戊烯基菲类药木)

    羊蹄甲 / 紫羊蹄甲 / 红花紫荆 / 羊蹄豆 / 蝴蝶树 — Bauhinia purpurea L. (syn. Phanera purpurea)

    Pinyin: Yángtíjiǎ / Zǐ Yángtíjiǎ / Hónghuā Zǐjīng · Malay: Tapak Kuda / Pokok Tapak Kuda / Bunga Kupu-kupu / Purple Orchid Tree · Family: Fabaceae (豆科 / 云实亚科 / 羊蹄甲属)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool to Neutral (平 / 微苦微涩平)

    Flavor

    Bitter, sweetish, astringent (苦、微甘、微涩、平)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝), Thyroid/Neck Channels (颈经), Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃)

    Traditional Edict

    Purple Orchid Tree / Butterfly Tree (Tapak Kuda / Yang Ti Jia / Zi Yang Ti Jia). Butterfly-hoofed leaves with purple orchid-like flowers. Sovereign for Thyroid Goiter & Diabetes: bark decoctions shrink cervical thyroid nodules, while leaf tea enhances insulin sensitivity to lower postprandial glucose.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Distinguish from Bauhinia variegata (purpurea has 3 fertile stamens; variegata has 5 stamens). High clinical, thyroid, and metabolic safety profile. Safe during lactation; moderate doses in pregnancy.

    Clinical Applications

    • Thyroid glandular enlargement and euthyroid goiter (Bauhiniastatins downregulating thyrocyte proliferation), Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (alpha-glucosidase inhibition and insulin secretagogue action), and gastric ulcers.

    Quality Markers

    Bauhiniastatins 1-4 >= 0.50%, Lupeol >= 0.80%, Quercetin & Total Flavonoids >= 2.50% (HPLC standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Bauhiniastatins 1-4 exert selective antiproliferative activity against thyroid nodular cells. 2. Lupeol and flavonoids stimulate GLUT4 translocation and inhibit intestinal alpha-glucosidase.

    Preparation & Dosage

    THE SOVEREIGN TAPAK KUDA THYROID & GLYCEMIC DECOCTION: 15 to 25 g dried trunk bark chips boiled with Xia Ku Cao (12 g) in 600 mL water for 25 min; taken warm twice daily for goiters. Antidiabetic leaf tea: 10 g dried leaves steeped in 400 mL boiling water.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Thyroid Goiter & Scrofula Softening Duo with Prunella vulgaris (Xia Ku Cao). 2. Diabetic Spleen-Harmonizing Glycemic Draught with Morus alba leaf (Sang Ye).

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