Chaenomelis Fructus
Aliases：Mù Guā Shí, Tiě Jiǎo Lí, Zhòu Mù Guā, Qiū Mù Guā, Suān Mù Guā, Mào.
Mù Guā is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is a wind-dampness dispelling medicinal material, derived from the nearly mature fruit of Chaenomeles speciosa (Sweet) Nakai, a plant belonging to the genus Chaenomeles of the family Rosaceae. This Mù Guā is not the same as the sweet, soft "papaya" found in fruit markets—the medicinal one is commonly known as "wrinkled papaya" or "Xuan papaya," and it should not be confused with the tropical papaya (Carica papaya), as they are distinct species and not interchangeable. The fruit is harvested in summer and autumn when it turns greenish-yellow, blanched in boiling water until the outer skin becomes grayish-white, split lengthwise, dried in the sun, and then sliced for use in its raw form.
Efficacy & Actions
Relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals; harmonizes the Stomach and transforms dampness.
Indications
Indicated for dampness impediment with spasmodic contracture, aching and heavy pain in the lumbar spine and knee joints, summer-dampness with vomiting and diarrhea, spasm and pain of the sinews, and beriberi with edema. It may also be used for rheumatic arthralgia, sinew spasms, and indigestion.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Mù Guā exhibits analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antitumor, gastrointestinal smooth muscle-relaxing, and antibacterial activities. Its extract has been shown to inhibit Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice and suppress peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis. The suspension of Mù Guā has hepatoprotective effects, while fresh juice and decoctions show significant antibacterial activity against intestinal bacteria and Staphylococcus. Additionally, the phenolic compounds in Mù Guā exhibit notable antioxidant activities. Mù Guā also demonstrates hypoglycemic, lipid-lowering, anti-gastric ulcer, and immunomodulatory effects. Active components such as total saponins of Chaenomeles speciosa have shown potential value in the treatment of immune-mediated diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. Mù Guā was included in the National Health Commission's list of "substances that are both food and medicinal materials" in 2012.
Ingredients
Mù Guā fruit is rich in organic acids, including malic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid. The main triterpenoid constituents are oleanolic acid and ursolic acid. It also contains saponins, flavonoids, vitamin C, and various phenolic compounds. In addition, it contains catalase, peroxidase, phenol oxidase, tannins, and pectin. The volatile oil contains alkanes, ethers, alcohols, ketones, acids, and lactones, including γ-decalactone, n-hexanol, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid. Steroidal compounds include β-sitosterol and daucosterol. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia stipulates that the total content of oleanolic acid and ursolic acid shall not be less than 0.50%.
Usage & Dosage
煎服，6～9g。亦可入丸、散剂，或浸酒服用。外用适量，煎水洗患处。
Contraindications
Use with caution in cases of internal heat stagnation with scanty dark urine. Not suitable for those with excessive stomach acid. Contraindicated in cases of lower back and knee weakness due to deficiency of essence and blood, or insufficiency of true Yin. Not suitable for those with food stagnation, abdominal distension, and constipation. Contraindicated in diarrhea due to damp-heat accumulation. Mù Guā has an antidiuretic effect. Excessive consumption may cause difficulty in urination. Those with urinary obstruction or difficulty in urination should avoid overconsumption. Contraindicated during pregnancy, especially unripe (green) fruit, as it may interfere with hormonal balance and adversely affect the fetus.
Selected Formulas
For vomiting and diarrhea with muscle spasms (cold pattern) (Sanyin Fang, Mugua Tang) Take 1 liang of dried Mugua (Chaenomeles fruit), 0.5 liang of Wuzhuyu (Evodia, processed in hot water seven times), 1 fen of Huixiang (Fennel), and 1 qian of honey-fried Gancao (Licorice). Chop into powder. Take 4 qian each time, add 1.5 cups of water, 3 slices of ginger, and 10 leaves of Zisu (Perilla). Decoct to 70%, strain, and take before meals. For vomiting and diarrhea with muscle spasms (heat pattern) (Huoluan Lun, Canshi Tang) Take Mugua together with Cansha (Silkworm excrement), Yiyiren (Coix seed), and Huanglian (Coptis). Decoct in water and drink. For neck stiffness and inability to turn (Benshi Fang, Mugua Jian) Take two Xuanzhou Mugua fruits (remove the top and core). Take 2 liang of Moyao (Myrrh, ground) and 1 liang of Ruxiang (Frankincense, ground). Place the two ground herbs inside the Mugua, cover with the removed tops, secure with bamboo sticks, steam over rice 3-4 times until soft, then grind into a paste. Take 3-5 spoonfuls each time, dissolved in Rehmannia wine. For urticaria (empirical formula) Take 18g of Mugua, decoct in water, and take in two divided doses, one dose daily. For rheumatic numbness (empirical formula) Take 60g of Mugua, soak in 500g of white liquor for one week. Take one small cup daily. For damp-heat beriberi (empirical formula) Take 15g each of Mugua and Yiyiren, 9g each of Baizhu (Atractylodes) and Fuling (Poria), and 6g of Huangbai (Phellodendron). Decoct in water and drink. For dyspepsia (empirical formula) Take 10g of Mugua, 15g each of Maiya (Malt) and Guya (Rice sprout), and 3g of Muxiang (Costus root). Decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
Soup: Mù Guā is often stewed with ingredients such as pig trotters, mutton, or white fungus to expel wind-dampness while nourishing the body. Congee: Take Mù Guā, aged tangerine peel, and loofah sponge, 5 g each, and decoct to extract the juice. Add 50 g of polished round-grained rice and cook into congee. Add rock sugar and simmer briefly before serving. Medicinal Wine: Crush Mù Guā and Achyranthes root, 50 g each, and place them in a container. Add 500 ml of white wine, seal, and soak for 7 days. Strain to remove the solids and retain the liquid. Take 10–15 ml twice daily. Medicinal Tea: Combine Mù Guā 5 g, fresh ginger 3 g, licorice 3 g, and scented tea 3 g. Steep in boiling water and drink. It helps warm the middle and stop diarrhea. Wine Steep for Regular Consumption: Mù Guā alone may be steeped in wine for regular consumption to consolidate the therapeutic effect on wind-dampness arthralgia and pain.
Medicinal Parts
Dried nearly mature fruit.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and insects. It may be kept in a ventilated, dry area or in a dry, airtight container. For large-scale storage, a low-temperature cold storage may be used. During harvesting and processing, avoid cutting with iron knives, as this may cause the cut surface to darken.
