Caulis Mahoniae
Source
Stem of Mahonia bealei (Fort.) Carr. and other several species of the
same genus, family Berberidaceae.
Characteristics
Stem
irregular pieces, unequal in size, yellow, with longitudinal and transverse
cracks on the cork, smooth when the crok is peeled off. Longitudinal section
showing woody striae arranged in regular sequence; cross section showing
concentric annular rings, densely radial vascular bundles, and deep coloured
pith. Bitter in taste, cold in nature, and attributive to liver, stomach
and large intestine channels.
Indication
1. Clear away heat and deprive dampness from middle-jiao: For diarrhea,
dysentery, jaundice, stranguria, eczema, etc. of dampness-heat type.
2. Purge sthenic fire and clear away toxic materials: For skin infection,
sorethroat,
conjunctivitis, toothache and headache due to stomach-fire, hematemesis
and hemoptysis due to heat-syndrome.
Pharmacological
Action
Berberine is the main active component with an action similar to Rhizoma
Coptidis (see p.547 ). Another active component, isotetrandrine, is an
anticarcinogenic agent.
Administration Decoction: 9-15g.