Myricae Rubrae Fructus
Aliases：Strawberry Tree、Chinese Bayberry、Mountain Bayberry
angmei (Chinese Bayberry Fruit) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried or fresh fruit of Myrica rubra (Lour.) Siebold et Zucc. (family Myricaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
It has the actions of promoting fluid production to relieve vexation, harmonizing the Stomach to promote digestion, alleviating alcohol intoxication, astringing the intestines, and stopping bleeding.
Indications
It is indicated for polydipsia (vexing thirst), vomiting, hiccup, stomach pain, poor appetite, food accumulation with abdominal pain, alcohol overconsumption, diarrhea, dysentery, epistaxis, headache, traumatic injury, fracture, scald and burn.
Modern Pharmacology
The pharmacological activities of Yangmei are primarily attributed to its bioactive constituents, including myricetin, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and polyphenols. The main effects can be summarized as follows: Antioxidant activity: Anthocyanins and other components in Yangmei efficiently scavenge free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage, which underlies many of its health benefits. Anti‑inflammatory activity: Flavonoids from Yangmei inhibit the expression of inflammatory factors such as TNF‑α. Bark extracts and myricetin also exhibit significant anti‑inflammatory effects. Metabolic regulation: Yangmei extracts significantly lower blood glucose levels, and its total flavonoids and anthocyanins also demonstrate hypoglycemic activity. Meanwhile, myricetin reduces blood lipids and helps prevent atherosclerosis. Antitumor activity: Bioactive components in Yangmei inhibit the proliferation of various cancer cells and induce apoptosis. Antimicrobial and antiviral activity: Myricetin inhibits multiple pathogenic bacteria and viruses, and also shows some inhibitory effects against certain fungi and herpes simplex virus. Neuroprotective activity: Myricetin protects the nervous system and, through mechanisms such as inhibiting the P38 MAPK signaling pathway, shows potential in ameliorating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Cardiovascular protection: Myricetin helps alleviate myocardial injury and improve cardiac function, and also inhibits platelet aggregation and exerts antithrombotic effects. Immunomodulatory activity: Myricetin promotes activation of the complement system to enhance immune defense while preventing excessive activation that could damage the body. Liver protection and alcohol detoxification: Active components in Yangmei protect the liver by inhibiting hepatocyte deterioration and play a positive role in alleviating alcohol intoxication. Other effects: Myricetin also promotes uric acid excretion, which is beneficial for improving hyperuricemia. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine holds that Yangmei has astringent and hemostatic effects.
Ingredients
The seeds contain lipids, including neutral lipids, glycolipids, and phospholipids, with the fatty acids primarily consisting of palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid.
Usage & Dosage
1. Internal use: 15–30 g in decoction; or burned to ash (calcined) and taken; or preserved in salt. 2. External use: Appropriate amount, burned to ash and applied topically as a coating.
Contraindications
1. Meng Shen: “Under no circumstances should it be consumed in excess, as it may significantly damage the teeth and sinews.” 2. Ri Hua Zi Ben Cao: “It should not be eaten together with raw scallion.” 3. Kai Bao Ben Cao: “Excessive consumption may cause fever (or generate heat in the body).” 4. Ben Jing Feng Yuan: “People with Blood-Heat and exuberant Fire should not consume it in excess.” 5. Ben Cao Cong Xin: “Excessive consumption may induce sores and generate Phlegm.”
Selected Formulas
1. Treating dysentery: “Burn Yangmei to ash and take it.” (Yangmei Formula, Pu Ji Fang) 2. Treating incessant headache: “Grind Yangmei into powder. Blow a small amount into the nostril to induce sneezing.” (Compendium of Materia Medica, Ben Cao Gang Mu)
Daily Consumption
1. Preserved Yangmei (Salted and Sugared Bayberry) Ingredients: Appropriate amount of fresh Yangmei fruit, salt, and white sugar. Preparation: Mix the Yangmei with salt and sugar, then preserve (cure) for later use. Usage: Chew and swallow 2–3 pieces each time. Effects and indications: After being preserved with salt and sugar, Yangmei effectively promotes fluid production and quenches thirst. It may also relieve nausea, vomiting, and aid digestion. Suitable for dry mouth and thirst, vomiting due to stomach qi disharmony, or food stagnation. 2. Yangmei Wine (Bayberry Liquor) Ingredients: 250 g fresh Yangmei fruit, an adequate amount of white liquor (enough to submerge the fruit). Preparation: Soak the Yangmei in the liquor and seal the container. Let it infuse for several days. Usage: Drink one small cup of the infused liquor each time. For those who cannot tolerate alcohol, a decoction can be made by boiling 15 g of fresh Yangmei in water. Effects and indications: This preparation helps regulate the stomach and intestines, stops vomiting and diarrhea. Indicated for gastrointestinal disharmony with vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain.
Medicinal Parts
fruit、bark
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry place.