Fructus Meliae Toosendan
Source
Fruit of Melia toosendan Sieb. et Zucc., family Meliaceae.
Characteristics
Fruit
globular, 2.0-3.5 cm in diameter, with style trace at the top and fruit
stalk trace at the base. Exocarp golden yellow, slightly lustrous, coriaceous,
with dark brownish spots and shrinkage depressions. A spheroidal and hard
kernel appearing inside, with 6-8 longitudinal ridges. Bitter in taste,
cold in nature, slightly toxic, and attributive to liver, small intestine
and urinary bladder channels.
Indication
1. Parasiticidal: For ascariasis, usually used together with Semen Arecae
and Fructus Quisqualis.
2. Activate vital energy to relieve pain: For stagnation of liver-energy
and involvement of the stomach by the hyperactivity of liver-energy manifested
as hypochondriac pain, stomachache, abdominal pain and hernia, used with
Rhizoma Corydalis; for those with cold-syndrome, used 
with
Fructus Foeniculi and Fructus Ez'odiae. Furgicidal: For tinea capitis
(external use).
Pharmacological
Action
1. Its component toosendanin can expel ascarides from the intestine.
2. Inhibiting the growth of some kinds of fungi.
Administration
Decoction: 5-10g.
External use: Appropriate arnount.
Caution
Its component toosendanin is toxic and may cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, or even dyspnea, palpitation and death. Large dosage and prolonged
use are prohibited.