Pterocarya stenoptera Leaf
Aliases：Fēng Yáng Yè (literally "Maple‑Poplar Leaf" — the standard name for the leaf), Liǔ Shù Yè (literally "Willow Tree Leaf" — a common misnomer due to its willow‑like appearance), Má Liǔ (literally "Hemp Willow" — the most common alternative name for the plant), Fēng Liǔ (literally "Maple Willow" — another name referring to its maple‑like leaves), Wú Gōng Liǔ (literally "Centipede Willow" — named for the arrangement of its leaflets resembling a centipede), Shuǐ Má Liǔ (literally "Water Hemp Willow" — named for its habitat near water), Píng Yáng Liǔ (literally "Flat Willow" — possibly referring to its flat leaf shape), and Yuán Bǎo Shù (literally "Ingot Tree" — named for its fruit shape resembling a Chinese ingot). These are all alternative names for 麻柳叶 (Má Liǔ Yè)， i.e., the dried leaf of Pterocarya stenoptera C. DC.
Má Liǔ Yè (Leaf of Pterocarya stenoptera) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried leaf of Pterocarya stenoptera C. DC., a plant belonging to the family Juglandaceae. It was first recorded in Cao Mu Bian Fang (Simple Prescriptions of Plants).
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels wind and relieves pain, kills parasites and relieves itching, and detoxifies and heals sores.
Indications
Rheumatic arthralgia, toothache and knee joint pain, scabies and ringworm, eczema, trichomoniasis, burns, wounds and non‑healing ulcers, schistosomiasis, and cough with wheezing.
Modern Pharmacology
Antibacterial effects. Anti‑schistosomal effects. Leptospira‑killing effects: Shows good leptospira‑killing activity at dilutions of 1:100 or higher.
Ingredients
Salicylic acid, lactones, and phenolic components. High content of ascorbic acid (1470 mg%).
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 6–15 g. For topical application: use an appropriate amount, decoct in water for external washing; soak in ethanol for application; or mash for external application.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy. Not suitable for those with Yin deficiency. This product is slightly toxic and should be used under the guidance of a physician.
Selected Formulas
For tinea (skin fungal infection) (empirical formula) Take 60g of fresh Maliu leaf (Pterocarya stenoptera), chop finely, and soak in 500g of ethanol for 1 week. Dip a cotton swab in the liquid and apply to the affected area 1-2 times daily; or decoct the leaves in water and wash. For prurigo (itchy skin rash) (empirical formula) Take Maliu leaves, Maoxiucai (a local herb), Qianliguang (Senecio scandens), and Liuzhi (willow twigs). Decoct in water and wash. For toothache (empirical formula) Take Maliu leaves, crush them into a pulp, and pack into the affected tooth or hold in the mouth. For interdigital eczema (athlete's foot) (empirical formula) Take Fengyang leaves, crush and apply to the affected area. For knee joint pain (empirical formula) Take Fengyang leaves and Hu'er Cao (Saxifraga stolonifera), crush and apply to the affected area. For trichomonal vaginitis (empirical formula) Take an appropriate amount of fresh Fengyang leaves and Shechuangzi (Cnidium monnieri), decoct in water to a concentrated liquid, and use for fumigation and washing.
Medicinal Parts
Dried leaf.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
