Fructus Pterocaryae Stenopterae
Aliases：A Flock of Ducks; A Gaggle of Geese (Compilation of Common Folk Herbal Medicines).
Chinese Wingnut Fruit is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the fruit of Pterocarya stenoptera C. DC., a plant in the genus Pterocarya of the family Juglandaceae. It grows in plains, stream banks, and shaded mountain mixed forests at elevations below 1,500 meters. It is recorded in Chinese Materia Medica, Compilation of Common Folk Herbal Medicines, Chinese Herbal Medicine Communications, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Warms the Lungs and relieves cough; removes toxin and promotes wound healing.
Indications
Wind-cold cough; sores, ulcers, and toxic swellings; Tianpao sores (pemphigus).
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological research on Chinese Wingnut Fruit specifically remains insufficient. The following findings are primarily derived from analyses of the chemical constituents of its fatty oil and related activity studies, and are provided for reference: Medicinal value of fatty acid constituents: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to analyze the chemical constituents of fatty acids in the fatty oil of Chinese Wingnut Fruit. Nine fatty acids were identified, including γ-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitic acid, with unsaturated fatty acids such as γ-linolenic acid and linoleic acid as the principal constituents. The medicinally valuable γ-linolenic acid and linoleic acid account for 80.5% of the total fatty acid content. Both γ-linolenic acid and linoleic acid are essential fatty acids for humans and possess potential activities in regulating blood lipids, anti-inflammation, and immune regulation, adding new dimensions to the medicinal value of this traditional Chinese medicine. Note: The above research is primarily derived from analyses of the fatty oil constituents of Chinese Wingnut Fruit. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Chinese Wingnut Fruit remains to be further conducted. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
Chinese Wingnut Fruit mainly contains the following constituents: Fatty oils (principal constituents): γ-Linolenic acid. Linoleic acid. Palmitic acid. A total of nine fatty acids. Others: It also contains flavonoids, volatile oils, and other active constituents. Note: Systematic chemical studies on Chinese Wingnut Fruit remain insufficient. The seeds contain fatty oil, which is one of its principal active constituents.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 9–25 g. External use: Appropriate amount, decocted in water for washing.
Contraindications
Use with caution for oral administration; use sparingly in debilitated individuals (Chongqing Herbal Medicine). Use with caution in pregnant women and individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. Do not overdose; overdose may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or toxic reactions. For external application, do not use on broken skin; individuals with an allergic constitution should first test on a small area. Avoid entry into the mouth (for the pemphigus external wash formula).
Selected Formulas
For Tianpao sores (blistering skin disease) (Southern Medicine, Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 500g each of tender leaves and fruits of Chinese wingnut (Pterocarya stenoptera). Decoct in water to make one basinful; use the liquid for external washing. Do not take orally.
Daily Consumption
Infusion for drinking: Crush dried Chinese Wingnut Fruit and brew with boiling water. This helps relieve mild gastrointestinal discomfort. A single dose should not exceed 5 g. Avoid drinking it on an empty stomach.
Medicinal Parts
Fruit.
Selection & Storage
Dried material should be stored in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and insect damage. Airtight storage is recommended. Avoid direct sunlight. Fresh material should be used promptly or refrigerated for short-term storage.
