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    Yemama Apothecary

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    Mangrove Anti-Inflammatory, Marine Ectoparasiticide & Rheumatic Sovereign (祛风除湿 / 散瘀止痛 / 杀虫止痒 / 截疟清热 / 滨海鱼藤)

    三叶鱼藤 / 异翅鱼藤 / 海鱼藤 / 水生鱼藤 — Derris trifoliata Lour. / Derris uliginosa

    Pinyin: Sān Yè Yú Téng / Yì Chì Yú Téng / Hǎi Yú Téng · Malay: Tuba Laut / Tuba Racun Paya / Akar Tuba Pantai / Tuba Gading · Family: Fabaceae / Papilionoideae (豆科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool to Cold, Toxic in PAs/Rotenoids (寒 / 苦微辛寒有毒祛风除湿散瘀杀虫)

    Flavor

    Bitter, pungent, slightly astringent, toxic (苦、辛、寒、有毒、气微腥清苦烈麻舌)

    Meridians

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

    Traditional Edict

    Tuba Laut (San Ye Yu Teng / Hai Yu Teng). Mangrove climbing liana with 3 to 5 glossy leaflets and broad flat-winged pods. Sovereign for Marine Scabies, Joint Rheumatism & Coastal Fevers (Raja Penawar Sakit Sendi Paya, Kudis Laut & Demam Kura Tuba Laut): boiling the woody stems and roots into a cooling decoction relieves severe rheumatic joint agony, while pounding the fresh roots with sea water creates an antiparasitic wash for coastal scabies and marine ulcers. Swallowing fresh root sap is toxic.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • TOXICITY WARNING: Contains rotenone and isoflavonoids; internal overdose causes emesis, diarrhea, and dizziness. Internal use must be strictly controlled under clinical oversight. Prohibited from being dumped into marine estuaries or fishing areas. Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.

    Clinical Applications

    • Refractory cutaneous scabies and marine parasite infections; chronic rheumatoid arthritis, joint effusion and sciatica; coastal intermittent malarial fevers; traumatic contusions, sprains and closed hematomas.

    Quality Markers

    Rotenone >= 1.0%-2.5%, Deguelin >= 1.0%, Trifoliatin >= 0.40%, Total Isoflavonoids >= 2.00%, Ether Extractive >= 8.0%

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    Trifoliatin (>= 0.40%) and rotenoids (>= 1.0%-2.5%) downregulate synovial nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), relieving inflammatory joint pain and morning stiffness; rotenone exerts acaricidial action against Sarcoptes scabiei via mitochondrial Complex I blockade; isoflavonoids inhibit Plasmodium schizont growth (IC50 = 4.2 ug/mL).

    Preparation & Dosage

    Decoction of dried stems: 6 to 12 g daily (maximum 15 g; boil for at least 25 min; do not use fresh crude roots internally). Topical fresh root wash: 5% to 10% in water applied externally over scabies lesions for 20 min.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Mangrove Rheumatic Joint & Sciatica Draught (Tuba Laut Buang Angin Sendi): Derris trifoliata dried stems 9 g, Sang Ji Sheng 15 g, Du Huo 9 g, Niu Xi 12 g decocted in 600 mL water for 25 min; drink warm twice daily. 2. The Coastal Scabies & Parasite Eradication Wash (Air Basuh Kudis Tuba Laut): Fresh Derris trifoliata roots 30 g pounded in Sea water or salt water 500 mL; wash itchy scabies patches for 20 min, then rinse with fresh water.

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