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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Aromatic Rheumatic Channel-Dredging, Anti-Inflammatory & Wine-Fermenting Sovereign (祛风除湿 / 活血散瘀 / 健脾化湿 / 截疟止痛 / 制曲发酵 / 骨节风痛要药)

    假鹰爪 / 一把伞 / 狗爪豆 / 酒饼叶 / 鹰爪桃 — Desmos chinensis Lour. / Unona chinensis

    Pinyin: Jiǎ Yīng Zhuǎ / Yī Bǎ Sǎn / Jiǔ Bǐng Yè · Malay: Bunga Jari Hantu / Kenanga Hutan / Pisang-pisang Paya · Family: Annonaceae (番荔枝科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Warm, Aromatic, Piercing (温 / 辛苦温芳香通络祛风除湿)

    Flavor

    Pungent, bitter, warm, intensely floral-aromatic (辛、苦、温、气极浓郁鹰爪芳香辛烈; floral pungency unblocks joint meridians, bitterness drains wind-dampness)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝经), Spleen (脾经), Stomach (胃经)

    Traditional Edict

    Bunga Jari Hantu (Jia Ying Zhua / Yi Ba San). Scandent shrub with pendulous eagle-claw yellow flowers and beaded moniliform fruits. Sovereign for Rheumatic Bone Agony & Traditional Wine Fermenting (Raja Sakit Sendi Tulang, Buang Angin Anggota, Ragi Arak & Jari Hantu): boiling the aromatic roots into a warming tea dredges blocked joint channels, relieves excruciating arthritis and lumbar pain, clears malaria chills, while the fragrant leaves serve as the foundational yeast starter (Jiu Bing Ye) for traditional fermentation.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Warm and dispersing nature; use with care in severe Yin deficiency with internal fire. Safe during lactation; use moderate doses during active pregnancy (avoid high-dose wine tinctures).

    Clinical Applications

    • Deforming rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar-knee cold weakness and sciatica; functional dyspepsia, abdominal bloating and flatulence; malaria chills and intermittent tropical fevers; traditional fermentation starter (Jiu Bing Ye) and food preservation.

    Quality Markers

    Desmosdumotins A-C >= 0.50%, Lawinal >= 0.35%, Total Flavonoids >= 1.80%, Essential Oil >= 0.80% v/w, Water-Soluble Extractive >= 16.0%

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    Desmosdumotins (>= 0.50%) and lawinal (>= 0.35%) inhibit synovial nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) (IC50 = 1.8 uM), downregulating pro-inflammatory IL-1beta and matrix metalloproteinases; volatile benzyl benzoate and cadinene constituents stimulate gastrointestinal motility and dispel trapped wind; flavonoids inhibit Plasmodium schizont proliferation.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Decoction of dried root or stems: 10 to 20 g daily (maximum 30 g). Medicinal wine tincture (1:5): 15 to 30 mL twice daily. Traditional fermentation yeast starter: leaves incorporated into yeast cakes. Standardized extract: 250 to 500 mg twice daily.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Rheumatic Joint & Bone Agony Draught (Jia Ying Zhua Qu Feng Tang / 假鹰爪祛风舒筋饮): Desmos chinensis root 15 g, Sang Ji Sheng 15 g, Niu Xi 12 g, Du Huo 9 g decocted in 600 mL water for 25 min; drink warm twice daily. 2. The Trapped Gastric Wind & Indigestion Draught (Jari Hantu Buang Angin Perut): Desmos chinensis leaves 12 g, Chen Pi 6 g, Fresh Ginger 6 g decocted in 500 mL water for 15 min.

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