Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
杜仲 / 思仙 — Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.
Pinyin: Dùzhòng · Malay: Pokok Getah Gunung / Kulit Getah Bulu · Family: Eucommiaceae (杜仲科)
Energetics
Warm (温)
Flavor
Sweet, slightly pungent (甘、微辛)
Meridians
Kidney (肾), Liver (肝)
Traditional Edict
Tonifies Liver and Kidneys, strengthens sinews and bones, calms the fetus to prevent miscarriage, directs downward counter-flow Qi. For lumbar spinal soreness, knee debility, impotence, habitual abortion, and gestational aching.
Cautions & Contraindications
- Raw un-parched bark has poor extraction efficiency due to trapped latex filaments. Contraindicated in Yin Deficiency with Effulgent Fire (crimson tongue without coldness).
Clinical Applications
- Essential and renal hypertension, postmenopausal osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, lumbar disc herniation, sarcopenia, threatened miscarriage, and hyperlipidemia.
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. Pinoresinol di-O-b-D-glucoside (PDG) inhibits RAAS, downregulates AT1 receptors, and stimulates eNOS release, inducing sustained vasorelaxation. 2. Geniposidic acid and aucubin activate Wnt/b-catenin and Runx2, stimulating osteoblasts and downregulating RANKL. 3. Modulates b2-adrenergic receptors on myometrium, arresting threatened abortion contractions.
Preparation & Dosage
Salt-Fried Du Zhong (Yan Du Zhong - parched with 2% saline wine until rubber filaments break easily to release water-soluble lignans). Decoct 10-15 g daily (up to 30 g for hypertension/osteoporosis). Standardized extract: 300-600 mg.
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. Du Zhong Wan with Dipsacus asper (Xu Duan), Achyranthes bidentata (Niu Xi), and Psoralea for chronic lumbar weakness and osteopenia. 2. Classical Fetal Stabilization Decoction with Taxillus chinensis and Astragalus.
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only