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    Yemama Apothecary

    Bencao Gangmu Reference Library

    Liver-Soothing, Pruritus-Relieving, Lithagogue & Androgen-Enhancing Monarch (平肝潜阳 / 疏肝解郁祛风明目止痒散结下气通淋利尿排石壮阳益精 — 传统平肝熄风与止痒明目第一刺蒺藜 / 阿育吠陀保肾壮阳药王 / 睾酮提升圣果)

    白蒺藜 / 刺蒺藜 / 蒺藜 / 蒺藜子 / 杜蒺藜 / 止行 / 鬼见愁 — Tribulus terrestris L. (syn. Tribulus lanuginosus)

    Pinyin: Báijílì / Cìjílì / Jílìzǐ · Malay: Pokok Duri Kosong / Duri Kucing / Gokshura / Raja Zakar · Family: Zygophyllaceae (蒺藜科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Neutral to Warm (平 / 微温 / 苦辛微温)

    Flavor

    Bitter, acrid, sweetish, slightly pungent (苦、辛、微甘、微温)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝), Kidney (肾), Eye (目)

    Traditional Edict

    Caltrop / Puncture Vine (Pokok Duri Kosong / Bai Ji Li / Ci Ji Li / Gokshura). 5-Angled spiny burr fruit. Emperor of Liver-Soothing and Male Androgenic Restoration: soothes hypertensive headaches, clears pterygium, terminates pruritic hives, stimulates testosterone.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • Paozhi Mandate: Always use spine-removed Chao Ji Li for internal decoction (prevents throat irritation). CONTRAINDICATED in active pregnancy (uterine-moving dynamics). Safe during lactation.

    Clinical Applications

    • Male hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction (stimulating LH and Leydig cell testosterone via Protodioscin), chronic pruritic atopic eczema and urticaria (mast cell stabilization), hypertension, and kidney stones.

    Quality Markers

    Protodioscin (原薯蓣皂苷) >= 0.50%-1.50%, Tribuloside & Total Furostanol Saponins >= 40.0% (HPLC Chinese Pharmacopoeia standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Protodioscin upregulates pituitary LH and testicular Leydig cell StAR protein, increasing testosterone and intracavernous eNOS nitric oxide. 2. Tribuloside stabilizes mast cells to halt itching. 3. Flushes urinary stones.

    Preparation & Dosage

    CRITICAL PAOZHI MANDATE: STIR-FRIED SPINE-REMOVED TRIBULUS (Chao Ji Li): Fruits stir-fried until yellowish-brown, rubbed in sieves to break off sharp spines. Take 6 to 12 g boiled in water for hypertension, itching, or testosterone support. Extract: 250-500 mg.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Male Virility & Androgen Triad with Epimedium sagittatum (Yin Yang Huo) and Rou Cong Rong. 2. Liver-Yang Hypertension Draught with Uncaria rhynchophylla (Gou Teng).

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