Single Herb Glossary
Nǔ Zhēn Zǐ 女貞子
| Pharmaceutical name | Ligustri lucidi Fructus ligustrum, privet fruit "female chastity seed" |
| Category | Tonify Yin |
| Key Properties | Tonifies LV & KD Yin Clears heat Brightens the eyes Blackens the hair |
| Properties | Bitter Sweet Cool |
| Tropism | KD, LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Nourishes & Tonifies LV & KD (dizziness, blurry vision, tinnitus, vertigo, premature greying) 2) Augments LV & KD, Clears Heat from Deficiency 3) Augments LV & KD and Improves Vision |
| Dosages | 9-18g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Diarrhea from Spleen and Stomach cold from deficiency |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Oleanolic acid, nuzhenide, ligustroside, olenropein, betulin, lupeol, salidroside, ursolic acid, palmitic acid, ursolic acid, rutin, quercetin |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Immunostimulant: administration associated with increase in white blood cells; also effective in reversing neutropenia induced by chemotherapy treatment • Antidiabetic: decoction associated with marked reduction of plasma glucose levels; also counters sharp rise of plasma glucose levels associated with epinephrine and ingestion of glucose; commonly used for prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus • Antihyperlipidemic: administration of powder in rabbits at 20 grams/day for 46 days showed significant reduction of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels • Hematological: administration stimulates production of blood in mice • Anti-inflammatory: administration at 12.5 to 25.0 g/kg in mice associated with reduction in swelling, inflammation and permeability of the blood vessels • Hepatoprotective: oleanolic acid shown to lower elevated liver enzyme levels and prevent liver damage caused by carbon tetrachloride • Antibiotic: inhibitory effect against S. aureus, Bacillus dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Antidiabetics: herbs that lower plasma glucose levels should be used with caution with insulin, sulfonylureas, and other antidiabetic medications, as combination may have a synergistic effect, leading to hypoglycemia |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.