Diaphragma juglandis Fructus
Aliases：Hú Táo Yī (Walnut Skin/Lining); Hú Táo Jiā (Walnut Clasp/Layer); Hú Táo Gé (Walnut Diaphragm); Hé Táo Gé (Walnut Septum).
Fēn Xīn Mù (Walnut Diaphragm) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is the woody diaphragm (septum) found inside the fruit (nut) of Juglans regia L., a plant of the Juglandaceae family. It is named “Fēn Xīn Mù” (Dividing Heart Wood) because it sits between the two halves of the walnut kernel, “dividing the heart” of the fruit. The medicinal material appears as thin, curved, and brittle pieces, with a pale brown to brownish surface, slight luster, a faint odor, and a slightly bitter taste.
Efficacy & Actions
Astringes essence and reduces urination; stops bleeding and arrests leukorrhea; stops diarrhea and dysentery.
Indications
Spermatorrhea and seminal emission: Involuntary discharge of semen due to kidney deficiency with insecurity Frequent urination and enuresis: Frequent urination and bedwetting due to kidney deficiency Metrorrhagia and leukorrhea: Abnormal uterine bleeding and excessive vaginal discharge in women Diarrhea and dysentery: Diarrhea and dysentery Strangury and hematuria: Strangury with blood in urine Insomnia: Can be used to improve sleep
Modern Pharmacology
Antitumor effect: Fen Xin Mu (Walnut Diaphragm) extract exhibits antitumor activity. Antioxidant effect: Possesses significant antioxidant activity. Antibacterial effect: Exhibits antibacterial activity. Anti-inflammatory effect: Exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. Sedative and hypnotic effects: Fen Xin Mu extract has certain sedative and hypnotic activities and can regulate related neurotransmitters in the brain. Antidepressant effect: Studies have confirmed its antidepressant activity. Hypoglycemic effect: Exhibits blood sugar-lowering effects. Hypolipidemic effect: Exhibits lipid-lowering effects. Kidney-tonifying effect: Exhibits kidney-tonifying effects.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: Content 2.54%–9.09%, including quercetin, dihydroquercetin, etc. Phenolic Acids: Content 2.39%–3.54%, including gallic acid, vanillic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, etc. Saponins: Content 1.86%–5.98%. Polysaccharides: Content 2.48%–5.4%. Lignans: Including lyoniside, etc. Quinones: Including emodin, etc. Alkaloids. Volatile Oils. Other Components: Crude fat (1.35%–3.12%), crude protein (1.09%–2.02%), amino acids (1.00%–3.21%), tannins, steroids, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 3–9g.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold: As this herb is neutral and astringent in nature, its use may worsen symptoms in such individuals. Use with caution in patients with poor gastrointestinal conditions: Not suitable for consumption, as it may aggravate discomfort. Use with caution in patients with constipation: Fen Xin Mu is astringent in nature; patients with constipation (especially those with dry, hard stools and difficulty passing stool) should use with caution to avoid worsening constipation. It should be used after consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner, following a proper diagnosis and prescription.
Selected Formulas
For kidney-deficiency spermatorrhea (Shandong Chinese Herbal Medicine Manual) Take 6g of Fenxinmu (Walnut septum), 12g of Qianshi (Euryale seed), 12g of Gouqizi (Goji berry), 9g of Buguzhi (Psoralea fruit), and 24g of Muli (Oyster shell). Decoct in water and drink. For nephritis (Inner Mongolia New TCM Therapy Data Compilation) Take 300g of Fenxinmu and 2500g of yellow wine. Soak for 10 minutes, then bring to a boil and strain. Take 5–10ml each time, three times daily. For spermatorrhea (empirical formula) Take Fenxinmu alone, decoct in water and drink. For insomnia (empirical formula) Take Fenxinmu combined with Suanzaoren (Ziziphus seed) to enhance heart-nourishing and mind-calming effects, suitable for palpitations and insomnia. Combined with Yejiaoteng (Polygonum vine) to improve dream-disturbed sleep; combined with Hehuanpi (Albizia bark) for anxiety-related insomnia.
Daily Consumption
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place.
Medicinal Parts
The woody diaphragm (septum) inside the fruit core.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place.
