龙船花 / 仙丹花 / 卖子木 — Ixora coccinea L. (and Ixora chinensis Lam.)

Pinyin: Lóngchuánhuā / Xiāndānhuā · Malay: Bunga Siantan / Bunga Jejarum / Pecan Cina · Family: Rubiaceae (茜草科)

Energetics

Cool (微凉 / 凉)

Flavor

Sweet, slightly astringent, bland (甘、微涩、淡)

Meridians

Liver (肝), Lung (肺), Stomach (胃)

Traditional Edict

Clears toxic heat, cools blood, disperses stasis to unblock menstruation, calms Liver to lower blood pressure, relieves Lung cough with hemoptysis. For hypertension, irregular menses, and boils.

Cautions & Contraindications

Scarlet-red flowers (I. coccinea) possess highest anthocyanins and are preferred. Mild emmenagogue; use caution in early pregnancy.

Clinical Applications

Stage 1 primary essential hypertension, menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, asthmatic bronchitis, non-ulcer diarrhea, and cutaneous wound healing.

Quality Markers

Cyanidin-3-rutinoside & Rutin >= 0.50% via HPLC (MHM standard)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Cyanidin-3-rutinoside and rutin upregulate eNOS, inhibit ACE, and reduce peripheral vascular resistance to lower blood pressure. 2. Lupeol and ursolic acid suppress COX-2 and 5-LOX, accelerating fibroblast wound closure. 3. Ixoroside protects hepatocytes.

Preparation & Dosage

Whole dried scarlet cymes in infusion/tea: 5-15 g daily. Sliced dried roots/bark decocted 20-30 minutes: 10-20 g daily. Standardized extract: 250-500 mg.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Nanyang Blood-Pressure Calming Floral Synergy with Chrysanthemum morifolium and Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle). 2. Lingnan Lung-Heat Cough Tea with Lonicera japonica and Luo Han Guo.

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