Java Brucea Fruit (Kushen Fruit) (Oval shape, black-brown, raised reticulate texture, ridges on both sides, white cotyledon holes, bitter)

[Naming]

Java Brucea Fruit (Kushen Fruit)

 [Source]

Compendium of Materia Medica, Additions

 [Frequency of Use]

D

 [Botanical Origin]

The dried ripe fruit of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. in the Simaroubaceae family. The pericarp is removed before use, and the seed is used medicinally, commonly known as Kushen fruit.

 [Characteristics]

Ovoid, 6-10 mm long, 4-7 mm wide, and approximately 5 mm thick. The surface is brown to black-brown, with raised reticulate ridges (triangular reticulations) in irregular polygonal shapes. There is a sunken fruit stalk scar at the base (bottom depression). The shell is hard and brittle, containing one seed inside. The seed is ovoid, off-white or light brown, 5-7 mm long and 3-4.5 mm wide, with a slightly reticulate surface. The apex has a hilum and micropyle, and near the blunt, rounded end, there is a dark chalaza. The raphe extends from the hilum along the edge to the chalaza. The seed coat is thin (outer membrane), containing two cotyledons, and the kernel is oily and rich in fat. After breaking the seed, the odor is strong and peculiar, and the taste is extremely bitter and lasting.

 [Processing]

1. Raw Java Brucea Fruit 2. Frost-cured

 [Identification]

The best quality is characterized by being dry, large, firm, having a white kernel, and containing ample oil.

 [Category]

Fruit