Bencao Gangmu Reference Library
毛果锡叶藤 / 大叶锡叶藤 / 糙叶藤 / 广锡叶藤 / 砂纸蔓 — Tetracera scandens (L.) Merr. (syn. Tetracera sarmentosa)
Pinyin: Máoguǒ Xīyèténg / Dàyè Xīyèténg / Cāoyèténg · Malay: Mempelas Tikus / Mempelas Minyak / Akar Mempelas Tikus · Family: Dilleniaceae (五桠果科)
Energetics
Cool (微寒 / 苦涩凉)
Flavor
Bitter, astringent, slightly acrid (苦、涩、微辛、微凉)
Meridians
Liver (肝), Kidney (肾), Large Intestine (大肠), Spleen (脾)
Traditional Edict
Climbing Tetracera (Mempelas Tikus / Mao Guo Xi Ye Teng). Scabrid leaves and hairy bristly follicles. Dual-Action Sovereign for Gout & Diabetes: competitively inhibits xanthine oxidase (Allopurinol-level) to melt tophi and lower uric acid, while stabilizing blood glucose.
Cautions & Contraindications
- Distinguish from Tetracera indica (which has smooth follicles). CONTRAINDICATED in active pregnancy for internal ingestion (uterine and channel-moving dynamics). Safe during lactation.
Clinical Applications
- Acute and chronic gouty arthritis (lowering serum uric acid and preventing crystal deposition), Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (postprandial a-glucosidase inhibition), and chronic knee osteoarthritis.
Quality Markers
Mechanism & Phytochemistry
1. Scandenin and rhamnetin competitively inhibit hepatic Xanthine Oxidase (IC50=4.15 ug/mL), blocking uric acid synthesis. 2. Betulinic acid activates skeletal muscle AMPK for glucose disposal. 3. Anti-inflammatory.
Preparation & Dosage
THE SOVEREIGN MEMPELAS TIKUS ANTI-GOUT DECOCTION: 20 to 30 g dried stem chips boiled with Orthosiphon (Misai Kucing) and Sida rhombifolia (Sidaguri) in 600 mL water for 25 min; taken twice daily before meals (maintain >=2.5 L water intake). Decoct: 15-30 g.
Appended Prescriptions
- 1. The Sovereign Nanyang Anti-Gout & Uric Acid Triad with Orthosiphon stamineus and Sida rhombifolia (Sidaguri). 2. Glycemic Control Draught with Morus alba leaf (Sang Ye).
Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only