岗梅 / 崗梅 / 岗梅根 — Ilex asprella (Hook. & Arn.) Champ. ex Benth.

Pinyin: Gǎngméi · Malay: Pokok Bintang Putih · Family: Aquifoliaceae (冬青科)

Energetics

Cool to Cold (凉 / 寒)

Flavor

Bitter, sweet, slightly astringent (苦、甘、微涩)

Meridians

Lung (肺), Stomach (胃), Large Intestine (大肠)

Traditional Edict

Clears heat and purges toxic fire (清热解毒), engenders fluid and quenches thirst (生津止渴), benefits the pharynx and relieves throat pain (利咽止痛). Sovereign root in Cantonese Liangcha for epidemic sore throat (喉痹), tonsillitis, influenza fever, and thirst.

Cautions & Contraindications

Contraindicated in Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold and dry cough due to pure Yin deficiency without heat.

Clinical Applications

Influenza A (H1N1, H3N2), viral upper respiratory infections, acute tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngeal edema, aphthous stomatitis, and hyperlipidemia.

Quality Markers

Asprellcoside B & Total Saponins >= 1.5%

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Asprellcoside B binds Influenza A hemagglutinin (HA), blocking low-pH viral-host membrane fusion (IC50 ~ 9 uM). 2. Rotundic acid and pedunculoside inhibit TLR4/MyD88/NF-kB pathway, suppressing TNF-a, IL-6, and MCP-1 in pulmonary tissues. 3. Caffeoylquinic acids scavenge ROS and downregulate iNOS.

Preparation & Dosage

Thick sliced woody root discs. Decoct 30-45 minutes. Dosage: 15-30 g daily (up to 60 g in acute viral pharyngitis). Concentrated extract: 1-3 g daily.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Imperial Pharyngeal Restoration Decoction with Scrophularia (Xuan Shen), Platycodon (Jie Geng), and Licorice. 2. Lingnan Anti-Influenza Tea with Lonicera (Jin Yin Hua) and Wild Chrysanthemum.

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