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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Spleen-Fortifying Damp-Draining, Anti-Neoplastic & Skin-Whitening Monarch (利水渗湿 / 健脾止泻清热排脓解毒散结除痹抗肿瘤美白祛斑治水肿脚气小便不利脾虚泄泻 — 神农本草经上品薏苡仁 / 利水渗湿与抗肿瘤消痈脓药皇 / 经典南洋薏米腐竹水与四神汤核心君药)

    薏苡 / 薏苡仁 / 薏米 / 草珠子 / 药玉米 / 六谷子 — Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen (Rom.Caill.) Stapf (syn. Coix ma-yuen)

    Pinyin: Yìyǐ / Yìyǐrén / Yìmǐ / Cǎozhūzi · Malay: Enjelai / Jali / Jelai / Beras Pulut Paya / Job's Tears / Adlay / Semen Coicis · Family: Poaceae / Gramineae (禾本科 / 薏苡属)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Slightly Cold in Raw, Neutral in Stir-Fried (生用微寒，炒用性平 / 甘淡微寒健脾清利)

    Flavor

    Sweet, bland, delicate nutty aroma (甘、淡、微寒、气清香微甘醇)

    Meridians

    Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Lung (肺), Large Intestine (大肠)

    Traditional Edict

    Job's Tears / Adlay (Enjelai / Jali / Yi Yi Ren / Semen Coicis). Smooth white grooved beads with thin soft shell. Foremost Superior Grade of Shennong Bencao Jing: Raw drains water, clears pulmonary pus, treats tumors and flat warts; Stir-fried tonifies Spleen, stops chronic diarrhea, loosens stiff arthritic joints.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • PREGNANCY CAUTION: Raw Yi Yi Ren has mild uterine-stimulating properties; AVOID high-dose medicinal decoctions in first trimester of pregnancy (moderate culinary Chao Yi Ren in soups is safe). Contraindicated in severe fluid dehydration.

    Clinical Applications

    • Spleen deficiency edema, dropsy, and oliguria (gentle aquaresis without potassium loss), oncology adjuvant therapy (mitochondrial caspase-3/9 apoptosis via Coixenolide and Triolein >= 0.50%), pulmonary abscess (Wei Jing Tang), and melasma/flat warts.

    Quality Markers

    Triolein (甘油三油酸酯) >= 0.50% (HPLC Chinese Pharmacopoeia standard), Coixenolide >= 0.50% & Coixol >= 0.20%

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Coixenolide and triolein downregulate Bcl-2 and activate caspase-3/9 (IC50=18.5 ug/mL), arresting cancer cells in G2/M phase. 2. Coixol depresses spinal interneurons, producing skeletal muscle relaxation.

    Preparation & Dosage

    RAW VS. STIR-FRIED PAOZHI: Raw (Sheng Yi Ren) clears heat, drains pus, and clears edema; Stir-fried (Chao Yi Ren) warms Spleen and stops diarrhea. Decoction/Soup: 15 to 30 g daily (up to 60-120 g in oncology). CLASSICAL SI SHEN TANG: Formulated with Poria, Dioscorea, and Euryale.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. Classical Four Spirits Spleen & Dampness Tonic (Si Shen Tang) with Poria and Dioscorea. 2. Sovereign Skin-Whitening & Melasma Soup (Barli Fuchuk) with beancurd sheets.

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