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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Wind-Dispelling, Middle-Warming & Collateral-Unblocking (祛风散寒温中通络药)

    假蒟 / 蛤蒌 — Piper sarmentosum Roxb.

    Pinyin: Jiǎjǔ / Gálóu · Malay: Kaduk / Pokok Kadok · Family: Piperaceae (胡椒科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Warm (温)

    Flavor

    Pungent, slightly peppery, aromatic (辛、微辣、芳香)

    Meridians

    Lung (肺), Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃), Large Intestine (大肠)

    Traditional Edict

    Dispels wind-cold, warms middle burner to transform dampness, unblocks collaterals, and directs Qi downward. Consumed as daily ulam and wrapping leaf to expel cold-dampness.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • High culinary safety. Avoid excessive raw ingestion in patients with active calcium oxalate kidney stones due to dietary soluble oxalates.

    Clinical Applications

    • Vascular endothelial dysfunction, essential hypertension, Type 2 Diabetes insulin resistance, postmenopausal osteopenia, and rheumatoid arthralgia.

    Quality Markers

    Sarmentine & Pellitorine >= 0.80% (HPLC MHM standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Amide alkaloids (sarmentine, pellitorine) stimulate eNOS, elevating nitric oxide bioavailability to lower blood pressure. 2. Activates GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle, reducing fasting blood glucose. 3. Rutin and vitexin promote osteoblast differentiation via Runx2.

    Preparation & Dosage

    Fresh culinary ulam: 30-60 g. Dried herb in decoction: 10-20 g daily. Standardized extract: 250-500 mg.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. Nanyang Metabolic & Glycemic Harmony Tea with Orthosiphon stamineus and Momordica charantia. 2. Lingnan Rheumatic Cold-Expelling Decoction with Morinda officinalis and Achyranthes.

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