Properties: Bitter, pungent, mild

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Large Intestine, Spleen and Small Intestine

1. Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels
   Constipation due to Qi Stagnation in the Intestines
2. Promotes urination and reduces oedema
   Edema with difficult urination and constipation Leg Qi

Suggested Daily Dosage: 6-12g in decoction.

Cautions: It is a much harsher hern than Ma Zi Ren producing a stronger laxative effect which may be accompanied by pain before passing.

• Amygdalin
  Cyanogenic glycoside present many fruit kernals, not less than 1.5% in this herb. It was claimed to be a cancer cure by Ernst T. Krebs who attempted to reclassify it as "Vitamin B17" but it has not proven effective.
  Once converted into a cyanide, it acts as an inhibitor of cytochrome c oxidase in the fourth complex of the electron transport chain of the mitochondrial membrane. It complexes with the ferric iron atom in this enzyme preventing the transport of electrons from cytochrome c oxidase to oxygen, resulting in disruption of the electron transport chain and the cell being no longer able to produce ATP aerobically. The lethal dose in humans is between 0.5 and 3.5 mg/kg of body weight (Aranguri-Llerena & Siche, 2020).

Notes:

The Aztecs had a similar medicine from the Capulin Cherry (Prunus capuli). The Florentine Codex (1590) says:

"When many of these are eaten they physic one, they give one diarrhoea. They physic one; they cause one to have diarrhoea. The name of the centre of the capulin is capuliollotli. Also the center is hard, tough; this is rejected. Its center is edible roasted. When much is eaten, one's stomach swells." (Book 12, Ch. 6, para 7. Trans. Dibble & Anderson)