Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
翅荚决明子 / 翅果决明子 / 槐豆 / 蜡烛花子 — Senna alata (L.) Roxb. (syn. Cassia alata L.) (semen)
Pinyin: Chìjiá Juémíngzǐ / Huáidòu · Malay: Biji Gelenggang / Biji Daun Kurap / Biji Ketepeng · Family: Fabaceae (豆科)
Energetics
Cool to Cold (微寒 / 凉)
Flavor
Bitter, sweet, slightly astringent, aromatic when roasted (苦、甘、微涩、炒香)
Meridians
Liver (肝), Large Intestine (大肠), Kidney (肾)
Traditional Edict
Winged Senna Seeds. Hard rhomboidal seeds in 4-winged zipper pods. Clears Liver fire, brightens vision, lubricates intestines to unblock chronic dry constipation, lowers cholesterol, and kills worms.
Cautions & Contraindications
- Seeds must be roasted or crushed before brewing to break hard waxy testa. Avoid chronic continuous use >2 weeks to prevent melanosis coli. Contraindicated in spastic mechanical bowel obstruction and pregnancy.
Clinical Applications
- Chronic atonic constipation, senile/post-stroke sluggish bowel obstruction, Stage 1 essential hypertension, hypercholesterolemia (lowering LDL-C), ocular asthenopia, and NAFLD.
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. Sennosides A & B pass unabsorbed into colon where bacterial b-glucosidases hydrolyze them into rhein anthrone, stimulating mucosal AQP3 and peristalsis for defecation in 6-10h. 2. Anthraquinones inhibit HMG-CoA reductase. 3. Retinal aldose reductase inhibition.
Preparation & Dosage
ROASTED GELENGGANG SEED COFFEE (Chao Chijiajuemingzi): Gently parched in wok until puffed and nutty; brewed as herbal coffee: 6-12 g daily. Unroasted seeds in decoction: 5-10 g. Standardized extract: 250-500 mg.
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. The Sovereign Nanyang Bowel-Moistening & Liver-Clearing Coffee with Roasted Cassia tora and Honey. 2. Antihypertensive Vision-Brightening Tea with Chrysanthemum and Crataegus (Shan Zha).
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only