Exocarpium
Citrulli
Source
The exocarp of Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Mansfeld, family Cucurb itaceae.
Characteristics
Crude drug irregular pieces, margin curled inward, about 1 mm thick. Outer
surface deep green or yellow-brown, some with deep coloured lines; inner
surface yellow-white, with reticular vascular bundles. Sweet and bland
in taste, cool in nature, and attributive to spleen and stomach channels.
Indication
Clear away summer-heat, promote the production of fluid and diuresis:
For summer-heat syndrome with fever, thirst and oliguria with yellowish
urine and edema.
Pharmacological
Action
1. An active component, citrulline, raises urea level in blood and in
urine, thus promotes diuresis.
2. Oral administration of cucurbocitrin, another active component, or
its aqueous extract can lower blood pressure and capillary pressure in
healthy person.
Administration Decoction: 15-30g.