决明子 / 钝叶决明 / 草决明 — Senna tora (L.) Roxb. (syn. Cassia tora L.)

Pinyin: Juémíngzǐ / Dùnyè Juémíng · Malay: Gelenggang Kecil / Gelenggang Padang / Kacang Kota · Family: Fabaceae (豆科)

Energetics

Cool to slightly Cold (微寒 / 凉)

Flavor

Sweet, bitter, salty (甘、苦、咸)

Meridians

Liver (肝), Large Intestine (大肠), Kidney (肾)

Traditional Edict

Clears Liver fire and brightens eyes, dispels wind-heat, moistens intestines to unblock bowels. Superior herb for red painful eyes, photophobia, blurred vision, hypertensive headache, and dry constipation.

Cautions & Contraindications

Anthraquinones induce loose stools. Contraindicated in chronic Spleen deficiency watery diarrhea, systemic hypotension, and pregnancy.

Clinical Applications

Primary essential hypertension, hyperlipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), ocular asthenopia (digital eye strain, glaucoma), diabetic retinopathy, and chronic constipation.

Quality Markers

Aurantio-obtusin (橙黄决明素) >= 0.080% & Chrysophanol >= 0.20% (Chinese Pharmacopoeia standard)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Aurantio-obtusin and obtusifolin inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, upregulate hepatic LDL receptors, and stimulate eNOS vasodilation. 2. Rubrofusarin and chrysophanol inhibit aldose reductase, preventing diabetic cataract lens clouding. 3. Sennosides stimulate colonic motility.

Preparation & Dosage

Raw seeds for Liver clearing and purgation: 10-15 g. Stir-Fried Seeds (Chao Juemingzi - parched until popping) for gentle long-term lipid lowering and vision tea. Decoct 15-20 min.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Classical Vision-Brightening & Liver-Calming Tisane with Chrysanthemum morifolium (Ju Hua) and Cassia tora seeds. 2. Metabolic Lipid-Lowering Tea with Crataegus (Shan Zha) and Nelumbo nucifera leaf.

Enter your email to unlock the full clinical data and formulation notes.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

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