Mu-bie-zi is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It consists of the dried, mature seeds of Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng., a plant in the genus Momordica of the Cucurbitaceae family. It is effective in dispersing nodules, reducing swelling, eliminating toxins, and treating sores.It is primarily used to treat abscesses, swellings caused by toxins, mastitis, scrofula, hemorrhoids and fistulas, psoriasis, and alopecia.
Wood Turtle Seed
Mu-bie-zi is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It consists of the dried, mature seeds of Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) Spreng., a plant in the genus Momordica of the Cucurbitaceae family. It is effective in dispersing nodules, reducing swelling, eliminating toxins, and treating sores.It is primarily used to treat abscesses, swellings caused by toxins, mastitis, scrofula, hemorrhoids and fistulas, psoriasis, and alopecia.
Chinese Name : 木鳖子
Latin Name : Momordicae Semen
Aliases : Wood Crab, Wood Turtle, Shelled Wood Turtle, Leilingzi, Ditongzi, Tengtongzi, Duck-Dung Melon Seed, Wood Turtle Melon
Authentic Producing Area : Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Hubei
Nature, Flavor & Meridian Tropism : Bitter and slightly sweet in taste; cool in nature; enters the Liver, Spleen, and Stomach meridians
Benefits & Efficacy
Benefits
Dispels nodules and reduces swelling; eliminates toxins and treats sores.
Indications
Ulcers and swollen abscesses, mastitis, scrofula, hemorrhoids and fistulas, psoriasis, alopecia.
Usage and Dosage
1. Internal use: Incorporate into pills or powders, 0.9–1.2 g. 2. External use: Apply an appropriate amount; grind into a powder and mix with vinegar or oil to form a poultice; or apply the juice directly; or decoct into a solution for fumigation or washing.
Precautions
Use with caution during pregnancy.
Chemical Constituents
It primarily contains saponins (Gleditsia saponin I, II,Mucuna dinin I and Ic), proteins, and peptides (Mucuna glycoprotein S, N-pterostilbene pentapeptide), as well as α-spinastanol, mucunaic acid, α-tungic acid, oleanolic acid, and mucunaic acid, among others.
Pharmacological Actions
Toona sinensis exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor effects.
Relevant Discussions
1. *Compendium of Materia Medica*: “Treats malnutrition-induced masses and lumps, promotes bowel movements to relieve diarrhea and dysentery, and treats hemorrhoids, tumors, and scrofula.”
2. *In Search of the Origins of Materia Medica*: “Treats all conditions of cold and dampness stagnating with heat that lead to gout and paralysis. Relieves arthralgia, atrophy and cold extremities, beriberi, contractures, and knee deformities.”
3. *Ben Cao Zheng*: “Mu Bie Zi is highly toxic; the statement in *Ben Cao* that it is sweet, warm, and non-toxic is erroneous. We have observed that it can kill a venomous dog in an instant—could such a result be possible if it were not highly toxic? If a person ingests it, they will suffer from cold invasion and shivering that cannot be relieved.As for its therapeutic uses, it should be ground with vinegar and applied as a poultice to treat swollen abscesses, mastitis, hemorrhoids with fistulas, and swollen, painful throat conditions. Rinsing the throat with this vinegar solution draws out phlegm and expels it, thereby alleviating heat toxins; it must not be swallowed. It may also be combined with cinnabar and mugwort leaves, rolled into a tube, and used to fumigate scabies—it is highly effective at killing parasites—or boiled with sesame oil and rubbed onto tinea, which is also beneficial.”
4. *Commentary on the Classic of Materia Medica*: “Mu Bie Zi is an essential herb for dispersing blood heat and eliminating abscess toxins. Conditions such as nodular swellings, malignant sores, dry and dark acne, anal swelling and pain, and mastitis in women are all caused by blood heat. In cases of fractures, blood stasis also leads to fever.Its sweet and warm nature promotes the free flow of the meridians, thereby dispersing blood heat; once blood heat is dispersed, all these conditions will be cured. Its ability to relieve lower back pain refers specifically to cases caused by damp-heat invading the lower body, and should not be equated with conditions resulting from kidney deficiency; users should take note of this distinction. Although its taste is sweet, its nature is extremely warm. Although the *Classic of Materia Medica* states it is non-toxic, it is not entirely free of toxicity; therefore, it should only be used externally and not taken internally.”
Applications
Clinical Applications
1. To treat boils and various toxic swellings, stir-fry it with Aconite Root (Cao Wu) and Pinellia (Ban Xia) until charred, then grind into a fine powder. Mix with water and apply externally as a poultice, such as in the “Black Dragon Ointment” (Yi Zong Jin Jian).
2. To treat swollen and painful hemorrhoids, combine equal parts with Schizonepeta (Jing Jie) and Sodium Nitrate (Pu Xiao), decoct into a solution, and use for fumigation and washing (Pu Ji Fang).
3. To treat scrofula and phlegm nodules, crush this herb, mix it into an egg, steam until cooked, and consume—as in the Mu-bie Ointment (from *Ren Zhai Zhi Zhi Fang*).
4. To treat contusions, bruises, and pain from blood stasis and swelling, grind it into a powder with Cinnamon Bark and Cloves, mix with rice porridge cooked in ginger juice to form a paste, and apply externally—as in the Mu-bie Wrapping Formula (from *Sheng Ji Zong Lu*).
5. To treat arthralgia and paralysis, combine with frankincense to form a powder; mix with vegetable oil and beeswax to make an ointment. Take a small amount and rub it into the affected area continuously until it feels extremely hot, as in the Mu Bie Zi Ointment (*Bai Yi Xuan Fang*).
Related Compatibility
1. Mu Bie Zi combined with Pangolin Scale: Mu Bie Zi disperses nodules, reduces swelling, eliminates toxins, and treats sores; Pangolin Scale promotes blood circulation, unblocks meridians, reduces swelling, and drains pus. When used together, these two herbs enhance the effects of promoting blood circulation, dispersing nodules, reducing swelling, and draining pus. This combination is suitable for treating abscesses, swellings, toxic sores, and scrofula.
2. Mu Bie Zi combined with Pu Huang: Mu Bie Zi excels at reducing swelling and relieving pain; Pu Huang is effective at promoting blood circulation, unblocking meridians, resolving blood stasis, and relieving pain. When combined, these two herbs promote blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, reduce swelling, and relieve pain. This combination is suitable for traumatic injuries and swelling and pain caused by blood stasis.
3. Mu Bie Zi combined with Frankincense: Mu Bie Zi disperses nodules and reduces swelling, while also unblocking meridians and relieving pain; Frankincense excels at promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, relaxing tendons, and alleviating arthralgia. When used together, these two herbs enhance the effects of promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, dispersing nodules, and unblocking meridians. They are suitable for treating rheumatic arthralgia, tendon and meridian contractures, numbness, and paralysis.
Medicinal Identification
1. Raw Trichosanthes Seed and Trichosanthes Seed Frost: These are two different processed forms of Trichosanthes Seed, both of which disperse nodules, reduce swelling, eliminate toxins, and treat sores. However, raw Trichosanthes Seed is toxic and is primarily used externally for treating boils, abscesses, swellings caused by toxins, trauma, hemorrhoids, fistulas, and skin ulcers.Mu Bie Zi Frost, which has undergone a processing method known as “sang,” has had most of its oils removed, reducing its toxicity and making it suitable for internal use.
2. Mu Bie Zi and Ma Qian Zi: Both are toxic herbs capable of reducing swelling, dispersing nodules, unblocking meridians, and relieving pain. They are used to treat abscesses, boils, swelling, pain, and trauma-related injuries.However, Mu Bie Zi excels at eliminating toxins and treating sores; it is frequently used for malignant sores and swellings, scrofula, mastitis, and hemorrhoids. Ma Qian Zi, also known as Fan Mu Bie, is highly toxic but possesses potent analgesic properties. It is an excellent remedy for treating injuries and relieving pain in traumatology and is also commonly used for intractable rheumatic arthralgia.
Related Medicines
Xiao Jin Wan (capsules), Sanjie Ling Capsules, Xiao Baidu Ointment.
Related Prescriptions
Wulong Ointment (*Yizong Jinjian*), Mu Jie Ointment (*Ren Zhai Zhizhi Fang Lun*), Mu Jiezi Ointment (*Ren Zhai Zhizhi Fang Lun*).
Notes
Patients requiring treatment with traditional Chinese medicine should first consult a licensed TCM hospital, where a TCM practitioner will conduct a professional pattern differentiation and issue a prescription.
Processing & Preparation
Harvesting & Processing
Harvest ripe fruits in winter, split them open, sun-dry until half-dry, remove the pulp, extract the seeds, and dry them.
Processing Methods
1. Mu Bie Zi: Take the raw herb, remove impurities, and sift out ash and debris. When using, remove the shell to extract the kernel and crush it.
2. Mu Bie Zi Frost: Take purified Mu Bie Zi, remove the shells to extract the kernels, roast until cooked, grind into a fine powder, wrap in several layers of straw paper, secure tightly with a layer of hemp cloth, and press to remove the oil. Repeat this process multiple times until no oil stains appear on the straw paper, the color changes from yellow to grayish-white, and the substance becomes loose and crumbly; then grind into a fine powder.
3. Roasted Mu Bie Zi:Take cleaned Mu Bie Zi, remove the shells to extract the kernels, and stir-fry using the dry-frying method until the blue smoke has completely dissipated and white smoke begins to rise. Remove and allow to cool. Crush before use.
4. Sand-Roasted Mu Bie Zi: Take cleaned Mu Bie Zi kernels, place them in hot sand heated with oil, and heat over low heat until they turn a deep yellow. Remove, sift out the river sand, allow to cool, and grind into a fine powder.
5. Wood Turtle Seed Stewed in Wood Ash: Heat clean wood ash in a pan until hot, then add the cleaned wood turtle seeds. Heat over low heat (100–150°C), stirring occasionally, until the outer shells crackle audibly and turn a scorched yellow color. Remove from heat, sift out the ash, remove the hard shells to extract the kernels, allow to cool, and crush.
Storage Methods
Store in a dry container. For Wood Turtle Seed Frost, Roasted Wood Turtle Seed, Sand-Roasted Wood Turtle Seed, and Stewed Wood Turtle Seed, seal tightly and keep in a cool, dry place.
Crude Drug Identification
Properties of Crude Drugs
This product is flat and disc-shaped, slightly convex or slightly concave in the center, 2–4 cm in diameter, and approximately 0.5 cm thick. The surface is grayish-brown to dark brown with a reticulated pattern; a pale yellow seed scar is present on the larger serrated protrusion at the edge. The outer seed coat is hard and brittle, while the inner seed coat is grayish-green and velvety.There are two cotyledons, which are yellowish-white and rich in oil. It has a distinctive greasy odor and a bitter taste.
Properties of Processed Slices
1. Mu Bie Zi: See “Characteristics of the Medicinal Material.”
2. Mu Bie Zi Frost: A white or off-white, loose powder with a bitter taste.
3. Roasted Mu Bie Zi: Flat and round, plate-like in shape. The surface is charred black, with an oily odor and a bitter, slightly astringent taste.
4. Sand-Roasted Trichosanthes Seed: A pale yellow coarse powder with an oily odor and a bitter taste.
5. Braised Trichosanthes Seed: Pale yellow fragments with an oily odor and a bitter taste.
Botanical Information
Botanical Classification
Mu Bie, a plant of the genus Momordica in the Cucurbitaceae family.
Morphological Characteristics
A robust, perennial vine that can grow up to 15 m in length. It has plate-like roots. The entire plant is nearly glabrous and slightly covered with short, soft hairs. The tendrils are relatively thick, smooth, glabrous, and unbranched.The petioles are stout, 5–10 cm long, initially covered with yellowish-brown soft hairs but later nearly glabrous, with 2–4 glands at the base and middle; the leaf blades are ovate-cordate or broadly ovate-orbicular, relatively stiff, 10–20 cm in both length and width, 3–5-lobed to deeply lobed or entire, with palmate venation.The plant is dioecious; male flowers are solitary in leaf axils or, occasionally, 3–4 flowers are borne on a very short racemose peduncle. The pedicels are stout and nearly glabrous; when solitary, they are 6–12 cm long. At the apex is one large bract, which is sessile, pouch-shaped, and reniform,pubescent on both surfaces; the calyx tube is funnel-shaped, with lobes that are broadly lanceolate or oblong; the corolla is yellow, with lobes that are ovate-oblong, densely covered with long soft hairs, and bearing toothed yellow glands at the base—two slightly larger on the outer surface and three smaller on the inner surface, each with a black spot at the base; there are three stamens, two of which are two-chambered and one of which is one-chambered;Female flowers are solitary in leaf axils; the pedicel is 5–10 cm long, with a single bract near the middle; the bract is pouch-shaped, 2 mm long and 2 mm wide; the corolla and calyx are similar to those of the male flowers; the ovary is ovate-oblong, about 1 cm long, and densely covered with spiny hairs.The fruit is ovoid, with a short beak at the apex and a nearly circular base, up to 12–15 cm long; when ripe, it is red, fleshy, and densely covered with 3–4 mm spiny projections.The fruit is ovoid, with a short beak at the apex and a nearly circular base, up to 12–15 cm long; when ripe, it is red, fleshy, and densely covered with 3–4 mm spiny projections. The fruit contains numerous seeds that are ovoid or square, turning blackish-brown when dry, 26–35 mm long, 20–38 mm wide, and 5–6 mm thick, with serrated margins; both surfaces are slightly arched and sculptured. Flowering occurs from June to August, and fruiting from August to October.
Distribution Area
It is distributed in Zhejiang, Anhui, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Tibet, and Taiwan.
Growth Habits
It prefers a warm, humid climate and sunny locations. It is not particularly demanding regarding soil conditions, but it is best cultivated in well-drained, fertile, deep sandy loam.
Propagation Methods
Propagation is by seeds and root cuttings.
Cultivation Techniques
1. Direct seeding: Sow in March. Dig holes with a row spacing of 2 m × 1.5 m, plant 3–5 seeds per hole, cover with 2–3 cm of soil, and water after sowing to maintain moisture.
2. Propagation by root tubers: From November to February of the following year, dig up the root tubers from female plants. Cut them into several pieces based on the number of buds on the roots, ensuring each piece has 1–2 buds. Use these as planting tubers and plant them in holes as described above, placing 1–2 pieces per hole.