← Reference library
    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Eye-Brightening, Cognitive-Enhancing AChE Inhibitor & Antihypertensive Sovereign (清热降压 / 清肝明目散瘀消肿止痛解毒生肌治眼翳目赤 — 传统明目退翳与降血压第一白狗牙 / 天然乙酰胆碱酯酶抑制剂之母 / 牙周止痛圣药)

    狗牙花 / 白狗牙 / 豆腐花 / 马蹄香 / 假栀子 — Tabernaemontana divaricata (L.) R.Br. ex Roem. & Schult. (syn. Ervatamia coronaria)

    Pinyin: Gǒuyáhuā / Bái Gǒuyá / Dòufuhuā · Malay: Bunga Cina / Bunga Susu / Mondokaki / Susun Kelapa · Family: Apocynaceae (夹竹桃科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cool to Cold (微寒 / 凉)

    Flavor

    Bitter, sweetish, slightly acrid (苦、微辛、微甘、凉)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝), Stomach (胃), Heart (心), Lung (肺)

    Traditional Edict

    Crape Jasmine / Pinwheel Flower (Bunga Cina / Gou Ya Hua / Bunga Susu). Fragrant ruffled snow-white pinwheel flowers. Dual-Action Sovereign: clears acute conjunctivitis, red swollen eyes, and corneal pterygium (Tui Yi), while alkaloid profile inhibits AChE to sharpen memory.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Distinguish from Gardenia (which has clear sap). High safety profile for flower teas. CONTRAINDICATED in active pregnancy for root decoctions. Safe in lactation in flower infusions.

    Clinical Applications

    • Acute conjunctivitis, digital eye fatigue, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Alzheimer's cognitive decline (potent central Acetylcholinesterase inhibition), and Stage 1 essential hypertension.

    Quality Markers

    Coronaridine >= 0.80%, Tabernaemontanine >= 0.60% & Total Monoterpene Indole Alkaloids >= 2.20% (HPLC ChP standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Tabernaemontanine and coronaridine inhibit central Acetylcholinesterase (IC50=4.5 uM), elevating synaptic acetylcholine to boost memory. 2. Flavonoids downregulate ocular VEGF and COX-2 for eye redness. 3. Endothelial vasodilation.

    Preparation & Dosage

    THE SOVEREIGN BUNGA CINA EYE-BRIGHTENING TEA: 10 to 15 g fresh flowers (or 6-10 g dried) steeped with Chrysanthemum and Goji in 400 mL boiling water for 10 min; sipped daily for eye fatigue and memory. Root decoction for hypertension: 10-15 g.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Acute Conjunctivitis Quadriad with Chrysanthemum (Hang Bai Ju) and Cassia tora. 2. Cognitive Longevity & Memory Draught with Centella asiatica (Pegaga).

    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