Chuan Lian Zi (Round, brownish-yellow, glossy, brown spots, circular scar)

Chuan Lian Zi (Shriveled soft pulp, spherical seed kernel flat)

Stir-fried Chuan Lian Zi

【Naming】

Chuan Lian Zi (Toosendan Fruit)

 【Source】

Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, Lower Grade, Lian (Toosendan)

 【Frequency of Use】

C

 【Botanical Origin】

The dried mature fruit of Melia toosendan Sieb. et Zucc. of the Meliaceae family. This is also known as Chuan Lian Zi. The original plant of Ku Lian Zi (Chinaberry Fruit) is Melia azedarach L., a plant of the same genus. Nowadays, Chuan Lian Zi and Ku Lian Zi are two distinct plants, and in terms of medicinal usage, Ku Lian Zi is only a substitute for Chuan Lian Zi.

 【Appearance】

A drupe, approximately spherical, about 2~2.3cm in diameter. The outer surface is brownish-yellow and glossy. Some fruits have more shriveled skin. A circular scar from the detached fruit stalk can be seen at one end, and the remnants of the stigma at the other. The texture is firm. The cut surface is yellowish-white with five chambers, each containing one seed. The seeds are oblong, dark brown, and taste sweet at first, then bitter.

 【Processing】

Stir-fried Chuan Lian Zi with wheat bran

 【Identification】

《Illustrated Materia Medica》: “The ones from Sichuan are the best.”《Augmented and Comprehensive Formulary of the People’s Welfare Pharmacy, General Treatise on Medicinal Properties》: “Breaks blood, best when decocted with wine.” 《Ben Jing Feng Yuan》: “The ones that are red, crimson, or bluish-green, like a cockscomb with luster, and that stain nails persistently, are the best.” “There are two types, green and white, with the green ones being superior.” 《Selected Annotations on Ancient Formulas from Jiang Xue Yuan》: “The earth toosendan fruit that has kernels after frost is the best.” 《Verified New Compilation of Formulas》: “Toosendan fruit harvested after the Beginning of Winter is the best.”
The best are those with large grains, golden yellow outer skin, and thick, loose, and soft yellowish-white pulp.

 【Category】

Fruits