This product is the root bark or tree bark of the Melia azedarach (Melia azedarach L.) and the Sichuan Melia (M. toosendan Sieb. et Zucc.), which are arbor plants of the Meliaceae family. The former is produced in most regions of the country, while the latter is mainly produced in Sichuan, Hubei, Guizhou, Henan, and other areas. It can be harvested throughout the year, but spring and autumn are the most suitable seasons. The root bark or dry bark is peeled off, the cork is scraped away, and then washed. It can be used fresh or sliced for raw use.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Bitter, cold, toxic. Act on liver, spleen and stomach meridians.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Killing worms, treating ringworm.

bubble_chart Indications

1. Used for roundworms, pinworms, hookworms, etc. This product has the effect of killing worms and has a strong toxic effect on roundworms, pinworms, and hookworms. It can be used alone by decocting with water, making into a paste, or taking as a tablet; it can also be combined with Quisqualis Fruit, Areca Seed, and other medicinal combinations to enhance the worm-killing effect, such as Parasite-Exterminating Pill. If this product is combined with stemona root, Smoked Plum, and decocted into a concentrated liquid for retention enema every night for 2-4 days, it is more effective in treating pinworm pattern. Using Sichuan Chinaberry Bark alone to make a 25% decoction for retention enema to treat children with roundworm intestinal obstruction, or using fresh Melia azedarach root decocted into a 100% solution for oral administration to treat biliary ascariasis, both have shown significant clinical efficacy.
2. Used for scabies and eczema. This product is bitter and cold, toxic, and can remove dampness-heat, kill worms, and stop itching, so it is effective in treating scabies, tinea capitis, eczema, and itching. It is often used alone by grinding into powder and applying to the affected area with vinegar or lard.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Bielu: "Treats roundworms, benefits the intestines."
2. Rihuazi Bencao: "Treats wandering wind heat toxin, rubella, malignant sores, scabies, and leprosy; for children with high fever, decoct and use for soaking and washing."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

Decoct and take 6-9g. Use 15-30g for fresh product. Apply an appropriate amount externally.

bubble_chart Cautions and Contraindications

This product is toxic and should not be taken in excess or for prolonged periods. The active ingredients are poorly soluble in water and require prolonged decoction over mild fire.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

This product contains toosendanin, quercetin, meliatin, meliatriol, n-tricosane, β-sitosterol, toosendanin, etc. The main component, toosendanin, has anthelmintic effects, acting more slowly but more persistently than santonin, especially paralyzing the head of roundworms. A 25% to 50% solution of Sichuan Chinaberry Bark also has a paralyzing effect on pinworms in vitro; decoctions of Sichuan Chinaberry Bark have been shown to expel and kill dog hookworms in vitro; alcohol extracts of Sichuan Chinaberry Bark significantly inhibit several common pathogenic fungi.

The toxicity of Sichuan Chinaberry Bark typically includes dizziness, headache, drowsiness, nausea, and abdominal pain; severe poisoning can lead to respiratory center paralysis, internal bleeding, toxic hepatitis, mental disorders, visual disturbances, and in severe cases, death.