Properties: Neutral
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Kidney
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Dispels Stasis and relieves pain, resolves Toxicity and dissipates swelling
Knocks and falls, broken bones
Skin cancer (applied topically)
- Gently tonfies Kidney Yang
Lower back pain, joint disorders
Impotence
Fatigue
Diarrhoea
Complications after childbirth
Suggested Daily Dosage: 6-12g in decoction.
Notable Constituents:
- Maitansine
Cytotoxic agent that inhibits the assembly of microtubules by binding to tubulin at the rhizoxin binding site. The chemotherapy drug trastuzumab emtansine is derived from a Maitansine derived skeleton with the monoclonal antibody molecule trastuzumab attached. The Maitansinoid used in trastuzumab emtansine is typically extracted from Maytenus ovatus but all Maytenus species contain some version of it.
Notes:
Roots and leaves may also be used.
Most of the information has been taken from Web MD as information was not forthcoming on Chinese medicine sources except for Zhou, Xie & Yan (2011) who list it as anticancer. Dosage was inferred from Indigo Herbs' suggestion for their Chuchuhuasi powder.
Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
Research Links & References: (click to display)
Research Links:
Reference Notes:
Individual herb information has sourced mainly from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes. Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011): Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5, has been used for entries not available from those sources with additional material searched for and filled in where available. Western herbs not appearing in the Chinese literature have used Ross (2010): Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Clinical Materia Medica, White Rabbit Institute of Healing and therapeutika.ch. Choices of which source to use or combine have been my own.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently. Dosages are for guidance only and will vary dependening on the potency of the batch and the tolerance of the individual so should be evaluated by a professional based on individual needs.
