Radix seu Cortex seu Flos Koelreuteriae Bipinnatae
Aliases：Dispels Wind and clears Heat; relieves cough; kills parasites.
Chinese Flame Tree is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the root, root bark, or flower of Koelreuteria bipinnata Franch., a plant in the family Sapindaceae. It grows in open mountain forests at elevations of 400–2,500 meters. It is recorded in Guizhou Herbal Medicine, Dictionary of Chinese Materia Medica, Chinese Materia Medica, and other herbal works. Its flowers can clear the Liver and improve vision, and can also be used as a yellow dye; the seed oil can be used for industrial purposes.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispels Wind and clears Heat; relieves cough; kills parasites.
Indications
Wind-heat cough; ascariasis (roundworm infection); eye pain with tearing (flowers); hernia pain (flowers and fruits); low back pain (flowers and fruits); Wind-Dampness-Heat arthralgia; traumatic swelling and pain.
Modern Pharmacology
Dedicated pharmacological research on Chinese Flame Tree itself remains insufficient. The following findings are primarily derived from network pharmacology studies on its seed kernel oil and are provided for reference: Mechanism of seed kernel oil in treating fatty liver: Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking studies, six core active constituents were identified in the seed kernel oil of Chinese Flame Tree—eicosenoic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, erucic acid, and arachidic acid. Sixty-nine targets related to the treatment of fatty liver were screened. Five core target proteins—ALB, IGF1, PPARα, PPARγ, and SRC—were predicted to be potentially involved, exerting therapeutic effects on fatty liver through the interaction between active constituents and targets. The seed kernel oil of Chinese Flame Tree exhibits multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics in the treatment of fatty liver. Note: The above research is a predictive study based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. It has not yet been validated through in vivo experiments or clinical trials. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
The root, root bark, and flowers of Chinese Flame Tree mainly contain the following active constituents: Volatile constituents in the flowers: α-Pinene (alpha-pinene), content up to 80.69%. β-Pinene (beta-pinene), content 5.56%. Myrcene, content 2.81%. p-Xylene, content 1.74%. (3E)-4,8-Dimethylnona-1,3,7-triene, content 1.13%. Fatty acids in the seed kernel oil: Eicosenoic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, erucic acid, and arachidic acid. Others: Flavonoids. Triterpenoid saponins. β-Sitosterol.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Decocted in water, 9–15 g. External use: Appropriate amount, pounded and applied topically, or decocted in water for washing.
Contraindications
Not suitable for individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it under the guidance of a physician. Not suitable for long-term or high-dose use.
Selected Formulas
For wind-heat cough (Guizhou Herbal Medicine) Take 5 qian (about 15g) of the root or flower of Fu Yu Ye Luan Shu (Koelreuteria bipinnata). Simmer in water and take, three times daily. For ascariasis (roundworm infection) (Guizhou Herbal Medicine) Take 3 qian (about 9g) of the root bark. Simmer in water and take, 2–3 times daily. For eye pain with tearing (Hunan Materia Medica) Take 1–2 flowers of Fu Yu Ye Luan Shu. Decoct in water and drink. For hernia (Hunan Materia Medica) Take 2–4 fruits of Fu Yu Ye Luan Shu and 15g of litchi seed (Lizhihe). Cook with pig kidney and eat.
Daily Consumption
Chinese Flame Tree is a medicinal plant and is generally not consumed as a daily food. Its flowers can be used as a yellow dye. In folk practice, its fruits are occasionally cooked with pig kidney and consumed (for hernia). This is a medicinal dietary use and should be used with caution under the guidance of a physician.
Medicinal Parts
Root, root bark, or flower.
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. Fresh material should be used promptly or refrigerated for short-term storage.
