Cremastra Pseudobulb Classic Formulas

Primary Actions

Resolves toxicity and disperses nodules — the principal TCM herb for lymph node enlargement (scrofula), thyroid nodules, carbuncles, hard abscesses, and cancer-type Phlegm-toxin masses; the anti-nodule, mass-dispersing action is its primary classical indication
Clears Heat toxicity and reduces swelling — hot abscesses, carbuncles, snake bite, insect sting, and infected wounds; topical fresh pseudobulb paste applied directly to toxin lesions
Reduces Phlegm-toxin masses — hard, fixed nodules classified as Phlegm-Stasis accumulation in TCM; combined with other Phlegm-softening and Blood-activating herbs in cancer and chronic nodule formulas

Xiao Jin Dan (小金丹) — classical formula for scrofula, lymph node tuberculosis, and Phlegm-Stasis masses; Shan Ci Gu combined with Bai Jie Zi, Ma Qian Zi, She Xiang, Ru Xiang, and Mo Yao; dissolves Phlegm-Blood Stasis nodules; one of the main formulas still used for benign and malignant lymph node masses in TCM oncology
Zi Jin Ding (紫金锭) / Wan Ying Dan — classical multi-use detoxifying tablet containing Shan Ci Gu as a key 'five tiger' anti-toxin ingredient; combined with Shan Zha, Wu Bei Zi, Zhu Sha, and She Xiang; treats food poisoning, internal toxin, and topical infections

Ben Cao Hui Yan (Ni Zhumo, 1624 CE): 'Shan Ci Gu (山慈菇) resolves toxins, disperses nodules, treats scrofula and snake bite; the corm (pseudobulb) is the medicinal part — applied externally as a poultice or taken internally; reduces hard Phlegm masses that do not soften with ordinary treatment'
Ben Cao Gang Mu (Li Shizhen): 'Shan Ci Gu — sweet, slightly cold; enters the Liver and Spleen; treats scrofula and carbuncles, reduces masses, resolves toxins; used both internally in decoction and externally as paste; the name (mountain water-chestnut) reflects the rounded corm appearance'
COLCHICINE NOTE: Cremastra appendiculata (the primary Shan Ci Gu source) contains colchicine and related colchicine-type alkaloids; colchicine is a potent microtubule-disrupting anti-mitotic compound — the molecular basis of the anti-proliferative/anti-tumour TCM indication; it is also the active compound in modern gout treatment (pharmaceutical colchicine). However, colchicine has a narrow therapeutic index: toxicity (myopathy, bone marrow suppression, multi-organ failure) can occur with drug interactions via CYP3A4/P-gp inhibitors. Standard TCM decoction doses of Shan Ci Gu contain far less colchicine than pharmaceutical doses, but the interaction risk warrants flag=1 and documentation. The alternative source Pleione bulbocodioides contains dactylorhin lectins rather than colchicine — has lower interaction risk.