Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
夹竹桃 / 柳叶桃 / 叫出冬 / 九节肿 / 毒叶桃 — Nerium oleander L. (syn. Nerium indicum, Nerium odorum)
Pinyin: Jiázhútáo / Liǔyètáo · Malay: Bunga Jepun / Bunga Nerium / Pokok Oleander · Family: Apocynaceae (夹竹桃科)
Energetics
Cold to Neutral (平 / 苦寒), Extremely Toxic in all parts (有大毒 / 剧毒)
Flavor
Bitter, acrid, burning corrosive, tongue-numbing (苦、大辛、极苦、麻舌、剧毒)
Meridians
Heart (心), Lung (肺), Urinary Bladder (膀胱), Liver (肝)
Traditional Edict
Oleander (Bunga Jepun / Jia Zhu Tao). Willow-like whorled leaves and fragrant rose-pink flowers. Ultra-potent cardiotonic that rescues congestive heart failure and drains massive dropsy edema. EXTREMELY TOXIC; ingesting 1-2 leaves causes fatal cardiac arrest.
Cautions & Contraindications
- LETHAL CARDENOLIDE POISONING HAZARD: Ingesting raw leaves or inhaling smoke causes fatal bradycardia, AV block, and ventricular fibrillation. ANTIDOTE: Digoxin-Specific Antibody Fragments (DigiFab), IV Atropine, IV Lidocaine. NEVER USE CALCIUM GLUCONATE. FORBIDDEN IN PREGNANCY.
Clinical Applications
- Congestive heart failure (CHF Class III-IV with low ejection fraction), atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, advanced solid tumors (Anvirzel/oleandrin apoptosis), and severe scabies washes (external only).
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. Oleandrin cardenolide inhibits myocardial Na+/K+-ATPase, elevating intracellular Ca2+ via NCX exchanger to exert powerful positive inotropy and increased cardiac output. 2. Slows AV nodal conduction. 3. Profound renal sodium/water diuresis.
Preparation & Dosage
CRITICAL MANDATE: RAW OLEANDER IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN FOR HOMEMADE TEAS. Standardized Pharmaceutical Powder (Pulvis Nerii): 0.05-0.1 g per single dose (max 0.3 g/day) under hospital ECG monitoring. External Scabies Lotion: 10 g leaves boiled in water with sulfur.
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. Standardized Cardiotonic Synergy (Pharmaceutical Formulation) with Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi). 2. External Scabies & Tinea Wash with Stemona sessilifolia (Bai Bu) and Sulfur.
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only
