巴戟天 / 鸡肠风 — Morinda officinalis How

Pinyin: Bājǐtiān · Malay: Akar Penguat Pinggang · Family: Rubiaceae (茜草科)

Energetics

Slightly Warm (微温)

Flavor

Pungent, sweet (辛、甘)

Meridians

Kidney (肾), Liver (肝)

Traditional Edict

Supplements Kidney Yang (补肾阳), strengthens sinews and bones (强筋骨), dispels wind-dampness (祛风湿). Prescribed for impotence, spermatorrhea, cold uterus and infertility (宫冷不孕), lumbar cold pain, and wind-damp Bi syndrome.

Cautions & Contraindications

Inner woody core (xylem) must be removed. Contraindicated in Yin Deficiency with Fire (hot flashes, red tongue) and damp-heat dysuria.

Clinical Applications

Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis stimulation, male oligospermia, luteal phase insufficiency, postmenopausal osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and depression.

Quality Markers

Oligosaccharide-Nystose (蔗果四糖) >= 2.0% (Chinese Pharmacopoeia)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Inulin-type oligosaccharides (nystose >= 2.0%, kestose, bajijiasu) upregulate BDNF, rebalance monoaminergic neurotransmitters (5-HT, NE, DA), and shield Leydig cells. 2. Iridoids (monotropein) suppress RANKL/RANK and NF-kB, activating Wnt/b-catenin to stimulate osteoblastogenesis. 3. Anthraquinones improve microvascular perfusion.

Preparation & Dosage

Raw Bajitian (woody core removed) or Salt-Steamed Bajitian (steamed with 2% saline). Decoct 6-15 g daily. Concentrated extract: 1.5-3 g daily.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Modified Er Xian Tang (二仙汤) with Epimedium, Curculigo, and Anemarrhena for menopausal endocrine balance. 2. Lumbar Strength Formula with Eucommia, Cistanche, and Achyranthes.

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