鸦胆子 / 苦参子 / 老鸦胆 — Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. (syn. Brucea sumatrana)

Pinyin: Yādǎnzǐ / Kǔshēnzǐ · Malay: Lada Pahit / Biji Lada Pahit / Ku-tsen · Family: Simaroubaceae (苦木科)

Energetics

Cold (寒), Toxic (有毒)

Flavor

Extremely Bitter (极苦)

Meridians

Large Intestine (大肠), Liver (肝)

Traditional Edict

Clears toxic heat, arrests amoebic dysentery, terminates malaria, corrodes warts and corns. Sovereign monarch drug for chronic amoebic dysentery, bloody stools, and warts.

Cautions & Contraindications

GASTROINTESTINAL TOXICITY: Never chew raw seeds (causes severe esophageal/gastric erosion). STRICTLY CONTRAINDICATED in active GI ulcers and pregnancy (abortifacient).

Clinical Applications

Acute/chronic intestinal amoebiasis (Entamoeba histolytica), chloroquine-resistant malaria, non-small cell lung cancer brain metastasis (Brucea oil emulsion), and HPV plantar warts.

Quality Markers

Brusatol & Bruceines (A, B, C, D, E) >= 0.50% & Brucea Oil >= 15.00% (Chinese Pharmacopoeia)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Brusatol and bruceines bind 60S ribosomal peptidyl transferase, halting protein synthesis in E. histolytica trophozoites and P. falciparum schizonts. 2. Brucea oil crosses blood-brain barrier, inhibiting topoisomerase II and downregulating VEGF in brain tumors. 3. Keratolytic necrosis of warts.

Preparation & Dosage

CRITICAL PAOZHI: Intact uncrushed seed kernels MUST BE INSERTED INTO GELATIN CAPSULES OR WRAPPED IN LONGAN PULP (Gu Yan Rou Guo / 桂圆肉裹服) and swallowed whole post-meal (10-20 kernels daily for 3-7 days). Topical kernel paste for warts.

Appended Prescriptions

1. The Sovereign Amoebic Dysentery Capsule with Pulsatilla chinensis (Bai Tou Weng) tea. 2. Topical Plantar Corn Removal Protocol with Adhesive Tape.

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