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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Kidney-Yang Fortifying, Sinew-Strengthening & Bone-Knitting Sovereign (补益肝肾 / 强筋壮骨祛风通络活血止痛续筋接骨药)

    腰骨藤 / 杜仲藤 / 牛角藤 / 细梗络石 — Ichnocarpus frutescens (L.) W.T.Aiton

    Pinyin: Yāogǔténg / Dùzhòngténg · Malay: Yao Gu Teng / Akar Garam-garam / Akar Laka Hutan · Family: Apocynaceae (夹竹桃科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Warm (微温 / 温)

    Flavor

    Sweet, slightly bitter, astringent (甘、微苦、涩)

    Meridians

    Kidney (肾), Liver (肝), Spleen (脾)

    Traditional Edict

    Lumbar Bone Vine (Yao Gu Teng / Black Creeper). Tough flexible dark climbing liana with cow-horn follicles. Powerfully tonifies Liver and Kidney, fortifies lumbar spine and knees, relieves chronic backache, knits broken bones, and unblocks arthritis.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Verify anatomical bone fracture reduction before applying splint poultices. High safety profile in tonic use. Contraindicated during active pregnancy (blood-activating dynamics).

    Clinical Applications

    • Lumbar spondylosis, lumbar disc herniation (radiculopathy pain relief), closed bone fractures (accelerating callus union), chronic degenerative knee osteoarthritis, and postpartum backache.

    Quality Markers

    Friedelin, Epifriedelinol, Ursolic Acid >= 0.50% & Lupeol (HPLC MHM standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Friedelin and ursolic acid stimulate bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts via BMP-2 and Wnt/b-catenin, accelerating fracture bridging. 2. Lupeol downregulates synovial MMP-3/13. 3. Epifriedelinol neuro-analgesia.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Dried sliced vine discs in decoction: 15-30 g daily. THE SOVEREIGN RAINFOREST LUMBAR FORTIFYING LIQUEUR (Yao Jiu): 50 g vine discs steeped with Morinda officinalis and Eucommia ulmoides in 1.5 L rice wine for 30 days: 15-30 mL at bedtime. Poultice: 50 g.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Lumbar Disc & Spinal Fortifying Synergy with Eucommia ulmoides (Du Zhong) and Dipsacus. 2. Rainforest Bone Fracture Union Decoction with Cissus hastata and Ji Xue Teng.

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