爪哇姜黄 / 姜黄 — Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.

Pinyin: Zhǎowā Jiānghuáng · Malay: Temulawak / Kunyit Jawa · Family: Zingiberaceae (姜科)

Energetics

Warm (温)

Flavor

Pungent, bitter, aromatic (辛、苦、芳香)

Meridians

Liver (肝), Gallbladder (胆), Spleen (脾)

Traditional Edict

Promotes bile flow, activates blood, harmonizes stomach, and resolves liver dampness. The flagship golden rhizome of Malay Jamu for jaundice and liver stagnation.

Cautions & Contraindications

Contraindicated in acute biliary tract obstruction (gallstones obstructing bile duct) and pregnancy.

Clinical Applications

Hepatic cholestasis, chronic hepatitis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hypercholesterolemia, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Quality Markers

Xanthorrhizol & Curcuminoids >= 1.50% (HPLC MHM standard)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Xanthorrhizol (unique bisabolane sesquiterpenoid) downregulates COX-2, iNOS, and NF-kB, and induces apoptosis in hepatic stellate cells (anti-fibrotic). 2. Curcuminoids stimulate gallbladder contractions and bile acid secretion. 3. Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase.

Preparation & Dosage

Sliced dried rhizome decocted 20-30 minutes: 5-15 g daily. Standardized extract: 250-500 mg.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Nanyang Liver-Gallbladder Choleretic Decoction with Curcuma longa (Kunyit) and Phyllanthus niruri. 2. Postnatal Blood-Activating Tonic with Zingiber zerumbet.

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