Sapii Sebiferi Cortex / Sapii Sebiferi Radicis Cortex / Sapii Sebiferi Folium
Aliases：Wū Jiù Mù, Yā Jiù, Mù Zǐ Shù, Mù Là Shù, Mù Yóu Shù, Jiù Shù, Mù Zǐ Shù, Là Zhú Shù, Qióng Shù, Juǎn Zǐ Shù, Zōng Bái Shù, Hóng Xīn Láng, Hóng Shù, Xuè Xuè Mù, Jiù Zǐ Shù, Là Shù, Hóng Wū Jiù, Wáng Jīng Zǐ.
Wū Jiù is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is derived from the root bark, stem bark, or leaves of Sapium sebiferum (L.) Roxb. (also known as Triadica sebifera (L.) Small), a plant belonging to the genus Sapium of the family Euphorbiaceae. This plant is a deciduous tree reaching up to 15 meters in height, containing white latex throughout. The bark is dark gray with longitudinal cracks. The leaves are alternate, papery, rhombic to broadly rhombic-ovate, 3–9 cm long and wide, with two glands at the apex of the petiole. The flowers are unisexual, monoecious, arranged in terminal spikes. The capsule is ellipsoid-globose, turning brown when mature, dehiscing loculicidally into three valves, each containing one seed. The seeds are subglobose, black, and covered with a white waxy layer. The flowering period is from April to July, and the fruiting period is from October to December. The medicinal use of Wū Jiù dates back to the Tang Dynasty, as recorded in the Xinxiu Bencao (Newly Revised Materia Medica). As the entire plant is toxic, Wū Jiù is also listed as a toxic plant in the Chinese Plant Atlas Database.
Efficacy & Actions
Discharges the bowels and expels water; reduces swelling and dissipates masses; detoxifies and kills parasites; unblocks the bowels.
Indications
Indicated for edema, ascites, abdominal masses, constipation, urinary retention, furuncles and carbuncles, eczema, scabies, and snakebites. It is also used for schistosomiasis and cirrhotic ascites. For external use, it is indicated for boils, corns, mastitis, traumatic injuries, and dermatitis. The leaves of Wū Jiù have also been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of shingles and skin fungal infections.
Modern Pharmacology
Antibacterial activity: Extracts of Wū Jiù exhibit inhibitory effects against various bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Anti-inflammatory activity: Leaf extracts show significant anti-inflammatory activity. Antihypertensive effect: Wū Jiù has blood pressure-lowering effects. Laxative effect: The root bark promotes defecation. Antiparasitic effect: Exhibits insecticidal activity and can be used in the control of schistosomiasis. Antioxidant activity: The leaves are rich in phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. Antileukemic activity: The diterpenoid ester compounds contained in the seeds have shown antileukemic activity.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: Kaempferol, quercetin, isoquercitrin, hyperoside, rutin, and others Phenolic acids: Gallic acid, ellagic acid, ethyl gallate, and others Coumarins: 7-hydroxy-6-methoxycoumarin, and others Terpenoids: Triterpenoids and diterpenoids Others: Shikimic acid, xanthoxylin, tannins, bitter principles, alkaloids, saponins, sterols, and others The seeds contain fatty oil, which includes palmitic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, margaric acid, and others.
Usage & Dosage
Root bark for oral administration: Decoct in water, 9–12 g; or 3–9 g. May also be made into pills or powders. Leaves for oral administration: Decoct in water, 9–15 g. Seeds for oral administration: Decoct in water, 3–6 g. External use: Apply an appropriate amount; crush fresh leaves and apply topically to the affected area, or decoct in water for washing. Seeds may also be crushed for topical application or decocted for washing.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with debility. Contraindicated during pregnancy. Contraindicated in patients with ulcer disease. Contraindicated in the elderly and those with weak constitution. This product is toxic; caution should be exercised when taken in high doses.
Selected Formulas
For edema, difficult urination, and general swelling (Taiping Shenghui Fang) Take 2 liang of Wujiu (Sapium sebiferum) bark, 1 liang of Mutong (Akebia, chopped), and 1 liang of Binlang (Areca). Grind into fine powder. Take 2 qian each time, at any time, mixed with rice water. For abdominal distension (tympanites) (Lingnan Herbal Medicine) Take 30–90g of Wujiu root bark (second layer, chopped), a handful of rice, stir-fry until slightly yellow, add 9g of Huangqi (Astragalus), and decoct in water to drink. Alternatively, grind with rice into a paste, add sugar, cook, and take once daily for 3–6 consecutive days. For difficult urination (Zhouhou Fang) Take Wujiu bark, decoct in water, and drink. For constipation (Doumen Fang) Take a square inch of Wujiu root wood, split it open, decoct in water to obtain half a small cup, and drink. For venomous snake bite (Lingnan Herbal Medicine) Take 30g (fresh) or 15g (dried) of Wujiu root bark (second layer), crush, mix with an appropriate amount of rice wine, and strain. Drink until slightly intoxicated, and apply the wine residue around the wound. For eczema and tinea (Shaan-Gan-Ning-Qing Chinese Herbal Medicine Selection) Take an appropriate amount of Wujiu root bark or leaves, decoct in a strong concentration, and wash the affected area externally. For traumatic injury (Fujian Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 15g of dried Wujiu root bark (second layer), stew with wine and drink; crush fresh leaves and apply to the injured area. For cracked hands and feet (Jiangxi Herbal Medicine Manual) Take Wujiu seeds, decoct in water, and wash. For eczema (Mindong Bencao) Take fresh Wujiu seeds, crush and wrap in gauze, then rub the affected area.
Daily Consumption
Wū Jiù is a toxic medicinal herb and should not be used as a daily food ingredient. All medicinal use must be conducted under the guidance of a qualified physician. Self-collection, preparation, or consumption is strictly prohibited. The white waxy layer on the seeds can be used for industrial purposes such as candle-making and soap-making, but it is not edible.
Medicinal Parts
Root bark, stem bark, leaves, or seeds. Root bark with large pieces, thick texture, and bitter taste is considered to be of the best quality.
Selection & Storage
Root bark and stem bark: Can be collected throughout the year. Peel off the bark, remove the cork layer, wash, moisten thoroughly, cut into thick slices, dry in the sun, and store in a dry place. Leaves: Mostly used fresh, or dried for later use. Seeds: Harvest when the fruit is ripe, remove the seeds, and use fresh or dry in the sun. The entire plant is toxic. Warning labels should be affixed during storage to prevent accidental ingestion.
