Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
刺桐 / 海桐皮 / 刺木通 / 广东海桐皮 / 鹦哥花 — Erythrina variegata L. (syn. Erythrina indica)
Pinyin: Cìtóng / Hǎitóngpí · Malay: Dedap / Dedap Batik / Dedap Laut · Family: Fabaceae (豆科)
Energetics
Neutral to slightly Warm (平 / 微温)
Flavor
Bitter, pungent (苦、辛)
Meridians
Liver (肝), Kidney (肾), Spleen (脾)
Traditional Edict
Coral Tree (Dedap / Hai Tong Pi). Sharp conical trunk thorns and tiger-claw scarlet flowers. Sovereign monarch drug in Kaibao Bencao for dredging deeply lodged wind-dampness from sinews and bones, unblocking arthritis, and killing scabies parasites.
Cautions & Contraindications
- Overdose of unboiled bark causes mild curare-like skeletal muscle weakness; adhere to therapeutic thresholds (6-15 g). Contraindicated in blood deficiency without wind-damp obstruction. Caution in pregnancy.
Clinical Applications
- Rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative knee osteoarthritis, lumbar spondylosis, post-stroke hemiplegic numbness, scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei), tinea ringworm, and periodontal toothache.
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. Erythrina alkaloids (erythraline, erysodine) act as competitive antagonists at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and inhibit spinal polysynaptic reflexes, inducing skeletal muscle relaxation and joint analgesia. 2. Warangalone suppresses COX-2/5-LOX. 3. Antifungal tinea lysis.
Preparation & Dosage
Dried spiny trunk bark (Haitongpi) in decoction: 6-15 g daily (up to 20 g in severe joint paralysis). Topical decoction wash for scabies and eczema: 30-50 g boiled in 1 L water. Medicated wine: 50 g steeped in 1 L rice wine for 30 days.
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. Classical Hai Tong Pi Tang (海桐皮汤) with Spatholobus suberectus (Ji Xue Teng) and Achyranthes for rheumatoid joint arthritis. 2. Nanyang Scabies & Kudis Herbal Wash with Senna alata (Gelenggang).
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only