Caesalpinia sappan (Sumu)

Distribution:
Mainly in Taiwan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Yunnan provinces of China.

Properties (characteristics):
Neutral, sweet, salty.

Channels (meridians) entered:
Liver, stomach, large intestine

Medical functions:
Cardio-vascular effect: injected into the lower limbs of toads, water extract of su mu could mildly constrict the blood vessels. Later using sodium nitrite could not dilate them. In vitro appropriate amount of water solution of su mu could increase the strength of constriction of the hearts of frogs.

Effect on CNS inhibition: appropriate amount of water solution of su mu, using various delivery methods, promoted sleep in mice, rabbit, and guinea pigs. It can inhibit the stimulating effect of strychnine or cocaine but not the stimulating effect of morphine.

anti bacteria effects: su mu decoction of 10% posseses a strong killing effect on Staphylococcus spp. and typhoid bacillus. It is effective on Gram-negative and positive bacilli.

Actions & Indications:
For vomiting, hiccups, burping, Superficial Gastritis, indigestion, and flatulence due to pixu (spleen deficient) or fungal infection; and for difficulty in expelling phlegm; Chronic Bronchitis; injuries from impact, dysentery, tetanus.

Chemical ingredients:
brasilin 2%, which is oxidized easily into brasilein (which is the red color of su mu)
sappanin
evaporating oil: d-α- phellandrene, ocimene (which is the fragrance of su mu)
tannin acid
 
Dosage:
10 to 20 g.

Modern Research:
Using su mu can distinctly prolong the life span of transplanted heart and the change of the cells of the myocardum and the change of the ultrastructures of the cells are milder than the control group, and closer to that of Cyclosporin A group; thus announced by Heilongjiang Traditional Chinese Medical School. Further observation by molecular biology and immunology, su mu can inhibit T cells toxin and can reduce the host rejection reaction, thus protect the transplanted heart.

Cautions:
 Not suitable in cases of blood deficient and without blood stasis. Not to use in cases of pregnancy.