Camptotheca, Xi Shu 喜树 Happy TreeXi Shu (TCM) Camptotheca acuminataManual of Vascular Plants of the Lower Yangtze Valley China (Wikimedia) Camptotheca mature fruit(Photo by Syrio) (Wikimedia) Botanical name: Camptotheca acuminata Parts used: Fruit; Root bark Temperature & Taste: Cold, dry. Bitter, Pungent, Toxic Classification: Uses: Clears Heat and Toxin: Herpes, Psoriasis (topical)Toxic Sores–Hepatosplenomegaly caused by schistosomiasis Moves the Blood, Clears Stasis, Resolves Masses:–various Cancers including Esophageal, Lung, Breast, Ovarian, Stomach, Liver, Colorectal, Head and Neck, Bone etc.–choriocarcinoma, lymphosarcoma acute and chronic Leukemia Externally: topically for Psoriasis, Herpes, Toxic Skin Sores Dose: The Fruit is generally regarded as stronger in effect, but is more toxic than the root-bark. Begin with lower doses increasing as needed It should not be cooked in iron vesselsFruit in Decoction: 3–9 gramsRoot-bark in Decoction 10–15 grams Main Combinations: Major Formulas: Cautions: Avoid overdose. Do not cook in Iron pots. Use cautiously in Immunosuppressed. Immunosuppression caused by camptothecin was temporary; immunity  recovered after 9 days of drug withdrawal Toxicity: Isolated camptothecin has been used in Cancer therapy, but was discontinued due to severe toxicity, particularly hemorrhagic cystitis. However, less toxic analogues have seen a resurgence of interest. As with other toxic medicines used in Cancer therapy, there…

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