Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
红毛丹皮 / 红毛丹壳 / 韶子皮 / 红毛丹核 — Nephelium lappaceum L. (pericarpium)
Pinyin: Hóngmáodānpí / Sháozǐpí · Malay: Kulit Rambutan / Kulit Buah Rambutan · Family: Sapindaceae (无患子科)
Energetics
Cool to Neutral (平 / 微凉)
Flavor
Bitter, astringent, slightly sweet (苦、涩、微甘)
Meridians
Large Intestine (大肠), Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Liver (肝)
Traditional Edict
Rambutan Pericarp (Kulit Rambutan / Hong Mao Dan Pi). Hairy spiny scarlet fruit rind. Sovereign astringent rich in geraniin ellagitannins. Clears intestinal damp-heat, binds chronic watery diarrhea and bacillary dysentery, lowers blood sugar in diabetes.
Cautions & Contraindications
- Wash fresh rinds thoroughly with clean water before sun-drying to remove orchard dust. High safety profile. Contraindicated in acute spastic constipation with dry hard stools.
Clinical Applications
- Acute and chronic bacillary dysentery (Shigella), acute infectious gastroenteritis, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (potent a-glucosidase and a-amylase inhibition), bleeding internal hemorrhoids, and stomatitis.
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. Geraniin and corilagin ellagitannins cross-link and precipitate enterocyte surface mucosal proteins, creating an impermeable barrier that arrests electrolyte/fluid hypersecretion. 2. Non-competitively inhibits a-glucosidase. 3. Anti-MRSA bactericidal lysis.
Preparation & Dosage
THE SOVEREIGN RAMBUTAN PERICARP ANTIDYSENTERIC & GLYCEMIC DECOCTION: 15 to 30 g dried sliced hairy red Rambutan rinds boiled in 600 mL water for 20 min; taken warm twice daily for severe diarrhea or diabetes. Astringent periodontal mouthwash: 20 g boiled.
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. The Sovereign Nanyang Dysentery & Enteritis Clearance Decoction with Psidium guajava (Guava leaf) and Pueraria lobata. 2. Glycemic-Lowering Rambutan Rind Tisane with Orthosiphon stamineus.
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only