Folium Mayteni Confertiflori
Aliases：Ya Leng Ce (Zhuang language).
Crown-Flowered Mayten is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the leaf of Maytenus confertiflorus J. Y. Luo et X. X. Chen, a plant in the genus Maytenus of the family Celastraceae. It grows in limestone mountain forest environments. It was first recorded in Acta Phytotaxonomica Sinica and is documented in Chinese Materia Medica, Flora Reipublicae Popularis Sinicae, Practical Yao Medicine, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels Blood stasis and relieves pain; removes toxin and reduces swelling.
Indications
Traumatic injuries; low back pain; unnamed swellings and toxic sores. It also possesses antitumor activity and has been used in modern times in trials for treating cancer (such as liver cancer).
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Crown-Flowered Mayten possesses the following significant pharmacological activities: Antitumor effect: The crude extracts of both the leaves and stems exhibit anticancer activity, with the stems showing higher activity. Maytansine was isolated from the leaves, and maytansine and maytanprine were isolated from the stems. Maytansine inhibits HepaA liver cancer, melanoma, and EAC tumor xenograft models. Maytansine binds to tubulin, inhibits microtubule polymerization, and induces microtubule depolymerization, thereby inhibiting mitosis of tumor cells. This mechanism is similar to that of microtubule-targeting drugs such as vincristine. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that maytansine efficiently inhibits DNA synthesis in tumor cells and possesses a broad antitumor spectrum in experimental animals, a low effective dose, and a large safety margin, thereby attracting widespread attention both domestically and internationally. Antibacterial effect: Crown-Flowered Mayten possesses antibacterial activity. Chemical constituents and in vitro antitumor activity: A study on chemical constituents and antitumor activity published in 2024 isolated 17 compounds from the stems and leaves of Crown-Flowered Mayten and evaluated the in vitro antitumor activity of triterpenoids using the MTT assay. Some triterpenoids exhibited in vitro antitumor activity. Note: The above pharmacological findings are mainly derived from preliminary experiments and antitumor activity screening of leaf and stem extracts of Crown-Flowered Mayten, and dedicated systematic pharmacological research is still ongoing. Special warning: This product is toxic. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use, and it must not be used without authorization.
Ingredients
The leaves and stems of Crown-Flowered Mayten mainly contain the following active constituents: Alkaloids (principal anticancer active constituents): Maytansine (C₃₄H₄₆ClN₃O₁₀); Maytanprine. Triterpenoids: Confertiflorol (a new triterpenoid compound); Canophyllol; Dulcitol; Friedelin; Calocarpol. Others: Succinic acid; Syringic acid; 3-Oxykojic acid; Loliolide; Daucosterol; Kaempferol and kaempferol glycoside; Flavonoids, hexoses, rhamnose, and others.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 15–30 g; in large doses, up to 60 g may be used. External use: Appropriate amount. Fresh material is pounded into a paste and applied topically.
Contraindications
This product is toxic and must not be used without authorization. Its clinical application must strictly follow a physician's prescription and be conducted under professional guidance. The dosage and course of treatment prescribed by the physician must be strictly followed; self-modification should be avoided. Contraindicated in pregnant women, breastfeeding women, infants and young children, and individuals with impaired liver or kidney function. Use with caution in the elderly and debilitated individuals. Use with caution in individuals with an allergic constitution.
Selected Formulas
1、 For traumatic injuries (Practical Yao Medicine) Take 30g each of Mihua Meidengmu (Maytenus confertiflora) and Sumu (Caesalpinia sappan), and 250ml of rice wine. Soak together for later use, and apply externally to the affected area. 2、 For unnamed toxic swellings (Practical Yao Medicine) Take appropriate amounts of Mihua Meidengmu, Tudahuang (a local herb), and Tujinqian (a local herb). Decoct in water for external washing. 3、 For low back pain (folk usage, Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 1981) Folk use: pound the leaves with wine and apply for low back pain.
Medicinal Parts
Leaf.
Selection & Storage
Dried material should be stored in a well-ventilated, dry place. Protect from moisture and insect damage. Airtight storage is recommended. Avoid direct sunlight. Special note: Crown-Flowered Mayten is toxic. It should be stored separately from other medicinal materials and clearly labeled with a prominent toxicity warning to prevent accidental misuse.
