FRUCTUS AURANTII PREPARATA
Fū Chǎo Zhǐ Qiào (bran-fried Fructus Aurantii) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is a processed product of the Chinese medicinal material Zhǐ Qiào (Fructus Aurantii), derived from the dried unripe fruit of Citrus aurantium L. and its cultivated varieties (Rutaceae), after cleaning, cutting, and stir-frying with bran.
Efficacy & Actions
Regulates qi and relaxes the middle jiao, promotes movement to relieve stagnation and distension.
Indications
Used for qi stagnation in the chest and hypochondrium, distension and pain, food stagnation, phlegm-fluid retention, and visceral ptosis. It is primarily used to treat food stagnation, vomiting, and belching.
Modern Pharmacology
Regulation of Gastrointestinal Motility: Can regulate gastrointestinal peristalsis. Anti-ulcer Effect: Has protective effects on the gastric mucosa and anti-ulcer activity. Antithrombotic Effect: Has certain antithrombotic activity. Antioxidant Activity: The standard decoction of Fu Chao Zhi Qiao exhibits certain antioxidant activity. Antibacterial Effect: The volatile oil of Fu Chao Zhi Qiao exhibits inhibitory activity against various tested bacteria.
Ingredients
Fu Chao Zhi Qiao (bran-fried Fructus Aurantii) contains flavonoids, volatile oils, coumarins, alkaloids, and other components. After stir-frying with bran, the active components undergo complex changes. The total flavonoid content decreases slightly after processing compared to the raw product (by approximately 10%), but its digestive-promoting effect is significantly enhanced. The chemical composition of the volatile oils differs between raw Fructus Aurantii and the bran-fried product.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, 3–10g; or prepared in pills or powder.
Contraindications
Use with caution during pregnancy. Use with caution in patients with hypertension.
Selected Formulas
For chest and diaphragm qi stagnation, shortness of breath, choking sensation, and failure of qi to ascend and descend (Yuyuan Yaofang, Vol. 3, Jupi Zhike Tang) Take 2 liang of Zhike (stir-fried with bran, pulp removed), 2 liang of raw Banxia (Pinellia), 3 liang of Chenpi (with white part retained), and 1 liang of Renshen (Ginseng). Decoct in water and drink. For chest binding (stabbing pain in the epigastrium) with severe pain (Qixiao Liangfang, Jiegeng Zhike Tang) Take equal parts of stir-fried Jiegeng (Platycodon), stir-fried Zhike, and honey-fried Gancao (Licorice). Decoct in water and drink. For hypochondriac pain with a stabbing sensation (Furen Daquan Liangfang, Zhike San) Take 2.5 liang of stir-fried Zhike and 0.75 liang of honey-fried Gancao, grind into fine powder. Take 2 qian each time, mixed with warm water. For food stagnation with abdominal distension and difficulty in urination/defecation (Taiping Huimin Heji Ju Fang, Muxiang Binlang Wan) Take stir-fried Zhike together with Muxiang (Costus), Binlang (Areca seed), Qingpi (Green tangerine peel), Chenpi (Tangerine peel), Ezhu (Curcuma), Huanglian (Coptis), Huangbai (Phellodendron), Dahuang (Rhubarb), Xiangfu (Cyperus), and Qianniuzi (Morning glory seed). Make into pills and take.
Daily Consumption
Gan Lu Tea (Medicinal Diet Formula): Aged tea leaves 90g, Lindera root (Tái Wū Yào), stir-fried hawthorn fruit (Chǎo Shān Zhā), ginger-processed Magnolia bark (Jiāng Zhì Chuān Pò), and bran-fried Fructus Aurantii (Fū Chǎo Zhǐ Qiào) 24g each; tangerine peel (Jú Pí) 120g, bran-fried medicated leaven (Fū Chǎo Shén Qū) 45g, and stir-fried rice sprout (Chǎo Gǔ Yá) 30g. Moisten the tangerine peel with salt water and stir-fry until dry, then grind together with the other ingredients into a coarse powder. Efficacy: Regulates qi and harmonizes the stomach, promotes digestion and relieves stagnation.
Medicinal Parts
Dried unripe fruit.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from insects and mold.
