Residuum Sacchari Sinensis
Aliases：Sugarcane Residue (Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica); Bagasse.
Ganzhezi (Bagasse) is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the residue remaining after the sugar juice has been pressed from Saccharum sinensis Roxb., a plant in the family Poaceae. It is recorded in Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu), Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu Shiyi), Jiusheng Kuhai, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears Heat and removes toxin.
Indications
Tinea capitis (white ringworm of the head in children); carbuncles and deep-rooted abscesses; furuncles.
Modern Pharmacology
For infantile head sores and tinea capitis (Bencao Gangmu) Take sugarcane dregs, burn until charred while retaining properties, grind into powder, mix with Chinese tallow tree oil, and apply frequently until healed. For back carbuncle and malignant sores, to close the wound and promote tissue growth (Jiusheng Kuhai) Take sugarcane dregs, sun-dry, calcine until charred while retaining properties, grind extremely fine, sieve the powder and fill the sore cavity, then cover with a plaster. For furuncles (Bencao Gangmu Shiyi) Take sugarcane dregs, sun-dry, burn into ash using a lamp with pure sesame oil, mix evenly with saliva, use a silver needle to prick open the sore, and apply the ash. Adding pearl oil and rouge for mixing enhances the effect.
Ingredients
Bagasse mainly contains the following constituents: Polysaccharides (principal active constituents): Bagasse is rich in polysaccharides, which provide the material basis for its antitumor and immunomodulatory activities. Alkanols: Total alkanols and octacosanol, with content limits of not less than 55.0% for total alkanols and not less than 45.0% for octacosanol. Sugarcane tips, bagasse, and mill mud contain n-octacosanol and three other major sterols (campesterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol). Cellulose: Crude fiber is a major constituent. Mineral elements: N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and others, among which Ca, Mg, and Fe are relatively abundant. Sterols: Campesterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol. Note: Systematic chemical studies on Bagasse remain insufficient. The above constituents are largely derived from analyses of bagasse and its extracts. Total ash shall not exceed 6.0% (General Rule 2302, Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2025 edition).
Usage & Dosage
External use: Appropriate amount. Calcined while retaining its properties, ground into powder and sprinkled on the affected area, or mixed into a paste for topical application.
Contraindications
When burned, the smoke must not be allowed to enter the eyes, as it can cause blindness (Compendium of Materia Medica). This product is for external use and is generally not to be taken orally. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it under the guidance of a physician. Individuals with an allergic constitution should use it with caution.
Selected Formulas
For infantile head sores and tinea capitis (Bencao Gangmu) Take sugarcane dregs, burn until charred while retaining properties, grind into powder, mix with Chinese tallow tree oil, and apply frequently until healed. For back carbuncle and malignant sores, to close the wound and promote tissue growth (Jiusheng Kuhai) Take sugarcane dregs, sun-dry, calcine until charred while retaining properties, grind extremely fine, sieve the powder and fill the sore cavity, then cover with a plaster. For furuncles (Bencao Gangmu Shiyi) Take sugarcane dregs, sun-dry, burn into ash using a lamp with pure sesame oil, mix evenly with saliva, use a silver needle to prick open the sore, and apply the ash. Adding pearl oil and rouge for mixing enhances the effect.
Medicinal Parts
The residue remaining after the sugar juice has been pressed out.
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.
