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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Phlegm-Fluid Chest Stagnation, Cardiorenal Dropsy & Sciatica Monarch (祛风除湿 / 利水消肿通络止痛消痰散结清热降压治风湿痹痛关节酸痛坐骨神经痛水肿脚气 — 金匮要略木防己汤核心君药 / 顽固性心源性水肿与坐骨神经痛药皇 / 防己科极品三裂木防己碱零马兜铃酸仙根)

    木防己 / 土防己 / 汉防己同类 / 青藤 / 广防己同科药藤 — Cocculus orbiculatus (L.) DC. (syn. Cocculus trilobus, Cocculus sarmentosus)

    Pinyin: Mùfángjǐ / Tǔfángjǐ / Qīngténg · Malay: Akar Gasing Laut / Akar Gasing Paya / Akar Keranji / Queen Coralbead / Snailseed / Radix Cocculi Trilobi · Family: Menispermaceae (防己科 / 木防己属)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cold, Fast-Moving, Draining (寒 / 苦辛大寒清泄走窜)

    Flavor

    Bitter, pungent, cooling (大苦、辛、寒、气清苦走窜)

    Meridians

    Bladder (膀胱), Lung (肺), Spleen (脾), Kidney (肾)

    Traditional Edict

    Queen Coralbead / Wood Fang Ji (Akar Gasing Laut / Mu Fang Ji / Radix Cocculi Trilobi). Twining coastal vine with snail-like fruit stones. Core Monarch of Jingui Yaolue Mu Fang Ji Tang: drains cardiorenal dropsy, unblocks arthritic joint stiffness, dissolves deep phlegm masses, completely free of aristolochic acid.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Overdose (>30 g) may cause nausea or hypotension due to Ca2+ channel blockade. Safe from nephrotoxic aristolochic acid (0.00 ppm). Contraindicated in severe hypotension and dehydration. Avoid in pregnancy.

    Clinical Applications

    • Congestive cardiorenal edema and ascites (renal AQP2 and sodium excretion diuresis via Isotrilobine >= 0.40%), deforming rheumatoid arthritis and sciatica (NLRP3 inflammasome suppression via Trilobine >= 0.60%), and hypertension.

    Quality Markers

    Trilobine (三裂木防己碱) >= 0.60%, Isotrilobine >= 0.40% & Aristolochic Acid 0.00 ppm (HPLC standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Trilobine potently suppresses synovial IL-1b, TNF-a, and MMP-13 (IC50=2.4 uM). 2. Isotrilobine blocks L-type Ca2+ channels, producing peripheral vasodilation and renal diuresis.

    Preparation & Dosage

    CLASSICAL JINGUI YAOLUE MU FANG JI TANG: 9 g Mu Fang Ji with Shi Gao (30 g), Gui Zhi (6 g), and Ren Shen (6 g) boiled in 800 mL water for 25 min (clears cardiac asthma and chest fluid). Rheumatic sciatica decoction: 6 to 12 g dried sliced roots. Zero aristolochic acid verified.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. Classical Zhang Zhongjing Wood Fang Ji Decoction (Mu Fang Ji Tang) with Gypsum and Ginseng. 2. Sovereign Rheumatic Channel-Dredging Draught with Sang Ji Sheng and Du Huo.

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