Back to search result Search again Previous Next ↑

Alternate English names: Japanese brucea [fruit]

Alternate Chinese names: 老鸦胆 lǎo yā dǎn; 鸦胆 yā dǎn; 鸦蛋子 yā dàn zǐ; 鸭蛋子 yā dàn zǐ; 鸭胆子 yā dǎn zǐ

Kingdom: Plant

Origin in PRC Pharmacopoeia: Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. (PRC Pharmacopoeia)

Origin in unofficial sources: Brucea javanica (L.) Merr.*

Use: Medicinal

Category: Heat-clearing agents / Heat-clearing toxin-resolving agents

Properties: Bitter; cold; toxic.

Channel entry: Large intestine and liver channels.

Actions and indications:

• Clears heat and resolves toxin; treats dysentery: Heat toxin patterns of blood dysentery or cold accumulation patterns of enduring dysentery, with pus and blood in the stool.
• Interrupts malaria: Third- and fourth-stage malarial disease.
• Erodes warts: Corns and warts.

Dosage and method: Oral: Swallow 5–20 seeds after meals (3 times a day) packed in dried longan (or capsules). Topical: Apply crushed.

Warnings: Modern research has shown that yā dǎn zǐ is damaging to the stomach and intestines as well as to the liver and kidneys. It should not be taken for a long time. It is contraindicated in spleen-stomach vacuity. It should be used with care in gastrointestinal bleeding or in liver and kidney disease. When using it for corns and warts, protect the surrounding area with a sticking plaster; avoid contact with healthy skin.

Quality: Firm white oily fruits are the best.

Production area: Guǎngdōng, Guǎngxī, Fújiàn, Táiwān.

Back to search result Search again Previous Next