Brucea javanica, also known as Brucea, is a plant species in the Simaroubaceae family. Other names include Old Brucea, Bitter Hazel, Bitter Melon Seed, Duck Egg Seed, Duck Gall Seed, Bitter Neem, and Small Neem. Medicinal origin: The fruit of the Simaroubaceae plant Brucea.
Synonyms: Bitter Melon Seed (《Compendium》), Bitter Bean (Inner Mongolia《Selected Compilation of New Medical Treatments with Chinese Herbal Medicine》).
Source: The seeds of the legume plant Brucea.
Collection: Harvest when the fruit is ripe in July to August, remove the pod and dry for storage.
Chemical composition: The seeds contain 14.76% oil and a small amount of Bruceine A.
Characteristics and taste: Described in《Compendium》: "Bitter, cold."
Functions and indications:
① Described in《Tang Materia Medica》: "Improves vision."
② Described in《Sichuan Wulong Medicinal Plant Illustration》: "Used as a stomach tonic and anthelmintic."
Dosage and usage: Internally: grind into powder, take 3-5 fen (a unit of weight).
