Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
草胡椒 / 软雀草 / 钻石草 / 透明草 / 水见草 — Peperomia pellucida (L.) Kunth (syn. Piper pellucidum)
Pinyin: Cǎohújiāo / Ruǎnquècǎo / Zuànshícǎo · Malay: Ketumpangan Air / Sirih Cina / Tumpang Air / Pancit-pancitan · Family: Piperaceae (胡椒科)
Energetics
Cool (微寒 / 凉)
Flavor
Pungent, bland, slightly sweet, mustard-peppery succulent (辛、淡、微甘、清脆微辣)
Meridians
Liver (肝), Kidney (肾), Urinary Bladder (膀胱), Stomach (胃)
Traditional Edict
Shiny Bush (Sirih Cina / Ketumpangan Air / Cao Hu Jiao). Diamond-like translucent succulent stems and heart leaves. Undisputed Monarch of Gout (Ubat Asid Urat): inhibits xanthine oxidase to lower uric acid, melts burning podagra, flushes stones.
Cautions & Contraindications
- Wash thoroughly in running spring water to remove soil grit before raw culinary ingestion. High clinical and Ulam safety profile. Caution in individuals with known Piperaceae family allergies.
Clinical Applications
- Acute and chronic gouty arthritis (lowering serum uric acid and suppressing MSU crystal joint inflammation), hyperuricemia, calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis, and acute cystitis.
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. Pellucidin A and phytol competitively inhibit hepatic Xanthine Oxidase (IC50=3.82 ug/mL), blocking uric acid synthesis comparable to allopurinol. 2. Acacetin inhibits synovial NLRP3 inflammasome and IL-1b. 3. Potassium-driven alkaline diuresis.
Preparation & Dosage
THE SOVEREIGN SIRIH CINA FRESH ANTI-GOUT SALAD: 100 to 150 g fresh crisp plants tossed with calamansi lime juice, sesame oil, and salt; consumed twice daily alongside meals for 7-14 days during gout flares. Whole herb decoction: 15-30 g dried daily.
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. The Sovereign Gout & Hyperuricemia Triad with Orthosiphon stamineus (Misai Kucing) and Smilax glabra (Tu Fu Ling). 2. Renal Calculus Clearance Draught with Desmodium styracifolium.
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only
