Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
苦蘵 / 灯笼草 / 炮仔草 — Physalis angulata L. (and Physalis minima L.)
Pinyin: Kǔzhī / Dēnglongcǎo · Malay: Letup-letup / Ciplukan / Ceplukan / Ubat Pekong · Family: Solanaceae (茄科)
Energetics
Cold (寒)
Flavor
Bitter, slightly sweet (苦、微甘)
Meridians
Lung (肺), Liver (肝), Urinary Bladder (膀胱)
Traditional Edict
Clears toxic heat, purges fire, diffuses Lung to soothe throat and relieve cough, drains dampness to unblock strangury, dissolves nodules. Nanyang panacea for tonsillitis, jaundice, and diabetes.
Cautions & Contraindications
- Cold nature; contraindicated in pregnancy (physalins stimulate uterine myometrial tone) and Spleen deficiency cold diarrhea without heat.
Clinical Applications
- Acute viral pharyngotonsillitis, mumps, Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (insulin receptor sensitization), hyperuricemia, acute nephritis, and oncology adjuvant.
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. Physalins B and F (seco-withanolides) trigger mitochondrial cytochrome c release and Caspase-3/8/9 apoptosis in cancer lines (MCF-7, HepG2). 2. Blocks IkB kinase, rapidly resolving tonsillar inflammation. 3. Withangulatin A activates AMPK to lower blood glucose.
Preparation & Dosage
Dried whole plant in decoction: 10-20 g daily (up to 30-60 g in acute viral infections). Fresh plant juiced with salt for severe ulcerative throat: 30-60 g. Standardized extract: 250-500 mg.
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. Nanyang Sovereign Pharyngeal & Viral Throat Decoction with Clinacanthus nutans (You Dun Cao) and Lonicera japonica. 2. Ciplukan Metabolic Glycemic Harmony Formula with Orthosiphon stamineus.
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only