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    Yemama Apothecary

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    Liver-Clearing, Eye-Brightening & Mydriatic Ophthalmic Sovereign (清肝明目 / 清热泻火退翳消障散风热药)

    青葙 / 青葙子 / 野鸡冠花子 / 草决明 — Celosia argentea L. (semen)

    Pinyin: Qīngxiāngzǐ / Qīngxiāng · Malay: Bayam Merak / Bayam Ekor Merak / Biji Bayam Merak · Family: Amaranthaceae (苋科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool to Cold (微寒 / 凉)

    Flavor

    Bitter (苦)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝)

    Traditional Edict

    Peacock Amaranth Seeds (Bayam Merak / Qing Xiang Zi). Feathery silvery-pink plumes yielding glossy black seeds. Drains Liver fire, clears ocular heat, eliminates corneal nebulae and cataracts, and stops hypertensive headache.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • CRITICAL OPHTHALMOLOGY WARNING: Natural mydriatic action dilates pupils. ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED in Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Closed-Angle Glaucoma) and elevated intraocular pressure. Caution in severe Yin deficiency.

    Clinical Applications

    • Acute viral/bacterial conjunctivitis, uveitis, superficial corneal opacities (pterygium), early senile and diabetic cataracts (aldose reductase inhibition), and essential hypertension.

    Quality Markers

    Celosian (Acidic Polysaccharide) >= 3.00%, Celodianins A-D & Isoquercitrin >= 0.50% (Chinese Pharmacopoeia)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Celosian acidic polysaccharide suppresses intraocular vascular permeability and inhibits IL-1b-induced uveitis. 2. Isoquercitrin and nicotiflorin potently inhibit lens aldose reductase (AR), preventing diabetic cataract opacification. 3. Hepatoprotection.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Dried whole seeds (crushed lightly before boiling) decocted 15-20 minutes: 6-12 g daily. STIR-FRIED CELOSIA SEEDS (Chao Qingxiangzi): Gently parched in wok to break hard black testa: 6-12 g. Sterile ophthalmic wash.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Lingnan Ophthalmic Liver-Fire Purging Synergy (Qing Xiang Zi Yin) with Chrysanthemum and Cassia tora (Jue Ming Zi). 2. Cataract & Vision-Brightening Decoction with Lycium barbarum (Goji).

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