腊肠树 / 猪肠豆 / 婆罗门皂荚 / 阿勃勒 — Cassia fistula L.

Pinyin: Làchángshù / Zhūchángdòu · Malay: Pokok Raja / Tenggawun / Bebusok · Family: Fabaceae (豆科)

Energetics

Cool to Cold (微寒 / 凉)

Flavor

Sweet, slightly bitter, mucilaginous (甘、微苦、滑)

Meridians

Liver (肝), Large Intestine (大肠), Heart (心)

Traditional Edict

Clears toxic heat, lubricates intestines to unblock bowels gently, cools blood to dissipate swelling. Safest sweet laxative in Ayurveda and Nanyang for pediatric/geriatric dry constipation and acne.

Cautions & Contraindications

Remarkably gentle; does not cause severe griping cramps. Contraindicated in mechanical bowel obstruction and undiagnosed acute abdominal pain.

Clinical Applications

Habitual chronic atonic constipation, senile and pediatric dry bowel obstruction, hepatic cholestasis, hypercholesterolemia, and atopic dermatitis.

Quality Markers

Fistulic Acid & Total Sennosides (A & B) >= 1.00% via HPLC (MHM standard)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Sennosides pass unabsorbed into colon where bacterial b-glucosidases hydrolyze them into rhein anthrone, stimulating submucosal plexus and AQP3 channels for gentle defecation in 6-10h. 2. Pectin and fructose form a hydrating hydrogel. 3. Proanthocyanidins protect hepatocytes.

Preparation & Dosage

Fruit Pulp (Zhuchangdou Gao): 5-10 g black sticky pulp dissolved in warm water at bedtime. Whole broken pods decocted: 10-20 g. Standardized extract: 250-500 mg.

Appended Prescriptions

1. The Sovereign Gentle Bowel-Moistening Elixir with Prunus humilis seeds (Yu Li Ren) and Pure Honey for senile dry constipation. 2. Liver-Fire Clearing & Dermatological Tea with Lonicera and Gardenia.

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