Xi Shu喜树
Fructus et Cortex CamptothecaeCancer Tree
Also known asHappy Tree · Tree of Joy
- Category
- Herbs that invigorate Blood
- Nature
- cold
- Taste
- bitter
- Dosage
- 9–15 g
Usual doses
- Root Cortex
- 9–15 g
- Fruit
- 3–9 g
Actions & indications
- Disperses Stagnant Blood, disperses accumulation and inhibits carcinoma
- Common colds, psoriasis, liver problems and digestive problems
- Brain tumors, liver cancer, gastric cancer, leukemia, esophageal cancer, rectal cancer, carcinoma of bladder and other kinds of cancer
Contraindications
Decocting this herb in iron vessels is prohibited.
Notes
- Xi Shu is listed among endangered plants, and as a result China has restricted exports of Camptotheca acuminata.
- The Chinese have used this herb for centuries to treat psoriasis and disorders of the Liver, Gallbladder, Spleen, and Stomach.
- It is also known as the "cancer tree," named for its main constituent camptothecin, which inhibits topoisomerase I — the enzyme involved in cell division and DNA replication.