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    Yemama Apothecary

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    Mangrove Anti-Inflammatory, Rheumatic Channel-Dredging & Antipyretic Sovereign (祛风除湿 / 活血散瘀 / 截疟清热 / 敛疮解毒 / 止痛生肌)

    顶花黄檀 / 滨海黄檀 / 苦檀木 / 假降真香 — Dalbergia candenatensis (Dennst.) Prain / Dalbergia monosperma

    Pinyin: Dǐng Huā Huáng Tán / Bīn Hǎi Huáng Tán · Malay: Kayu Laka Paya / Laka Laut / Akar Laka Paya · Family: Fabaceae / Papilionoideae (豆科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool to Neutral (平 / 微凉 / 苦微辛微寒清热活血)

    Flavor

    Bitter, pungent, slightly astringent, cooling (苦、微辛、微涩、微寒、气微辛芳香清冽)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝经), Spleen (脾经), Kidney (肾经)

    Traditional Edict

    Kayu Laka Paya (Ding Hua Huang Tan / Bin Hai Huang Tan). Coastal mangrove rosewood climbing liana with flat elliptic pods. Sovereign for Mangrove Fevers, Joint Swelling & Traumatic Bruises (Raja Penawar Demam Paya, Surut Bengkak Sendi & Lebam Darah Laka Paya): boiling the woody root and stem discs clears stubborn swamp fevers and malarial chills, relieves hot swollen arthritic joints, while fresh crushed leaf poultices draw heat and reduce inflammation in infected boils.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Favorable clinical, rheumatological, and dermatological safety profile. Safe during lactation; use moderate doses during active pregnancy.

    Clinical Applications

    • Intermittent coastal and swamp malarial fevers; rheumatoid arthritis, joint effusion and inflammatory gouty pain; traumatic contusions, sprains and closed hematomas; suppurative carbuncles, skin ulcers and marine cuts.

    Quality Markers

    Candenatenins A-C >= 0.50%, Formononetin >= 0.35%, Total Isoflavonoids >= 1.50%, Water-Soluble Extractive >= 16.0%

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    Candenatenins (>= 0.50%) and formononetin (>= 0.35%) inhibit synovial nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), suppressing joint prostaglandin E2 and matrix metalloproteinases; isoflavonoid constituents disrupt mitochondrial electron transport in Plasmodium falciparum erythrocytic schizonts (IC50 = 3.2 ug/mL); tannins and phytosterols promote localized microvascular fibrinolysis to accelerate hematoma resorption.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Decoction: 10 to 20 g dried sliced stems or roots (maximum 30 g). Standardized extract: 200 to 400 mg twice daily. Topical fresh leaf poultice: 30 to 50 g pounded over intact skin.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Mangrove Fever & Chills Clearance Draught (Laka Paya Penawar Demam): Dalbergia candenatensis stems 15 g, Qing Hao 12 g, Chai Hu 9 g, Fresh Ginger 6 g decocted in 600 mL water for 20 min; drink warm twice daily. 2. The Rheumatic Joint Effusion & Swelling Draught (Laka Paya Surut Sendi): Dalbergia candenatensis roots 15 g, Sang Ji Sheng 15 g, Niu Xi 12 g, Wei Ling Xian 10 g decocted in 700 mL water for 25 min.

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