蝙蝠花 / 老虎须 / 箭根薯 — Tacca chantrieri André (and Tacca integrifolia Ker Gawl.)

Pinyin: Biānfúhuā / Lǎohǔxū · Malay: Janggut Adam / Janggut Baung / Pokok Subang Nenek · Family: Dioscoreaceae / Taccaceae (薯蓣科 / 蒟蒻薯科)

Energetics

Cool to Cold (微寒 / 凉)

Flavor

Bitter, slightly pungent, astringent (苦、微辛、涩)

Meridians

Liver (肝), Stomach (胃), Kidney (肾)

Traditional Edict

Clears toxic heat, cools blood, calms Liver to lower blood pressure, activates blood to stop pain, and resolves gastric ulcers. Sacred Malay rainforest remedy for severe hypertension and ulcers.

Cautions & Contraindications

Bitter and cool; contraindicated in severe hypotension and pure Spleen deficiency cold diarrhea. Caution in pregnancy.

Clinical Applications

Stage 1/2 essential hypertension, non-ulcer functional dyspepsia, peptic ulceration, multidrug-resistant carcinoma (MDR oncology), and chronic hepatitis.

Quality Markers

Taccalonolides (Taccalonolides A, B, E) >= 0.50% & Spirostanol Saponins (HPLC MHM standard)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. Taccalonolides polymerize b-tubulin and cause G2/M cell cycle arrest without being effluxed by P-glycoprotein, overcoming MDR chemoresistance. 2. Steroidal saponins stimulate eNOS and block calcium channels, inducing sustained vasodilation. 3. Elevates mucosal PGE2.

Preparation & Dosage

Sliced dried rhizomes decocted 20-30 minutes: 5-12 g daily. Fresh root pounded as poultice for bruises and stings: 15-30 g. Standardized extract: 200-400 mg.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Nanyang Sovereign Antihypertensive Synergy with Orthosiphon stamineus (Misai Kucing) and Gynura procumbens. 2. Gastro-Relief & Ulcer-Soothing Formula with Zingiber zerumbet (Lempoyang) and Basella rubra.

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