五彩苏 / 锦紫苏 / 彩叶草 / 洋紫苏 — Plectranthus scutellarioides (L.) R.Br. (syn. Coleus blumei Benth.)

Pinyin: Wǔcǎisū / Jǐnzǐsū · Malay: Ati-ati / Daun Miana / Pokok Ati-ati / Iler · Family: Lamiaceae (唇形科)

Energetics

Neutral to slightly Cool (平 / 微凉)

Flavor

Pungent, slightly bitter, aromatic (辛、微苦、芳香)

Meridians

Lung (肺), Liver (肝), Stomach (胃)

Traditional Edict

Velvety crimson-hearted leaves (Ati-ati Merah). Diffuses Lung to calm wheezing, stops cough, cools blood to arrest hemoptysis, soothes throat, and resolves acute earache.

Cautions & Contraindications

Use the deep crimson/purple-centered variety (Ati-ati Merah) for medicinal potency. Contraindicated in severe hypotension (mild vasodilatory action).

Clinical Applications

Bronchial asthma (relieving bronchospasms via adenylate cyclase stimulation), acute/chronic bronchitis, hemoptysis, bleeding hemorrhoids, and acute otitis media earache.

Quality Markers

Rosmarinic Acid >= 1.00% & Forskolin-like Diterpenes >= 0.30% (HPLC MHM standard)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Labdane diterpenes activate adenylate cyclase, elevating intracellular cAMP in bronchial smooth muscle to produce rapid sustained bronchodilation. 2. Rosmarinic acid downregulates 5-LOX, thinning mucus. 3. Flavonoids lyse Pseudomonas in ear infections.

Preparation & Dosage

PEDIATRIC COUGH EXPRESSED JUICE: 5-7 fresh crimson leaves pounded with 1 tbsp warm water and rock sugar, expressed: 1-2 tbsp twice daily. Otic Earache Drops: 1-2 drops fresh warm leaf juice into ear canal.

Appended Prescriptions

1. The Sovereign Nanyang Anti-Asthma Synergy with Euphorbia hirta (Ara Tanah) and Vitex negundo. 2. Pharyngeal Voice & Hemoptysis Soothing Tea with Rhinacanthus nasutus.

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