Fructus Bruceae
Source
Fruit of Brucea javanica (L) Merr., family Simamubaceae.
Characteristics
Drupe ovate, 0.5 cm in diameter; surface brown-black, with elevated net
grains and irregular multangular net holes, obvious angular line seen
on
both sides; with scars of fruit stalk on the base. Bitter in taste, cold
in nature, slightly toxic, and attributive to large intestine and liver
channels.
Indication
1. Clear away heat and toxic material, kill parasites and relieve dysentery:
For acute and chronic dysentery. Recently, commonly used for amebic dysentery,
also for malaria and trichomonas enteritis.
2. Erode warts: External use for corn and common warts (care should be
taken to protect the surrounding skin).
3. Anticarcinogenic: Topical use of its oil for papilloma of external
audi-tory meatus and larynx, and skin cancer; local injection for cancer
of cervix, and mammary cancer; intramuscular injection for tumor of the
digestive tract, cancer of cervix and lung.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Amebacidal and antiplasmodiaL
2. Bruceoside A and B, Bruceine C and Brusatol are active components which
can inhibit leukemia388.
3. Irritating gastrointestinal tract and causing nausea, vomiting or abdominal
pain.
4.
Acute poisoning leads to slowing of respiration, acceleration of heart
rate and paralysis of extremities; chronic poisoning may result in liver
and kidney damage.
Administration
Powder
(in capsule or coated by Arillus Longan): 1.5-2.0g tid.
10% oleum ampoule: 2-4 ml IM or topical injection once daily.
Enema: 20 pieces of fruit pounded and soaked in 1% sodium bicarbonate
solution for 2 hours, used as retention enema daily for trichomonas enteritis
and amebic dysentery.
Caution
The drug is erosive and toxic, and the powder should be taken with coating
and after meals. Cases with peptic ulcer, gastritis, poor liver function
and kidney function are contraindicated.