← Reference library
    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Heat-Clearing, Dampness-Drying, Fire-Purging & Antimicrobial (清热燥湿 / 泻火解毒利胆药)

    黄藤 / 黄连藤 / 古柯藤 — Coscinium fenestratum (Goetgh.) Colebr.

    Pinyin: Huángténg / Huángliánténg · Malay: Sekunyit / Akar Kuning / Kayu Kuning · Family: Menispermaceae (防己科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cold (寒)

    Flavor

    Extremely Bitter (极苦)

    Meridians

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

    Traditional Edict

    Clears toxic heat, dries dampness, purges fire, cools blood, and relieves jaundice and dysentery. Forest Coptis of Nanyang for bacillary dysentery, ophthalmia, fevers, and snakebites.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Extremely bitter and cold; excessive use injures Spleen-Stomach. Contraindicated in Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold and pregnancy.

    Clinical Applications

    • Acute bacillary dysentery, bacterial gastroenteritis (E. coli, Salmonella), Type 2 Diabetes (AMPK glucose uptake), infective conjunctivitis, and wound sepsis.

    Quality Markers

    Berberine (小檗碱 / 黄连素) >= 2.50% & Jatrorrhizine (HPLC MHM standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Berberine (>= 2.50%) and palmatine intercalate into bacterial DNA and disrupt cell membrane permeability. 2. Berberine activates AMPK, upregulating GLUT4 and reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis. 3. Suppresses IKK/NF-kB, downregulating TNF-a, IL-1b, and COX-2.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Sliced dried root/stem discs decocted 20-30 minutes: 5-10 g daily. Standardized Berberine extract: 300-600 mg daily. Topical eye/wound wash.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. Nanyang Broad-Spectrum Anti-Dysentery Decoction with Andrographis paniculata (Hempedu Bumi) and Pueraria lobata. 2. Tropical Antiseptic & Ophthalmic Wash with Coptis chinensis and Distilled Water.

    Enter your email to unlock the full clinical data and formulation notes.

    No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

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