Ku Lian Pi
Melia azedarach L. / Melia toosendan Sieb. et Zucc.
☯ TCM Properties
Expels Parasites; Kills Parasites and Eliminates Lice; Clears Damp-Heat from the Skin
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Melia azedarach L. and the closely related Melia toosendan Siebold & Zucc. (Meliaceae), chinaberry or Persian lilac, are small to medium deciduous trees native to South and East Asia, reaching 7-15 m with bipinnate leaves, panicles of fragrant lilac flowers, and yellowish drupes about 1-1.5 cm in diameter that persist into winter. The medicinal Ku Lian Pi is the dried bark of the trunk, branches, or root, harvested in spring or autumn, longitudinally curled or in flat strips, grey-brown externally with longitudinal fissures and yellowish inner surface. It contains the limonoid triterpenes toosendanin (the principal anthelmintic constituent), azadirachtin-related compounds, and tannins. In traditional Chinese medicine, Ku Lian Pi is bitter and cold with toxicity, entering the spleen, stomach, and liver channels; it kills parasites and treats tinea, used internally for roundworm, pinworm, and hookworm infestation and topically for ringworm and scabies. It is hepatotoxic in overdose and must be used cautiously and not repeatedly. Also a major Ayurvedic herb (Mahanimba).
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| poultice | As needed | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Ku Lian Pi (chinaberry bark, melia bark) is a cold, bitter, toxic herb used in Chinese medicine as a powerful antiparasitic agent — effective against roundworms, pinworms, and hookworms. It is also used externally for fungal skin conditions. Because of its toxicity, it must be used in carefully controlled doses, for short durations only, and under professional supervision. Liver function should be monitored with repeated use.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
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.