Single Herb Glossary
Shān Zhū Yú 山茱萸
| Pharmaceutical name | Corni Fructus cornus, Asiatic cornelian cherry fruit |
| Category | Stabilize and Bind |
| Key Properties | Augments Liver and Kidneys Secures Primal Qi Prevents abandonment |
| Properties | Sour Sl. Warm |
| Tropism | KD, LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Stabilizes KD & Secures Essence (sweat, urine, sperm) 2) Stops Excess Sweat & Supports that which has Collapsed 3) Tonifies & Augments LV/KD (Tonify Essence, Assist Yang) 4) Stabilizes Menses & Stops Bleeding |
| Dosages | 6-12g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Contraindicated in cases of deficient KD Fire, urinary pain and difficulty, or where there is Damp Heat. (no function on LU, diarrhea) |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Cornin, verbenalin, ursolic acid, morroniside, sweroside, loganin, teilmagrandin I, II; isoterchebin, gemin D, cornusin A, B; iron, aluminum, and magnesium |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Metabolic: in mice, prevents sharp rise in plasma glucose levels associated with epinephrine or ingestion of a large dose of glucose; with long-term ingestion, there is an increase in glycogen storage in the liver but no significant change to triglyceride or total cholesterol levels • Anti-inflammatory: in one laboratory study with mice, 5 g/kg demonstrated anti-inflammatory effect similar to 50 mg/kg of aspirin, and both treatments significantly reduced swelling • Antibiotic: inhibitory effect against S. aureus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus dysenteriae and some pathogenic fungi |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Diuretics: herb has diuretic effect; concurrent use with diuretic drugs may lead to increased elimination of water and/or electrolytes |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Zan Yu Dan (Special Pill to Aid Fertility) 贊育丹 Di Huang Yin Zi (Rehmannia Drink) 地黃飲子 Gu Chong Tang (Stabilize Gushing Decoction) 固冲湯 Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-ingredient pill with rehmannia) 六味地黃丸 Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi pill) 金櫃腎氣丸 (金柜肾气丸) Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan (Eight Immortal Pill for Longevity) 八仙長壽丸 Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan (Golden coffer Kidney Qi Pill) 濟生腎氣丸 (济生肾气丸) |
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.