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Source
The dried mature seed of Coix lacryma-jobi L var. R. ma-yuen (Roman.) Stapf, family Gramineae.

Characteristics
Seed spheroidal or sem-spherical, obtuse-round at one end and somewhat flat at the other, 0.5-0.7 cm in length. Surface smooth, milky white in colour, occasionally remained with brownish testa, A deeply and widely grooved, concavely basilar and spotted hilum appearing at the flat end. Hard in texture. Fracture section appearing white and farnaceous. Sweet and bland in taste, slightly cold in nature, and attributive to spleen, stomach, lung and large intestine channels.

Indication
I. Promote diuresis and invigorate the spleen: For spleen. For spleen-deficiency syndrome with accumulation of dampness manifested as edema, beriberi, or diarrhea; for stranguria of dampness-heat type and of stone origin; for dampness febrile disease manifested as fever, bodily heaviness, oppressive sensation over the chest and epigastrium, anorexia, and smooth or greasy tongue coating.

2. Relieve dampness obstruction and relax the muscles: For arthralgia of wind-dampness type and muscular rigidity.

3. Clear away heat to drain the pus: For lung abscess, usually used together with Rhizoma Phragmitis, Semen Benincasae and Semen Persicae; for appendicitis, usually used together with Herba Patriniae, Semen Persicae and Cortex Moutan Radicas.

Pharmacological Action
1. Its active component coixenolide is a sedative, analgesic and antipyretic.

2. Its oily component can inhibit the contraction of striated muscles.

3. Inhibiting the Erlich ascitic cancer in mice and prolonging the life in experimental animals.

Administration
Decoction: l0-30g.