Description
Morinda Roots
Ba Ji Tian · (巴戟天)
Botanical Name : Radix Morindae Officinalis
Slightly warm in nature. Sweet and pungent in flavour. It enters the Kidney and Liver meridians.
Morinda officinalis is the dried root of the Rubiaceae plant Morinda officinalis. As a traditional Chinese medicine, it is mainly produced in Lingnan regions such as Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian. There is a folk saying: “In the north there is ginseng; in the south there is Morinda officinalis.”
Morinda officinalis is a traditional Chinese medicine for tonifying kidney yang, and modern research has also confirmed its value in anti-osteoporosis, antidepressant, and other applications. However, because it is warm in nature, it must be used under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner based on pattern differentiation. It is contraindicated in people with yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity and damp-heat.
Health Benefit
Tonifying kidney yang, strengthening sinews and bones, and dispelling wind-dampness.
· Kidney yang deficiency : such as impotence, seminal emission, cold uterus and infertility, irregular menstruation, and cold pain in the lower abdomen.
· Sinew and bone problems : such as flaccidity and weakness of sinews and bones, and cold pain in the lower back and knees.
· Wind-damp painful obstruction : used to treat joint pain caused by wind-cold-damp impediment.
Modern scientific research has provided evidence for the traditional actions of Morinda officinalis, finding that it has multiple pharmacological effects:
· Anti-osteoporosis : studies suggest that Morinda officinalis has anti-osteoporosis potential, and its mechanism may be related to regulating bone metabolism.
· Antidepressant : Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides are its main antidepressant active components, and related preparations have been used clinically.
· Improving reproductive function : it has hormone-like effects and may help improve reproductive function.
· Other effects : antioxidant, anti-aging, immunomodulatory, anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory, etc.
Usage and Dosage
· Common dosage: The usual decoction dosage is 10–20 g, but the specific dosage varies according to the condition and individual.
· Usage: It is usually decocted and taken orally; it can also be made into pills or powders, or used to soak wine or make a paste.
Precautions
Because Morinda officinalisis warm in nature, the following should be noted:
· Contraindicated groups: People with yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity (such as dry mouth and throat, heat in the palms and soles), damp-heat (such as sticky stool, yellow urine), or excess heat should not use it.
· Special populations: Pregnant women should use it cautiously.
· Drug interactions:
· It should not be combined with cardiac glycosides, as this may increase the risk of toxicity.
· It should not be combined with antihypertensives such as reserpine.
· It may enhance the effects of anticoagulants such as warfarin, increasing the risk of bleeding.
· Combined with hypoglycemic drugs, it may affect blood glucose levels.
· Adverse reactions : At normal doses, Morinda officinalis is generally considered safe. However, overdose may cause “heat” symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, irritability, and insomnia.
