Kutantan is the seed or fruit of the leguminous plant Thick-Fruit Chicken Blood Vine. It is harvested after the fruit is ripe in October, and the fruit skin is removed. The seeds are then dried and ready for use. Now let's learn about the efficacy and function of Kutantan!
[The Efficacy and Function of Kutantan]
Kutantan has the effects of insecticidal, detoxification, and pain relief. It is mainly used to treat scabies, ringworm, vitiligo, abdominal pain caused by dyspepsia, and malnutrition in children.
"Caomu Bianfang": Insecticidal, detoxification. Used for applying on scabies, ringworm, malnutrition, and vitiligo.
"Traditional Medicines in Guizhou": Relieves depression, dispels wind evil, and relieves pain.
[Symptoms of Poisoning by Kutantan]
Kutantan is highly toxic. It is listed as a poisonous plant in the Chinese Plant Database, and its toxicity lies in the seeds and roots. The symptoms of poisoning in humans are similar to those of Mouflon Vine, including vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, dry mucous membranes, rapid breathing, and confusion.
When mice were injected with 1g/kg of extract intraperitoneally, they lay on the ground and their breathing accelerated. At 5g/kg, they experienced difficulty breathing, convulsions, and death. In rural areas, it is used to poison fish and kill insects. Its toxicity to insect larvae is equivalent to that of arsenic.
Due to its high toxicity, it is often used externally, and oral administration should be cautious. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, dry mucous membranes, rapid breathing, and confusion, with initial stimulation of the nerves followed by paralysis.
Rescue methods: Gastric lavage, lubricating protective agents, and fluid supplementation can be considered in the early stages for symptomatic treatment. However, in Yunnan Simao, 2-3 qian (a traditional Chinese unit of weight) of crushed roots of this plant were used to make juice, which was then consumed to treat acute gastroenteritis. The effect was satisfactory, but it should only be used under strict observation if conditions permit.
[Applications of Kutantan in Medicinal Formulas]
1. Treatment of scabies and ringworm: Kutantan, Sichuan pepper, bitter sophora root, quinoa, coptis, and solitary curculigo rhizome. Grind them together and mix with fragrant oil for topical application. ("Sichuan Herbal Medicine")
2. Treatment of abdominal pain caused by dyspepsia: Grind the fruit of Kutantan into powder, take three to five fen (a traditional Chinese unit of weight) each time, and drink with boiling water. ("Traditional Medicines in Guizhou")
3. Treatment of malnutrition in children: Take five fen of roasted Kutantan fruit. Eat it with steamed chicken liver or grind it into water for consumption. ("Traditional Medicines in Guizhou")
