Ba Jiao Lian
StarDysosma versipellis (Hance) M.Cheng ex Ying
☯ TCM Properties
Removes toxic Heat, resolves Phlegm, disperses nodulation, removes Stagnation and reduces swelling
Traditional Chinese Uses
Ba Jiao Lian is the rhizome of Dysosma versipellis, a Chinese relative of mayapple, bitter and pungent, cool and toxic, entering the Lung and Liver channels. It clears toxic Heat, resolves Phlegm, disperses nodulation, dispels Stagnation and reduces swelling. It has been used for toxic swellings, sores and abscesses, scrofula and nodules, mumps, snakebite, and cough with Phlegm, generally applied in small doses or topically as a paste.
The rhizome is significantly toxic owing to podophyllotoxin. Overdose produces a serious syndrome of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea followed by confusion, coma, liver and blood abnormalities, and sensory-motor neuropathy; fatalities are reported. It must be used only in strictly controlled doses by qualified practitioners and is contraindicated in pregnancy.
Botanical Description
Dysosma versipellis is a rhizomatous perennial herb of the Berberidaceae, closely allied to the North American mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum). It grows to about 20–40 cm from a stout, knotty horizontal rhizome bearing fibrous roots. Each stem typically bears one or two large peltate, palmately lobed leaves with 6–9 angular lobes, the lamina deep green and often mottled when young. Pendulous, dark red to maroon flowers cluster beneath the leaves in late spring, followed by a fleshy reddish berry. The plant occurs in moist, shaded forests and ravines of central and southern China. The rhizome accumulates podophyllotoxin and related lignans, rendering the plant highly toxic; medicinal use requires strict processing and professional supervision.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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