Firmianae Semen
Aliases：Piáo Er Guǒ (Scoop Fruit), Tóng Má Wān (Hemp Pea), Fèng Yǎn Guǒ (Phoenix Eye Fruit), Hóng Huā Guǒ (Red Flower Fruit), Piāo Er Guǒ (Floating Fruit); Miao medicinal name: Gā Gòng Dòu Cuō Luò.
Wú Tóng Zǐ is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the seed of Firmiana platanifolia (L.f.) Marsili, a plant belonging to the family Sterculiaceae. According to legend, the phoenix “rests only upon the parasol tree,” and the tree has been regarded as a symbol of nobility since ancient times. The seed is spherical, resembling a pea, approximately 5–8 mm in diameter. The surface is yellowish-brown to brown with a slight luster and distinctly raised reticulate wrinkles. It is light and hard; the outer seed coat is relatively brittle and easily cracked, while the inner seed coat is tough. When the seed coat is removed, several layers of pale red perisperm are visible, enclosing a thick, pale yellow endosperm that is oily in texture, with two thin, large cotyledons. It has a faint odor and a slightly sweet taste. Those that are plump, intact, and pale green are considered to be of the best quality. Wú Tóng Zǐ was first recorded in Bencao Jingjizhu (Collected Commentaries on the Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes Qi flow and harmonizes the Stomach; strengthens the Spleen and aids digestion; stops bleeding. It is also recorded as having the effects of regulating Qi, relieving pain, benefiting the Lung, and consolidating the Kidneys.
Indications
Indicated for epigastric pain, diarrhea due to improper diet, hernia, premature greying of hair, infantile mouth sores, and epistaxis (nosebleed). In addition, it may also be used for food stagnation and diarrhea.
Modern Pharmacology
Hemostatic effects: The decoction of Wú Tóng Zǐ shortens traumatic bleeding time in rats. The total alkaloids, administered intraperitoneally at 84 mg/kg or orally at 168 mg/kg, show significant hemostatic effects on tail-tip bleeding in rats. The mechanism may be related to promoting platelet adhesion and aggregation. Studies have also shown that multiple compounds isolated from Wú Tóng Zǐ extract exhibit procoagulant activity in vitro, with some compounds demonstrating effects comparable to Yunnan Baiyao. Antihypertensive effects: Intravenous administration of total alkaloids of Wú Tóng Zǐ at 0.3–1.2 g/kg to anesthetized rabbits and cats causes a rapid decrease in blood pressure, accompanied by a slowed heart rate. The antihypertensive effect may be related to the inhibition of cholinesterase, leading to M receptor excitation. Study on anticoagulant active components: Modern research has conducted systematic isolation and purification of the 85% ethanol extract of Wú Tóng Zǐ, guided by anticoagulant activity.
Ingredients
Wú Tóng Zǐ contains fatty oil, with fatty acids including sterculic acid, malvalic acid, and others. In addition, it contains alkaloids with hemostatic effects and caffeine. Eighteen compounds have been isolated from the 85% ethanol extract of Wú Tóng Zǐ.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 3–9 g; or 3–10 g; or grind into powder, 2–3 g. It should be crushed before use. The seeds may also be stir-fried until fragrant, shelled, and eaten. For external use: apply an appropriate amount, calcined to preserve its properties, ground into powder, and applied to the affected area.
Contraindications
Excessive consumption may cause deafness—Tiaojí Yǐnshí Biàn (Discrimination of Dietetics) records: "Excessive consumption may cause deafness; those with pre-existing ear conditions should not take it." Not suitable for those with cough and profuse phlegm—Shaanxi Chinese Materia Medica records: "Those with cough and profuse phlegm should not consume it." Use with caution during pregnancy. Fresh Wú Tóng Zǐ contains trace amounts of toxic substances and should be stir-fried or roasted to reduce potential risks.
Selected Formulas
For epigastric pain (empirical formula) Take Wutongzi (Firmiana simplex seed), grind into fine powder. Take 5g each time with warm water, twice daily. For abdominal pain and diarrhea due to food injury (empirical formula) Take Wutongzi, stir-fry until charred, grind into powder, and take 3g each time. Alternatively, take 15g of stir-fried Wutongzi and 12g of Qingtengxiang (a local herb), grind into fine powder, and take 3g each time with boiled water. For hernia (empirical formula) Take Wutongzi, stir-fry until fragrant, shell, and eat. For infantile oral ulcers (Bencao Gangmu) Take several Wutongzi, burn to charcoal while retaining their properties, grind into fine powder, mix with egg white to form a paste, and apply to the affected area three times daily. For premature graying of hair (empirical formula) Take 9g of Wutongzi, 15g of Heshouwu (Polygonum multiflorum), 9g of Heizhima (black sesame), and 15g of Shudi (Prepared Rehmannia). Decoct in water and drink. For chronic asthma (empirical formula) Take one strand of Wutongzi, wrap in damp paper, roast over a fire, then place on the ground to cool and release heat. Grind into powder and take on an empty stomach with well water.
Daily Consumption
Stir-fried consumption: In autumn, when the seeds are mature, harvest them and stir-fry over low heat until the outer shells crack slightly and a rich aroma develops, then consume. Raw consumption: When mature, the seeds may be eaten raw directly. Wine infusion: Add 100 g of Wú Tóng Zǐ to 500 ml of white wine, steep to make a medicinal wine, and consume no more than 50 ml daily.
Medicinal Parts
The dried mature seed of Firmiana simplex (L.) W. Wight, a plant belonging to the family Sterculiaceae.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container in a ventilated, dry place. Protect from insects.
